Summary The MIT (EKG) is responsible for the technical operation of the Cardiology Unit, including all equipment and procedures undertaken. The work involves providing expertise and guidance to patients, relatives, and employees in the performance of assigned duties. EKG technicians at this level operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias and pacemaker/ AICD checks. Responsibilities The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures and related examinations such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter data cards, performing pacemaker EKG checks, and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patients, supports registered nurses and physicians. Includes exercise tolerance testing system and Holter monitoring/scanner. Interprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability to perform prescribed test. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained. Incumbent understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is requested. Responds to STAT's, codes, and clinics. Performs EKG by obtaining three lead rhythm strip and the 12 lead EKG. Prepares the EKG file for the cardiologist to read by pulling previous EKG for comparison and placing with current EKG. Edits final official interpretation into the MUSE data storage system. Retrieves confirmed and unconfirmed copies of EKG's as needed. Matches EKG's completed without proper identifications with EKG's currently on file to complete patient record. When performing 12 lead EKG, if recognizes an acute change or arrhythmia will alert the physician requesting the EKG and/or the cardiologist. Performs analysis of 24-hour Holter monitor EKG recordings for rhythm, arrhythmias, ST segment, and heart rate variability. Will compile data for preliminary report for final interpretation by the cardiologist. Follows established guidelines for non-nuclear treadmill stress tests. Will take a brief history of patient, place electrodes, instruct the patient of process to be followed for test, and enter data into the stress test monitor. Performs and records pre, during and post blood pressures and heart rates, runs the final report, depreps the patient and compiles the data to include the final reading for entry into CPRS. Performs pacemaker EKG checks and Automatic lntracardiac Defibrillator EKG checks with use of the magnet during the rhythm strip. Notifies cardiologist to check patient, when necessary, schedules appointment for next pacemaker check, compiles all data for official interpretation by cardiologist, and maintains files of above data on all active and inactive pacemaker patients as required by FDA and the VA Central Office Pacer Registry database. For patients followed by the VA Central Office Pacer Registry, instructs the patient on the usage of the trans-telephonic wrist monitors. Makes appointments for all pacemaker, Holter and stress patients, coordinating according to appropriateness for patient depending upon required procedure, patient's other appointments, physician request, etc. Enters all provider, diagnosis codes and procedure codes for capture of workload into appointment manager. Educates the patient about the procedure to allay any fear, using tact and respect. Emphasizes importance of following exact direction during the test period. Instructs patients pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures. Answers questions by patient and or family members. Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-07 Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the equipment, standard tests and procedures, and typical readings including arrhythmias and abnormalities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, and scar tissue. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation. Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias, and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and when gross abnormalities appear, when to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when to get the immediate attention of a physician. They evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination. They edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.