Med Inst Tech(Ekg)

Summary

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) works in the Cardiology Department of the Division of Hospital and

Specialty Medicine (DHSM) performs complex, non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic procedures, and all

associated administrative workload, for the Cardiology Support Services Lab.

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Duties

The incumbent is required to perform a full range of diagnostic procedures using complex and technical monitoring equipment, including cardiac stress testing, electrocardiograms, ambulatory cardiac monitoring and any related non-invasive cardiopulmonary exam as necessary. The incumbent has specialized knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biological systems and can collect data related to physiologic changes during any procedure. The incumbent is proficient in operating all aspects of the variety of exam storage and retrieval software associated with procedures performed. The incumbent performs independent electrocardiogram examinations throughout the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) as required. The incumbent works independently on evening, night, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or on call if required. The incumbent evaluates test results to determine when appropriate machine adjustments are needed and uses alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish diagnostic results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination. The incumbent edits and selects appropriate sample portions of rhythm tracings for further interpretation by the physician. The patient populations treated are at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest and the technologist must be competent to assist with rescue during these events.

The Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• a. Properly identifies patient using facility-wide established method and enters all pertinent patient information into equipment
• b. Initiates, and terminates, non-invasive cardiac exams performed in the Cardiology Support Services Lab, under direction of provider
• c. Possesses knowledge of non-invasive cardiac exams, including stress tests, electrocardiogram exams, and the full range of non-invasive ambulatory cardiac monitoring
• d. Uses correct lead placement for all exams to accurately obtain diagnostic tracings on all exams
• a. Assigns non-invasive exams to interpreting physician within 24 hours of receipt if the provider is reading off-line, or daily if the provider is reading on-line.
• e. Completes editing of exam interpretation within 48 hours of receipt
• f. Provides patient education regarding cardiac monitoring process, application, and completion
• g. Interacts with all outside vendor software to classify rhythms and document symptomatic episodes and alerts providers per established lab protocol
• h. Interacts and communicates as a liaison between cardiac monitoring vendor, VAPORHCS, and patient to ensure diagnostic results are obtained, proper education and assistance provided, and to ensure proper in-house inventory of equipment.
• i. Provides support to provider performing exercise stress testing by patient education, documentation of any patient vitals collected, documentation of symptoms, and provide other assistance as needed
  
  

Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 0000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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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

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
• Electrocardiograph Technicians (EKG) operate instruments used to record electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, 24-48 heart monitoring and scanning, and pacemaker evaluations. Certification is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT).
  
  

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: Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) (2) GS-7Preferred Experience: Current Certification as a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)Two years' experience with cardiac stress testing procedures

• GS-6
• (a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• 1. Ability to recognize special patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, and complicating medical conditions in order to prepare and position the patient for the prescribed procedure.
• 2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests.
• 3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment.
• 4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
• 5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing.
• (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
• (a) 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:
• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• 1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.
• 2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures.
• 3. 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.
• 4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.
• 5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation.
• (c) 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.
  

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS7.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

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• Help Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  
  

RESUME: must be SPECIFIC AS TO DATES WORKED, please use month/day/year whenever possible; please indicate how many hours worked per week for each position. Assumptions will NOT be made in your favor if your resume is vague regarding dates and hours worked. If your RESUME is vague as to dates, assumptions will NOT be made in your favor (ex: listing only years, 2012-2013, will give you credit for TWO DAYS worked: 12/31/12-1/1/13).

Current Federal Employees MUST provide a CURRENT SF-50. Failure to provide a CURRENT SF-50 will result in being removed from consideration. "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one year time-in-grade.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript
  
  

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.