Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG)

The Electrocardiographic Technician's primary function is to ensure that high quality electrocardiographic tracings are obtained. This position requires knowledge of the EKG data management system, a multi-component system that requires the technician to understand the workings of each individual part in its entirety.

Major duties

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The technician recognizes gross abnormalities in EKG pattern and rhythm and, if present, brings them to the attention of the staff cardiologist promptly. The technician uses comprehensive problem-solving skills of electrode placement on amputees, burn cases, bandaged, or cast patients. The technician should be familiar with code carts and defibrillators used in cardiac emergencies. Should be able to assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and recognize cardiac arrest, calling attention to this when necessary, and instituting basic life support techniques. The technician is responsible for daily quality assurance checks of the cardiac defibrillator. The technician prepares the patient for all ambulatory cardiac event monitoring including 24-48-hour and 14-30-day event monitors. He or she is responsible for keeping updated on current technical literature and must have the ability to secure cooperation of patients while performing tests in a professional manner. The technician consistently provides courteous service to all veterans and their families, treating them with respect and dignity. The electrocardiographic technician executes position responsibilities that demonstrate teamwork and creative approaches to obtaining high quality electrocardiographic tracings including: Performs quality 12-Lead EKG tracing. Applies and educates patients on purpose and operation of cardiac event monitors. Downloads EKG tracing from EKG machines, cardiac event monitors and exercise stress tests for reviewing and can print results for physicians. Performs daily preventative care maintenance on equipment used in the Heart Station. Troubleshoots minor problems and report significant problems to Bio-Medical Engineering. Knowledge of safety and infection control policies, RME protocols, and able to carry out those standards in patient care. Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to peers and work as a team to provide the safe and efficient care possible. The electrocardiographic technician independently performs all functions of the above tests to include: Responsible for maintaining GE MAC 5500 EKG machines and GE MUSE patient record system. Downloads EKG results from the EKG machine to MUSE network and download cardiac event monitor tracings using the MARS system. Maintains correct patient records in the MUSE system, including ensuring that orders are correct in CPRS with results attached. Knowledge of proper electrode placement, skin preparation, and lead placement for event monitors and stress tests. Operates, maintains, and performs minor repairs on the MAC 5500 ECG machines, stress ECG monitor, treadmill exercise machine, and event monitors. Electrocardiographic lab programmatic/administrative: Uploads EKG data to event capture. Completes and documents reminder call for assigned provider clinics. Ensures adequate inventory levels of EKG instrumentation and supplies are maintained by submission of procurement requests prior to anticipated needs. Equipment/supplies will be appropriately maintained in accordance with Medical Center infection control guidelines; promptly notifies supervisor of equipment malfunction and/or supply deficiencies. Serves as a liaison with Bio-Medical Services as directed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (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 #: 61176F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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. 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. 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. 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". 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-06 Assignment. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level receive and interpret physician's requests for diagnostic procedures and/or treatments; explain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; document the patient's record; independently perform standardized testing monitoring the patient for adverse reactions; and operate, calibrate, and clean and/or sterilize commonly used equipment. Assignments at this level require knowledge of standard medical terminology as well as common diseases and their specific affects. Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG), 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. In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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. Preferred Experience: None. 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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients. See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

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/.

Requirements

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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.