Career Center

Summary

Electrocardiography Technicians at this level are responsible for monitoring and performing standard electrocardiograms - exercise tolerance tests - pacemaker assessments - and of ambulatory ECG recorders studies. A general knowledge of all noninvasive cardiac procedures is necessary. A thorough knowledge of ECG and exercise tolerance testing - particularly the ability to recognize basic and serious arrhythmias and other acute ECG changes - is essential.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy
• 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-7 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: 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 GS-7 Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
• Transferring patients and objects may be required
• Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided
• The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations - operative/invasive procedures - or home settings
• The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
• The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
• Must complete annual Employee Health requirements as a condition of employment.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include - but are not limited to: The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures - and related examinations - which include ambulatory monitoring devices - preparing and recording exercise tolerance tests - recording pacemaker assessments - editing ECG and treadmill reports
• Technicians utilize the MUSE cardiology storage system and operate diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patients - supporting clinicians and physicians
• The ECG technicians evaluate consults from primary care providers for appropriateness of procedure - and assess patient's ability to perform prescribed test
• They receive assignments for which clear precedents exist that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained
• The employee 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
• Technicians instruct patient pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures
• Independently explains various procedures including need for positions on table - instructions for walking on treadmill - and adverse reactions to stressing agents
• Explains requirements for accurate monitoring and necessity of diary entries
• Answers question by patient and or family members
• Performs assigned Medical Instrument Technician duties with a stress test specialty
• This requires experience in operating and supervising the operation of the specialized equipment related to the specialization of the position
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: May be available 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 #: 50845-A Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized