Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG)

Veterans Health Administration • Columbia, SC

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Electrocardiograph Technician obtains high-quality electrocardiographic tracings and uses the EKG data management system, including understanding how its components work. The technician identifies gross abnormalities in EKG patterns and rhythms and promptly alerts the staff cardiologist. The role includes adapting electrode placement for patients with amputations, burns, bandages, or casts; preparing patients for ambulatory cardiac event monitoring; and helping with cardiac emergencies, including recognizing cardiac arrest, calling for assistance, and initiating basic life support. The technician explains and applies cardiac event monitors, secures patient cooperation, and provides courteous, respectful service to veterans and their families.

The technician independently performs standardized cardiac testing and monitoring, maintains EKG machines and the MUSE patient-record system, downloads and uploads EKG and monitor data, and ensures records and orders are accurate. Duties also include routine equipment maintenance, minor troubleshooting and repairs, monitoring supplies and inventory, documenting clinic reminder calls, and coordinating with Biomedical Services. The position requires adherence to safety, infection-control, and reusable medical equipment protocols, as well as communication and teamwork.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., subject to change based on agency need. The position is not virtual, and telework is unavailable. The full-performance level and actual grade for the vacancy are GS-07.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, demonstrating knowledge of EKG equipment, standard tests and procedures, and typical readings, including arrhythmias and abnormalities.
• Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress, including recognizing, reporting, and treating potentially lethal arrhythmias.
• Knowledge of common equipment settings, standardized procedures, common errors, and corrective measures.
• Ability to modify procedures or patient positioning to obtain correct results for 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 EKG equipment and related instrumentation.
• Ability to secure patient cooperation and communicate verbally and in writing while working as part of a team.
• Meet VA pre-employment requirements, including applicable drug screening, background/security investigation, physical evaluation, onboarding, and seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Some physical exertion is required, including prolonged standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, lifting moderately heavy items, and assisting patients.

Nice To Haves

• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification is desirable.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification is desirable.
• Licensure or certification is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above.

Responsibilities

• Obtain quality 12-lead EKG tracings and recognize gross abnormalities in EKG patterns and rhythms, promptly bringing concerns to the staff cardiologist.
• Adapt electrode placement for patients with amputations, burns, bandages, casts, and other complicating conditions.
• Prepare patients for ambulatory cardiac event monitoring, including 24–48-hour and 14–30-day monitors; apply monitors and educate patients about their purpose and operation.
• Assist with cardiac emergencies by recognizing cardiac arrest, calling attention to it, and initiating basic life support techniques; be familiar with code carts and defibrillators.
• Download EKG tracings from EKG machines, cardiac event monitors, and exercise stress tests for review, and print results for physicians as needed.
• Maintain GE MAC VU 360 EKG machines and the GE MUSE patient-record system; download results to the MUSE network and monitor tracings using the MARS system.
• Maintain accurate patient records in MUSE, including ensuring CPRS orders are correct and results are attached.
• Operate, maintain, and perform minor repairs on EKG machines, stress ECG monitors, treadmill exercise machines, and event monitors.
• Perform daily preventative maintenance on Heart Station equipment, troubleshoot minor problems, and report significant issues to Biomedical Engineering or the supervisor.
• Obtain, record, and report vital signs, blood glucose levels, and daily weights according to established clinical procedures.
• Upload EKG data to event capture and complete and document reminder calls for assigned provider clinics.
• Maintain adequate inventory of EKG instrumentation and supplies by submitting procurement requests before anticipated needs.
• Maintain equipment and supplies according to Medical Center infection-control guidelines and notify the supervisor promptly of equipment malfunctions or supply deficiencies.
• Serve as a liaison with Biomedical Services as directed and work as a team to provide safe and efficient patient care.
• Keep current with technical literature and communicate professionally with patients, peers, and colleagues.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered based on higher or unique qualifications or VA needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify for a childcare subsidy after 60 days of employment, subject to income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and a federal 401(k), with VA contributions of up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed