Medical Instrument Technician (EKG)

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT/EKG) works in the Cardiology Department at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. The technician performs a range of standard and complex electrocardiograph examinations and is responsible for maintaining instruments before procedures. The role requires expertise in cardiac dysrhythmias and knowledge of normal and abnormal cardiovascular pathophysiology.

The technician performs EKG procedures and related examinations, including ambulatory monitoring, nuclear and exercise stress testing, and assistance with echocardiogram studies such as IV access and bubble studies. The technician recognizes normal sinus rhythm, dysrhythmias, and defined abnormal EKGs and promptly reports relevant findings to providers. The role also involves patient instruction and positioning, equipment and supply management, clinic organization, equipment repair coordination, support for administrative and clinical functions, and instruction for staff on EKG equipment and the GE Healthcare MUSE Cardiac Management System.

The position is in the Excepted Service under Title 38 and does not confer competitive status. The full-performance level is GS-07; selection may be at GS-06 or GS-07. The work schedule is 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Compressed or flexible scheduling, telework as a virtual position, recruitment or relocation incentives, and permanent change of station assistance are not authorized. Ad-hoc telework is noted.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At GS-06, at least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level demonstrating knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the position.
• At GS-06, ability to recognize patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, or complicating medical conditions and prepare and position patients for procedures.
• At GS-06, knowledge of specialized equipment and accessories for Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests.
• At GS-06, knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC equipment-cleaning guidelines.
• At GS-06, ability to monitor patients for adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
• At GS-06, ability to operate equipment for standard, routine, and highly specialized procedures, including exercise stress testing.
• At GS-07, at least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level demonstrating knowledge of equipment, standard tests and procedures, and typical readings, including arrhythmias and abnormalities.
• At GS-07, knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress, including recognizing, reporting, and treating potentially lethal arrhythmias.
• At GS-07, knowledge of common equipment settings, standardized procedures, common errors, and corrective measures.
• At GS-07, ability to modify procedures or positioning for patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, or scar tissue.
• At GS-07, ability to mentor or precept lower-graded technicians and conduct in-service training on EKG equipment and related instrumentation.
• Certification is not required. Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing-designated position are subject to urinalysis before appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Must meet stated background and security investigation requirements, complete online onboarding and application requirements, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the period.

Nice To Haves

• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification is desirable at GS-06.
• BCLS and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications are desirable at GS-07.
• Preferred experience in cardiac stress testing, ambulatory cardiac monitors such as Zio patch, EKG performance, peripheral IV placement, and the MUSE system.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform electrocardiograph procedures and related examinations, including EKGs, ambulatory monitoring, nuclear and exercise stress testing, and assistance with echocardiogram studies.
• Recognize normal sinus rhythm, dysrhythmias, and defined abnormal EKGs, and promptly report changes or abnormal findings to providers.
• Anticipate, obtain, and maintain supplies and equipment; place orders and follow up on deficient supplies or equipment.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain the EKG clinic; provide administrative and clinical support, including telephone reception and patient scheduling assistance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for EKG clinic concerns during the tour of duty.
• Place and follow up on equipment repair work orders and communicate actions to the Lead Technologist or Nurse Manager.
• Explain procedures to patients and position them appropriately.
• Maintain the GE Healthcare MUSE Cardiac Management System and digital ECG storage system.
• Receive procedure requests and consults and assess whether requested procedures are appropriate for the patient's ability to perform them.
• Instruct nursing staff in patient care and clinic areas on EKG equipment operation.
• Instruct and assist physicians and cardiology staff in using the MUSE system and assist with electronic medical record storage and identification.
• Contribute to performance-improvement initiatives by identifying problems, collecting data, and supporting improvement changes.
• Complete projects as assigned by the Nurse Manager or Lead Technologist.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, consisting of 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Eligible employees may receive credit toward annual leave accrual for prior work or military service, subject to request and 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 family-income and other eligibility limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs may be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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