Medical Instrument Technician (EKG)

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Instrument Technician (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 independently performs EKG procedures and related examinations, including ambulatory cardiac monitoring, nuclear and exercise stress testing, and assisting with echocardiogram studies, including IV access and bubble studies. The position also supports clinic operations, equipment and supply management, staff instruction, electronic cardiac record systems, and performance-improvement activities. The full performance level and actual grade for this vacancy are GS-07.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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, as well as 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.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Selected applicants must complete required pre-employment screening, including applicable urinalysis, background/security investigation, onboarding, and required identification documentation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• No specific educational requirements for the occupation; education may substitute for experience only at GS-4 and GS-5 levels.
• Certification is not required for the occupation.

Nice To Haves

• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification.
• Experience with cardiac stress testing.
• Experience with ambulatory cardiac monitors, such as Zio patch.
• Experience performing EKGs.
• Peripheral IV placement experience.
• Experience with MUSE.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform EKG procedures and related examinations, including obtaining EKGs, applying or assisting with ambulatory monitoring devices, performing nuclear and exercise stress tests, and assisting with echocardiogram studies, IV access, and bubble studies.
• Identify normal sinus rhythm and recognize dysrhythmias; report changes in rate or rhythm to the provider.
• Promptly identify and report defined abnormal EKGs to the provider.
• Anticipate and obtain equipment and supplies; maintain adequate inventory, 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 coverage 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 the prescribed test.
• Instruct nursing staff in patient-care and clinic areas on operating EKG equipment.
• Instruct and assist physicians and cardiology staff in using the MUSE system and in electronic medical record storage and identification.
• Contribute to performance-improvement initiatives by identifying problems, collecting data, and supporting improvement changes.
• Complete projects as required by the Nurse Manager or Lead Tech.
• Mentor or precept lower-graded technicians and conduct in-service training on EKG equipment and related instrumentation, as required by grade-level qualifications.

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, including 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 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 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 can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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