Medical Instrument Technician, Cardiology Ekg

Summary
Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. The incumbent incorporates the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. This position is associated with an EKG tech
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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Duties
Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following:
Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler.
The incumbent incorporates the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. They change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two- dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. Diagnostic ultrasound entails the performance of noninvasive examinations involving the application of high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease. Such examinations may consist of the performance of non- imaging amplitude-modulated studies for determining anatomic midline position and foreign body localization, or the performance of imaging studies for visualization and determination of organ position, from structure, and physical consistency. Procedures in the discipline are considered operator (rather than equipment) oriented and require knowledge and ability to recognize organ pathology in order to determine proper equipment settings, through knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and acoustical physics; and understanding of the functioning (including underlying principles) of the equipment. Cardiac Ultrasound examinations at this level are performed independently with little to no supervision of a physician who is responsible for the use and interpretation of the procedures.

• Performs echocardiography studies involving analysis of the heart structure and the range of movement of component elements, such as the valves.
• Diagnostic ultrasound technicians initially interpret and generate measurements of sonographic tracings while they are being generated. Examinations require the constant interaction between the patient and the technician and the equipment. The equipment controls must be continually adjusted to alter amplitude and the position of the probe on the patient's body must be constantly varied depending on the technician's instantaneous recognition of the image being produced.
• Specific diagnostic patterns must be recognized during the test to be able to perform a proper and complete examination. Judgment and decision-making are inherent in this technology in the false positive and the false negative tracings can be obtained if the technician is not thoroughly familiar with organ pathology and technique. Utilizes Xcelera cardiology storage system.
• The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures, and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter recordings, event monitor strips and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports.
• Utilizes MUSE cardiology storage system.
• Receives request and/or, consults for procedures. Receives assignment for which clear precedents exist.
• Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained.
• Incumbent understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of the supervision when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is requested.
• Instructs patient pre-procedure to ensure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures.
• Independently explains various procedures including need for positions on table or treadmill, monitoring equipment, adverse reactions to stressing agents.
• Explains requirements for accurate monitoring and necessity of diary entries.
• Answers question by patient and or family members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible:Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 00000
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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.
• Education: There is no specific educational requirements for this occupation.
• Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at the GS-06 grade level or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English

Grade Determinations: GS 07 Grade Level:
Experience:
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the GS-6 level which demonstrates the KSA's & other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the equipment, standard tests & procedures, & typical readings including arrhythmias & abnormalities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions & signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report & treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.
2. Knowledge of common equipment settings & standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors & corrective measures.
3. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, & scar tissue.
4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.
Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment & related instrumentation
Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) & ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications
Assignment:
This represents the full performance level. Medical Instrument Technicians (EKG) at this level operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias, and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and when gross abnormalities appear, when to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when to get the immediate attention of a physician. They evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination. They edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.
Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, pushing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, hearing (aid permitted). Environmental factors: electrical energy, working around machinery with moving parts, working closely with others. Good visual abilities to read equipment label, equipment gauges/monitors, and observe the patient's condition, often in dim lighting required for the exam.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits
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How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
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