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The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is recruiting for 1 intermittent (as needed) Medical Instrument Technician - Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) for the Nursing, Ambulatory Care Service Line. This position is located at the Des Moines VA Medical Center, 3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310.
***Salary noted is based on a full-time schedule. Actual salary will be pro-rated based on hours worked.***
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to current permanent employees of the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (including CBOCs). To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) (dated within the past year).
Videos
Duties
Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
The knowledge and complexity of this position includes the ability to multitask while carrying out a variety of complicated patient-centered cardiac monitoring functions. Cardiac monitoring functions provides a safety service of monitoring the EKG's (Electrocardiograph) in ICU, Telemetry, Stepdown Unit, and the Remote Medical Surgical Unit. The MIT is often the first individual to identify a change in cardiac rhythm. The MIT provides a crucial link between nurses, providers, and patients.
The Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph/Telemetry) will function independently in operating and monitoring electrocardiographic equipment for continuous telemetry rhythm evaluation and interpretation. They will remotely monitor the continuous cardiac rhythms for up to 50 patients under the supervision of the RN and medical providers. They are responsible for monitoring and interpreting cardiac rhythms and identifying lethal arrhythmias 24hrs/day, and immediately notifying RN/Charge RN of the urgency and requesting further assessment of the patient.
They will have basic knowledge of cardiac medications and the effects on cardiac rhythm that require customized adjustments to alarm parameters and monitoring functions. They are responsible for training new employees, technicians and RN s, throughout the medical center on continuous telemetry, and 12Lead EKGs.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
a. Assists nursing with determining alarm settings and customized parameters for each patient
b. Prints and interprets all elements of telemetry rhythm strip and informs nursing staff of any changes in rhythm
c. Documents rhythm interpretation every 4 hrs and with any rhythm change
d. Documents communication with nursing staff regarding changes in patient condition and monitor settings
e. Recognizes lethal rhythms/arrhythmias (including acute myocardial infarction, STEM!, NSTEMI) and immediately notifies appropriate staff.
f. Maintains and troubleshoots cardiac equipment to remain in clean working orders
g. Trains new employees on Telemetry and EKG
The incumbent performs the full range of Electrocardiograph (ECG/EKG) procedures and related examinations independently, such as applying monitoring devices, cardiac event monitoring, ECG/EKG strip recordings and editing ECG/EKG reports using the Phillips cardiac monitoring system. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as part of treatment of patients, supports registered nurses and providers training and use of Phillips cardiac monitoring equipment. Includes EKG and event monitoring, monitoring remote blood pressure and pulse oximetry and scanning of medical records.
Receives request and direction of provider orders for procedures. Receives assignment for essential tasks needing to be performed from licensed staff members. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or have special procedures such as cardioversion monitoring, transesophageal echocardiography monitoring, or other procedural monitoring needs identified and explained by the licensed staff member. 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.
Performs Medical Instrument Tech work in continued monitoring of remote pulse oximetry and blood pressure. This specific area of requires knowledge in applying, operating, and instructing the remote telemetry monitoring equipment. The compiling of data and completing reports for practitioner review.
Work Schedule: Intermittent (as needed). Night shift, 7:30pm - 8:00am. Weekends and holidays.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
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:
Medical Instrument Technician - Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG)
GS-4 (Basic Developmental Level)
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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the Medical Instrument Technician occupation.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
At this level assignments are trainee in nature. The Medical Instrument Technician trainee is performing limited routine assignments of a developmental nature under close supervision.
GS-5 (Basic Developmental Level)
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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to Medical Instrument Technician functions.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.
Medical Instrument Technicians (Trainee) at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties would be performed under closer supervision.
GS-6
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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Ability to recognize special patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, and complicating medical conditions in order to prepare and position the patient for the prescribed procedure.
2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests.
3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing.
Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.
2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and 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, and scar tissue.
4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.
5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation.
Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Card...
The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is recruiting for 1 intermittent (as needed) Medical Instrument Technician - Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG) for the Nursing, Ambulatory Care Service Line. This position is located at the Des Moines VA Medical Center, 3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310.
***Salary noted is based on a full-time schedule. Actual salary will be pro-rated based on hours worked.***
This job is open to
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to current permanent employees of the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (including CBOCs). To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) (dated within the past year).
Videos
Duties
Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
The knowledge and complexity of this position includes the ability to multitask while carrying out a variety of complicated patient-centered cardiac monitoring functions. Cardiac monitoring functions provides a safety service of monitoring the EKG's (Electrocardiograph) in ICU, Telemetry, Stepdown Unit, and the Remote Medical Surgical Unit. The MIT is often the first individual to identify a change in cardiac rhythm. The MIT provides a crucial link between nurses, providers, and patients.
The Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph/Telemetry) will function independently in operating and monitoring electrocardiographic equipment for continuous telemetry rhythm evaluation and interpretation. They will remotely monitor the continuous cardiac rhythms for up to 50 patients under the supervision of the RN and medical providers. They are responsible for monitoring and interpreting cardiac rhythms and identifying lethal arrhythmias 24hrs/day, and immediately notifying RN/Charge RN of the urgency and requesting further assessment of the patient.
They will have basic knowledge of cardiac medications and the effects on cardiac rhythm that require customized adjustments to alarm parameters and monitoring functions. They are responsible for training new employees, technicians and RN s, throughout the medical center on continuous telemetry, and 12Lead EKGs.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
a. Assists nursing with determining alarm settings and customized parameters for each patient
b. Prints and interprets all elements of telemetry rhythm strip and informs nursing staff of any changes in rhythm
c. Documents rhythm interpretation every 4 hrs and with any rhythm change
d. Documents communication with nursing staff regarding changes in patient condition and monitor settings
e. Recognizes lethal rhythms/arrhythmias (including acute myocardial infarction, STEM!, NSTEMI) and immediately notifies appropriate staff.
f. Maintains and troubleshoots cardiac equipment to remain in clean working orders
g. Trains new employees on Telemetry and EKG
The incumbent performs the full range of Electrocardiograph (ECG/EKG) procedures and related examinations independently, such as applying monitoring devices, cardiac event monitoring, ECG/EKG strip recordings and editing ECG/EKG reports using the Phillips cardiac monitoring system. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as part of treatment of patients, supports registered nurses and providers training and use of Phillips cardiac monitoring equipment. Includes EKG and event monitoring, monitoring remote blood pressure and pulse oximetry and scanning of medical records.
Receives request and direction of provider orders for procedures. Receives assignment for essential tasks needing to be performed from licensed staff members. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or have special procedures such as cardioversion monitoring, transesophageal echocardiography monitoring, or other procedural monitoring needs identified and explained by the licensed staff member. 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.
Performs Medical Instrument Tech work in continued monitoring of remote pulse oximetry and blood pressure. This specific area of requires knowledge in applying, operating, and instructing the remote telemetry monitoring equipment. The compiling of data and completing reports for practitioner review.
Work Schedule: Intermittent (as needed). Night shift, 7:30pm - 8:00am. Weekends and holidays.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not authorized
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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.
- 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 are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions.
- Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 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 in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
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:
Medical Instrument Technician - Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG)
GS-4 (Basic Developmental Level)
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 position to be filled. Six months of this experience may have been in medically related fields such as nursing assistant, practical nursing, or similar fields. The remaining six months must have been in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited at this level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Education. Successful completion of two years of education above high school or an associate's degree with a major field of study directly related to the Medical Instrument Technician occupation.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
2. Ability to learn the components, operating characteristics, and settings of the equipment to be used.
3. Ability to learn typical patient reactions to the basic procedures involved and ability to recognize signs of distress.
4. Ability to learn the standard positions for the procedure being conducted.
5. Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
At this level assignments are trainee in nature. The Medical Instrument Technician trainee is performing limited routine assignments of a developmental nature under close supervision.
GS-5 (Basic Developmental Level)
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 position to be filled. This would be experience in operating equipment related to the particular specialization for which application is made or in related functional areas. Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may be credited through this grade level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
OR,
Education. Successful completion of 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, or a bachelor's degree in a major field of study appropriate to Medical Instrument Technician functions.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of standard medical terminology to interpret physician orders or instructions.
2. Knowledge of common physical disabilities and ability to position patients for the examination or treatment.
3. Ability to learn the normal and abnormal results for routine procedures to recognize and report obvious abnormalities.
4. Ability to operate the equipment to administer routine/standard diagnostic treatment or procedures.
5. Ability to perform standard operator maintenance on the equipment including the ability to disassemble, clean, reassemble, and calibrate the machine.
Medical Instrument Technicians (Trainee) at this level operate and monitor commonly used equipment performing routine procedures under normal supervision. The technician functions somewhat independently in carrying out these standardized procedures of limited complexity. Deviations from regular procedures, unanticipated problems, and unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor for a decision or help. Some assignments at this level also include developmental duties involving more complex procedures designed to prepare the technician for promotion to higher grades in a functional area. Such duties would be performed under closer supervision.
GS-6
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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Ability to recognize special patient needs such as disabilities, impaired mobility, and complicating medical conditions in order to prepare and position the patient for the prescribed procedure.
2. Knowledge of the specialized equipment and accessories appropriate to Holter monitoring and ability to perform such tests.
3. Knowledge of universal precautions and sterilization techniques and ability to follow CDC guidelines in cleaning equipment.
4. Ability to monitor the patient for adverse reactions and take appropriate action.
5. Ability to operate the equipment to perform standard and routine highly specialized procedures including exercise stress testing.
Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.
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:
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias.
2. Knowledge of common equipment settings and standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors and 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, and scar tissue.
4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians.
5. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation.
Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Card...
