Summary The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) (Electrocardiograph) (EKG) works in the Medical Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center operating medical diagnostic equipment. Duties include continuous monitoring during ambulatory exercise testing, pulse oximetry monitoring, monitoring patients with Holter monitors, MUSE computer storage system for scanning and integration in CPRS and VISTA imaging. Responsibilities This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 29, 2023 or until this position is filled. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be March 7, 2023 and every Tuesday or as needed until it closes. If you are not a current, permanent VA employee or Federal employee from another agency, you should apply under CBST-11852810-23-AYC. The MIT EKG works in the Medical Care Line at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center operating medical diagnostic equipment. Duties include continuous monitoring during ambulatory exercise testing, pulse oximetry monitoring, monitoring patients with Holter monitors, MUSE computer storage system for scanning and integration in CPRS and VISTA imaging associated with each. The MIT EKG will maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. The work may require the employee to work days, evenings, nights, rotating shifts, and extended hours. This position may be designated as essential during increment weather conditions or other appropriate emergency conditions. The duties of the MIT EKG includes but is not limited to: Monitors electrocardiographic equipment and observe cardiac tracings to perform specialized examinations, studies and treatments. Operates a central monitoring system, interpret rhythms, evaluate cardiac tracings, apply cardiac monitoring leads, make appropriate machine or lead adjustments, and troubleshoot. Reports gross abnormalities immediately to get the attention of the Registered Nurse and the medical provider to accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the period the patient is continuously monitored. Operates, monitors and collects data from instruments used in continuous cardiac monitoring such as bedside and ambulatory cardiac monitors. Monitors tracings to identify arrhythmias and gross abnormalities. Obtains, edits, reviews and scans EKG tracings for further interpretation by the physician. They also analyze different types and rates of rhythms. Measurement and rates are done by mathematical calculation with accuracy. Performs varied procedures and treatment techniques in providing continuous cardiac monitoring for diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac diseases, cardiac devices such as pacemakers and automated implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD) and other medical problems. Monitors results affecting the accuracy and reliability of physicians' diagnoses and treatment and thus the quality of patient care; the monitoring results provide patient information, which may ensure timeliness of life-saving interventions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am -4:00pm with rotational shifts, weekends & Holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00513-F: GS-04; 580-00514-F: GS-05; 580-00383-F: GS-06; 580-00384-F: GS-07 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not require 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: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Grandfathering Provision: 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). 5. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. GRADE DETERMINATION: In addition to meeting the above Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Grade Determination criteria below: Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-04 (a) 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. To receive credit, you must demonstrate experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in your resume. OR (b) 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. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) showing award of degree or completion of two years of study to receive credit. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs in their resumes: 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. Medical Instrument Technician (Trainee), GS-05 (a) 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. To receive credit, you must demonstrate experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in your resume. OR (b) 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. You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) showing award of degree or completion of four years of study to receive credit. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs in their resumes: 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 Technician (EKG), GS-06 (a) 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. To receive credit, you must demonstrate experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in your resume. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs in their resumes: 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. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification. Medical Instrument Technician (EKG), GS-07 (a) 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. To receive credit, you must demonstrate experience through job tasks and list hours worked per week in your resume. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate the following KSAs in their resumes: 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. (c) Certification. No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications. Preferred Experience: Certified Telemetry/EKG 1 year recent/current experience as a MIT BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) and/or ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27. Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard GS-0649, dated June 7, 2012 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-7. See Education for Physical Requirements. Education Physical Requirements: Must be compliant with the following physical standards and environmental factors: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling up to 4 hours; Pushing up to 4 hours; Reaching above shoulders; Both hands are required and the use of fingers; Walking up to 10 hours; Standing up to 10 hours; Repeated bending up to 10 hours; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near and far vision correctable; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and Emotional Stability; Constant noise; Dust; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working with hands in water; Working closely with others; Protracted or irregular hours of work; and Radiation exposure. 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: [ Link removed ] - Click here to apply to Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph) 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: [ Link removed ] - Click here to apply to Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph) 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.