Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Lead Medical Instrument Technician-EKG (ECG, Holter and Exercise Laboratory) in Saint Louis, Missouri
Summary The Lead MIT in the ECG clinic, Holter service, and Exercise/Stress Laboratory is assigned to Cardiology Section of the Medicine Service Responsibilities VA Healthcare System St. Louis is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. The Lead MIT works closely with cardiologist, clinicians, technologists, nurses, clerical staff, logistics, leadership, biomedical engineering, venders and IT to assure quality control, efficient coordination of services, high quality diagnostic exam results and patient satisfaction. The services performed by the Lead MIT include the performance of routine and emergency 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG), and treadmill exercise testing with 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring. Duties also include placing cardiac rhythm recorders on patients which provide a continuous magnetic tape of patient's ECG recordings (Holter Monitoring), scanning these recordings into the electronic medical record, analyzing data using CardioDay software and providing physicians with a report regarding ECG abnormalities/events and corresponding symptoms documented by the patient in the patient log/diary The Lead MIT ECG, Holter, Exercise Laboratory is also responsible for assigning ECG tracings to physicians for reading (MUSE application), entering interpretation edits into the MUSE application (for ECGs read on paper) finalizing the edits made in a timely manner. The duties also include correcting end user ECG demographic errors, eliminating duplicates and providing detailed reports to Cardiology Nurse Manager/Section Chief pertaining to MUSE issues, early identification of "back-log" issues and concrete feedback with regards end user issues. The Lead MIT at this level provides direct staff education and training as it pertains to obtaining a 12 lead ECG and Exercise Stress Tests. Electrocardiograms: 1. Processes request for electrocardiograms as needed in clinic setting. 2. Able to perform and instruct others in the performance of 12-lead electrocardiograms. Must be familiar with common technical problems which require adjustment to the equipment to ensure a satisfactory quality tracing 3. Able to recognizes machine malfunction and able to make appropriate adjustment and minor repairs. 4. Able to assist with the editing and processing of routine tracings. 5. Uploading tracings with physician edits to VistA Imaging and assigning ECGs to physician MUSE in-box for reading/interpretation. Holter Monitor Recording and Analysis, and Cardiac Event Monitoring 1. Able to apply the leads for the tape recorder which records electrocardiograms for predetermined amount of time as ordered by physician. Able to provide instruction the patient on the monitoring devices use and maintenance including of the patient diary during the recording period. 2. Able to analyze the tape recording using a sophisticated computerized scanner and software. The individual must have sufficient electrocardiographic knowledge to recognize arrhythmias, confirm or correct the computer diagnosis and select for printing appropriate portions of the electrocardiogram for analysis by the Cardiologist. Exercise Testing: 1. The Lead MIT can evaluate the consult/request for test and the patient's medical record and determine appropriateness of non-thallium exercise stress test request. For requests that are not appropriate, the Lead MIT is expected to contact the provider requesting exercise testing and explain the issue. If there is a question of test appropriateness that is not clear the technician will consult an attending cardiologist. 2. The laboratory performs bicycle ergometer and treadmill exercise testing with or without thallium scanning. The test is performed with continuous ECG (electrocardiograph) monitoring. The Lead MIT applies the leads to the patient and operates the equipment. 3. The Lead MIT can operate the treadmill, the bicycle ergometer and monitoring equipment using a variety of protocols according to the request of the Provider supervising the test. He/she must be able to vary the testing protocol according to the clinical condition of the patient as the test proceeds. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30am - 4:00 pm Telework: AD-HOC; Supervisor Discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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 Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English (to be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English 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: (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques such as SAECG, ETT, Tilt table monitoring, electrophysiology monitoring, and event monitoring in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to develop analysis interpretation formats, and to receive inquiries concerning results. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. *5. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Certification. Certification by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) is highly desirable at this level. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The tasks of this position generally require sitting, longer periods of data analysis using computer screens, standing, occasional crouching or kneeling. Moderate lifting is required to move equipment throughout the EKG clinic and other Medical Center locations. Considerable manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are continuously required. This includes continuous observation of a computer screen. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation demands coordination and stamina. Heavy Lifting (50 LBS and over); Heavy Carrying (50 LBS and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted) The tasks of this position generally require sitting, longer periods of data analysis using computer screens, standing, occasional crouching or kneeling. Moderate lifting is required to move equipment throughout the EKG clinic and other Medical Center locations. Considerable manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are continuously required. This includes continuous observation of a computer screen. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation demands coordination and stamina. Heavy Lifting (50 LBS and over); Heavy Carrying (50 LBS and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted) 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.