Summary

The MIT (EKG) Telemetry Monitor Technician is responsible for continuous cardiac monitoring of patients using telemetry systems. Duties include real-time observation and interpretation of cardiac rhythms - prompt identification and escalation of arrhythmias - maintenance and troubleshooting of telemetry equipment - accurate documentation of cardiac events - and collaboration with clinical staff to support patient safety.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a
• Education: Education can only be substituted for experience only at the GS-5 level
• 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)
• Licensure or Certification: 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-6 - Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) 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
• Examples of specialized experience include: Ability to continuously monitor cardiac telemetry systems and accurately recognize and interpret basic cardiac rhythms and arrhythmias
• Knowledge of telemetry monitoring equipment - including bedside monitors and central monitoring stations - and the ability to troubleshoot common technical issues
• Ability to identify and promptly respond to cardiac rhythm changes - including life-threatening arrhythmias - and initiate appropriate notification or escalation procedures
• Knowledge of patient safety practices - including proper electrode placement - skin preparation - and infection control procedures in accordance with CDC guidelines
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation of cardiac rhythms - events - and interventions in patient records or monitoring systems
• Ability to communicate effectively with nursing staff and providers regarding changes in patient cardiac status
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
• Grade Determinations: GS-7 - Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) 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
• Examples of specialized experience include: Independently monitoring multiple patients on telemetry systems and prioritizing alarms based on clinical urgency
• Advanced knowledge of cardiac rhythms - including the ability to recognize complex and potentially lethal arrhythmias (e.g. - ventricular tachycardia - ventricular fibrillation - heart blocks) and initiate immediate notification protocols
• Ability to analyze rhythm strips for accuracy and ensure proper lead placement and signal quality
• Skill in troubleshooting telemetry equipment - minimizing artifact - and ensuring continuous monitoring integrity
• Ability to educate and support clinical staff on telemetry monitoring practices - equipment use - and rhythm interpretation
• Ability to serve as a preceptor or mentor to lower-graded technicians and assist with on-the-job training
• Ability to participate in or conduct in-service training related to telemetry systems - cardiac monitoring - and patient safety
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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 plus knowledge of common errors and corrective measures
• 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
• Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians
• Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment and related instrumentation
• Preferred Experience: Cardiac telemetry monitoring and ECG interpretation (arrhythmias - rate/rhythm changes) Skilled with EKG/telemetry equipment setup - troubleshooting - and patient-specific adjustments Acute care/med-surg experience - including high-volume centralized telemetry monitoring Formal ECG/arrhythmia training with competency validation Experience training or mentoring staff on telemetry practices Recognizes emergencies and communicates quickly
• participates in code responses Proficient in clinical documentation and telemetry data management Performs 12-lead EKGs and ambulatory monitoring (Holter - etc.) Support: Reliable in fast-paced - 24/7 environments with flexible scheduling 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 7
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 6 to 7
• Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
• The position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - pushing - and reaching over head
• The incumbent must be able to stand and move for extended periods of time.

Duties

• The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures and utilizes the MUSE storage system
• Demonstrates experience which provided knowledge of the equipment - standard tests and procedures
• Receives request and/or consults for procedures - interprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability perform prescribed test
• Interprets and documents a new cardiac rhythm strip posts any procedure or testing after patient was off telemetry during procedure
• Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained
• Reports all changes in heart rate/rhythm to appropriate nursing staff - via verbal or phone communications Experienced in applying - operating and instructing in Stress test equipment
• collection of data - revising reports and completing reports for physician review
• Responsible for recording when telemetry is removed and when it is reapplied
• Performs duties with full understanding of related age specific factors Reports and receives shift report - both verbally and on written report sheet Ensures work area and equipment is clean
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 0730 - 2000 or 1930 - 0800
• Days are variable and may include weekends
• Compressed/Flexible: Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Telework: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 0000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement