This position is located in Cardiology Service, Medicine Care Line at Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. This position provides support by operating medical diagnostic equipment such as Exercise tolerance test system (Treadmill), MUSE Cardiology Storage Systems, Ambulatory Monitory System, and Hotter/Event Scanner. The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center is an Acute care teaching hospital, providing a full range f patient care services, with state of the art technology and education. 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates Electrocardiograph Technicians (EKG) operate instruments used to record electrocardiograms, exercise tolerance tests, 24-48 heart monitoring and scanning, and pacemaker evaluations. Certification is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT). Medical Instrument Technician (Electrocardiograph (EKG) 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. Assignment. Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level receive and interpret physician's requests for diagnostic procedures and/or treatments; explain the procedure to the patient to secure the patient's confidence and cooperation; document the patient's record; independently perform standardized testing monitoring the patient for adverse reactions; and operate, calibrate, and clean and/or sterilize commonly used equipment. Assignments at this level require knowledge of standard medical terminology as well as common diseases and their specific affects. 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. 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, MARCH 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: This position involves walking, frequent bending, reaching and stretching to assemble, set up, and take apart equipment. The incumbent also carries, pulls, and pushes moderately heavy objects, such as equipment and supplies. Above average dexterity is required. ["Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level (GS-7) operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving EKG's, exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias. Following are some some functions or scope of assigned duties and not limited to. Performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures, and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Hotter tapes/disks, event monitor strips and editing EKG, Holler, and treadmill repasts. Utilizes MUSE cardiology storage system. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patient, supports register nurses and physicians equipment. Receives request and/or, consults for procedures. Performs Ml Tech work with Hotter/Event Monitoring specialty. Incumbent maintains knowledge of: - Typical patient reactions and signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report, and treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. - Common equipment settings, standardized procedures, common errors, and corrective measures. Incumbent has the 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. - Act as a mentor or preceptor to others. - Conduct in-service training on EKG equipment and related instrumentation. - Perform simple functions in MUSE. Incumbent is responsible for: - The troubleshooting of all laboratory equipment. When equipment is in need of repair, will contact appropriate biomedical engineering staff for resolution. - The record keeping of procedures performed in the cardiac laboratory. Able to navigate and use the PACS system for electronic storage of patient information, and able to use computers independently Work Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]