Health Technician (Telemetry Technician) Job in Hines, IL

Vacancy No. HN-12562659-25-KM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $49,249.00 to $64,026.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/8/2024 Close Date 10/15/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Hines, IL


Summary

This position is located at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL (578) - a Level la Complexity VHA Facility - and is organizationally aligned under the Telemetry Unit in the Nursing & Patient Care Service. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a non-licensed member of the nursing care team providing continuous observation of telemetry monitoring electrocardiographic (EKG) rhythms of critically ill patients.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a non-licensed member of the nursing care team providing continuous observation of telemetry monitoring electrocardiographic (EKG) rhythms of critically ill patients.

  • Continuously monitors EKGs of patients on telemetry at Central Station sites. The stations accommodate up to 35 monitors, any number of which may be in use at a given time. The patients are critically ill, have a variety of conditions, and may have multiple conditions simultaneously, which can affect the readings reflected on the monitors.
  • The incumbent identifies irregularities from expected and acceptable readings and takes appropriate action to include trouble-shooting machines, checking electrode attachments, contacting medical personnel, calling a code, etc.
  • While patients are being monitored, obtains EKG rhythm strips at the beginning of each shift and with any rhythm change. Measures and records PR, QT and QRS intervals, interpretation, and rhythm changes and documents in medical record.
  • Verifies alarm settings every four (4) hours and performs alarm parameter adjustments in collaboration with registered nurse.
  • Documents changes in patients' heart rhythm/rate in medical record. Identifies and selects the appropriate EKG strips to be included in the medical record when monitoring has been done over a long period and the records are too large to include all of them.
  • Admits and discharges patients from central monitoring.
  • Explains procedure to patients. Provides telemetry monitor, identifies proper lead placement, and attaches electrodes upon admission.
  • Documents EKG intervals and interpretation in medical record.
  • Determines alarm parameters with registered nurse and sets alarms. Upon discharge, cleans telemetry monitor/leads and places in appropriate storage area.
  • Maintains telemetry equipment and supplies. Inspects equipment for malfunction, troubleshoots equipment failures, and notifies bio-med engineering when repairs are needed. Maintains equipment service logs and missing equipment logs.
  • Tracks and retrieves missing equipment. Orders supplies, i.e., electrodes, paper, batteries, at least weekly or as needed.
  • Initiates CPR code when indicated. Assists in CPR resuscitation, cardioversion, reprogramming of pacemakers, and other procedures and therapies by running EKG strips and documenting rhythm changes.
  • Applies principles of infection control in all areas of responsibility.
  • Orients new personnel, residents and trainees to the operation of the telemetry monitoring system, as well as, reading rhythms. Works cooperatively with others to provide continuous, safe, quality care and meet changing work demands.
  • Assists co-workers in need.
  • Communicates, listens and responds to others appropriately. Participates in performance improvement monitoring.
  • Communication and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers.
  • Maintenance of confidentiality of patient/incumbent information, electronic and print.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Multiple work schedule 0730-800pm or 1130am to 1200am including weekends/holidays
Telework: Not Suitable
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Telemetry Technician)/PD05001A
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
  • 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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/15/2024.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.


You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Medical Information
  • Organizational Awareness
  • Patient Care


Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:1) Assisting RN with patient care as directed.2) Providing direct patient observation.3) Assisting with transfer and ambulation of patients.4) Answering call lights and if unable to independently assist, communicates patients' needs to assigned RN or Charge Nurse5) Measuring and recording blood pressure, respirations, oral and axillary temperature, weight, and pulse.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The work requires the ability to focus on continuous observation of numerous screens representing patients' EKG activity. The employee must be alert at all times and quick to respond to alarms or signs of EKG changes. This involves good visual acuity necessary to see EKG rhythms, ability to hear alarms, and rapid changes in position and movement. In addition, sitting, standing, walking, and carrying light instruments and supplies is involved.

Work Environment: Continuous EKG monitoring is performed in a central workstation shared by other health care providers involving everyday risks and requiring normal safety precautions, Application and adjustment of monitor leads is performed at the patient bedside. Here the employee is exposed to potential/actual infectious diseases, which may require the wearing of protective gowns, masks, and gloves when interacting with patients.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Documents Required:
  • Resume


Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/15/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12562659.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Kiphanie Moore
Address
Edward Hines Junior Hospital
5000 South 5th Avenue
Hines, IL 60141
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.