Medical Instrument Technician (EKG) Job in Nashville, TN

Vacancy No. CBTG-12682383-25-BRS Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $44,959.00 to $64,952.00 Grade 6 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/11/2025 Close Date 2/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Nashville, TN


Summary

A Medical Instrument Technician performs routine procedures (Holter Monitor, EKG, and routine implanted pacemaker and defibrillator evaluation) w/o direct supervision of a Physician or Provider The person incumbent understands when physicians need to be consulted immediately. The EKG Technician utilizes knowledge of anatomy and physiology including an understanding of cardia anatomy and physiology to interpret requests and to recognize the need for additional tests and intervention.



This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to US Citizens. Selections will be made without regard to Veterans preference in accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Office Bulletin dated 10/1/2024.

Duties

As a medical technician in the EKG, Holter and Exercise Laboratory and clinics for the Cardiology Section of the Medical Service, the incumbent performs routine and emergency 12-lead electrocardiograms and treadmill exercise testing with 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring. Duties include placing event recorders on patients (Holter Monitors) which provide a continuous (24 hour) magnetic tape of patient's EKG recordings (Holter Monitoring), scanning there recordings into the electronic medical record and providing physicians with a report regarding ECG abnormalities/events and corresponding symptoms documented by the patient in the patient log./diary.

The Medical Instrument Technician EKG also holds device clinics for patients who have implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators. The duties also include downloading EKG tracings from the MUSE, entering interpretation edits into the electronic medical record and uploading the final readings to VistA imaging via the MUSE/

  • Processes request for electrocardiograms from inpatient and outpatient areas and assure they are completed with the correct priority.
  • 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 and recognizes machine malfunction and able to make appropriate adjustment and minor repairs.
  • Able to assist with the editing and processing of routine tracings.
  • Uploading tracings with physician edits to VistA Imaging.
  • Able to apply the leads for the tape recorder which records 24 hour electrocardiograms and instruct the patient in its use and maintenance of the patient diary during the recording period.
  • Able to analyze the tape recording using a sophisticated computerized scanner. 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.
  • Reviews the patient diary and ensures that the appropriate portions of the electrocardiogram are printed for correlation with symptoms and interpretation by the Cardiologist.
  • Able to troubleshoot and remedy tape recorder and scanner problems.
  • Able to instruct the patient in the appropriate follow up of permanent cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators and schedule follow-up visits and maintains a log of scheduled visits.
  • Able to perform routine checks of pacemaker function using electronic device programmers. The individual is familiar with the operation of this equipment and performs routine checks unassisted and assists the physician in specialized testing and reprogramming of pacemakers. He/she must be familiar with pacemaker and defibrillator function and routine checks so as to be able to call a physician to the laboratory before the patient leaves when a malfunction is detected or suspected.
  • Able to 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.
  • The technician assists the physician in observing the electrocardiograph and clinical response of the patient to the exercise procedure and modifying or terminating the test as indicated.
Work Schedule: Based on the Needs of the Service
Physical Requirements: 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)

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.
  • 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).

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/14/2025.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
  • UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.)
  • 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. c. 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".: 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 as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
  • 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.
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:

(1) GS-6

(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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(b) DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & 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.

(c) CERTIFICATION: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) certification.

(d) 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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27

(2) GS-7 (FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL)

(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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(b) DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & 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.

(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.

(d) 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 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27

See Preferred Experience in the Additional Information section below. The "desired" candidate will have the indicated preferred work experience.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

Preferred Experience is defined as:

  • Performing specialized procedures such as operating and monitoring electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias, and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients.
  • Monitoring 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.
  • Evaluating test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and using 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.
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.

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

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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

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 full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/21/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12682383.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS 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 USA JOBS 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Billie Smith
Address
Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville
1310 24th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications 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. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


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


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