Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

• The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures and related examinations such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter data cards, performing pacemaker EKG checks, and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports. Operates diagnostic medical equipment as a part of treatment of patients, supports registered nurses and physicians. Includes exercise tolerance testing system and Holter monitoring/scanner. Interprets request from physician for appropriateness of requested procedure for patient's ability to perform prescribed test. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained.
• Performs 12 lead EKG's for both the inpatient and outpatient populations. Responds to STAT's, codes, and clinics. Performs EKG by obtaining three lead rhythm strip and the 12 lead EKG. Prepares the EKG file for the cardiologist to read by pulling previous EKG for comparison and placing with current EKG. Edits final official interpretation into the MUSE data storage system. When performing 12 lead EKG, if recognizes an acute change or arrhythmia will alert the physician requesting the EKG and/or the cardiologist.
• Follows established procedures for preparing and placing 24-hour EKG Holter monitor on patients. Instructs patients as to the reasons for 24-hour monitoring; how, what, and when to record in the diary, and how to use the Holter monitor to mark events while being worn. Performs analysis of 24-hour Holter monitor EKG recordings for rhythm, arrhythmias, ST segment, and heart rate variability.
• Follows established guidelines for non-nuclear treadmill stress tests. Will take a brief history of patient, place electrodes, instruct the patient of process to be followed for test, and enter data into the stress test monitor. Performs and records pre, during and post blood pressures and heart rates, runs the final report, depreps the patient and compiles the data to include the final reading for entry into CPRS. Will alert practitioner supervising the stress as to abnormalities in history, such as recent chest pain, and abnormalities in EKG/heart rate and blood pressure readings.
• Performs pacemaker EKG checks and Automatic Intracardiac Defibrillator EKG checks with use of the magnet during the rhythm strip. Compiles this data with data obtained during cardiologist/nurse practitioner examination. Notifies cardiologist to check patient, when necessary, compiles all data for official interpretation by cardiologist, and maintains files of above data on all active and inactive pacemaker patients as required by FDA and the VA Central Office Pacer Registry database. For patients followed by the VA Central Office Pacer Registry, instructs the patient on the usage of the trans-telephonic wrist monitors.
• Educates the patient about the procedure to allay any fear, using tact and respect. Establishes and maintains effective rapport with patients of all ages who are often critically ill and applies special care and understanding in relations with such patients. Instructs patients pre-procedure to assure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures. Independently explains various procedures including need for positions on table or treadmill, monitoring equipment, adverse reactions to stressing agents. Explains requirements for accurate monitoring and necessity of diary entries.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
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
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 38693-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• Licensure or Certification: Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above for applicants to have Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications. 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:

GS-07 Medical Instrument Technician:

• Experience: Candidates must possess 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 position to be filled. Qualifying experience includes but is not limited to: be responsible for understanding event and Holter monitors for ongoing patient monitoring, understand each patient's specific medical history and make adjustments to the equipment parameters and settings to accomplish best monitoring function, have basic knowledge of pharmacology and the effects on cardiac rhythm that require customized adjustments to alarm parameters and monitoring functions, train new employees, patients, technicians, and RNs, throughout the medical center on continuous telemetry, holter monitors, and 12Lead EKGs, have basic knowledge of scanning of holter monitor data, proper storage, and cleaning of the equipment. AND;
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, 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.

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 7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 7 .

Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5015

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.

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

• Resume

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Next steps