Health Technician (Telemetry Monitor Technician)

Quick Facts

Role: Health Technician (Monitor Technician)
Function: Non-licensed member of the nursing care team in telemetry/critical care support

Description

Support critically ill patients by performing venous puncture, attaching patients to an EKG machine and completing 12-lead EKG readings, and continuously monitoring telemetry rhythms. You will document interval and rhythm changes, verify and adjust telemetry alarms with the registered nurse, and respond to arrhythmias or abnormal readings by troubleshooting and notifying appropriate personnel. You will also maintain telemetry equipment and ensure specimens are delivered to the appropriate laboratories when needed.

Responsibilities

• Safely perform venous puncture to obtain blood specimens after explaining the procedure to the patient
• Attach patients to an EKG machine and perform 12-lead EKG readings
• Deliver vital specimens to appropriate laboratories when other designated personnel are unavailable
• Cleans and returns equipment; report equipment repair needs
• Continuously monitor EKGs on telemetry (up to 40 monitors at Central Station) and support multiple active monitors
• Identify arrhythmias and rhythm changes from expected/acceptable readings; troubleshoot machines, check electrode attachments, contact medical personnel, and initiate code response when needed
• Measure and record PR, QT, and QRS intervals and rhythm changes; document in the medical record every 4 hours or as clinically warranted
• Verify telemetry alarm settings every 4 hours and adjust alarm parameters in collaboration with the registered nurse per unit policy and physician orders
• Maintain telemetry equipment and supplies: inspect for malfunction, troubleshoot failures, and notify bio-med engineering for repairs
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Complete all required application steps, including an online assessment
• Subject to pre-appointment urinalysis for illegal drug use (if tentatively selected)
• Selectively service registration required for eligible males (born after 12/31/1959)
• Pre-placement physical evaluation required
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete online onboarding and provide acceptable, employment-eligible identification (REAL ID compliant after May 7, 2025)
• Required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
• Must complete a 1-year probationary period
• Meet Health Aid and Technician Series (0640) minimum qualification entry requirements via specialized experience, education, or a combination (GS-06 requires 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 or 6 months graduate-level education)
• Preferred: 1 year of telemetry interpretation and/or telemetry interpretation certification

Benefits

A federal career offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their families; eligibility depends on position type (full-time, part-time, intermittent).