The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) in the Imaging section, performs noninvasive examinations involving the applicant of high frequency ultrasound to humans for diagnosis of disease. The incumbent must be competent in the production, use, recognition and analysis of ultrasound images for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source in ultrasound imaging.

Duties

The incumbent will rotate to the following locations: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania United States University Drive Monroeville, Pennsylvania United States The ultrasound technologist operates independently and without direct supervision and is responsible for the performance and coordination of all ultrasound examination. The purpose of the exams is to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic studies for the proper diagnosis and treatment of the patient. The ultrasound technologist reviews the images and writes a brief summary of the examination. Some of the duties/functions include and not limited to the following: Incumbent is trained to work in a strictly operator dependent modality (ultrasound). Performs computerized ultrasound images of major and minor organ systems, including but not limited to, the abdomen, thyroid, scrotum, soft tissues, uterus, ovaries, and vessels. Must have complete and thorough knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and of the arterial and venous system. Routinely assesses patient's records for contraindications for ordered procedures. Possess the knowledge of and skills needed to access patient medical records (CPRS). Performs in a hospital setting all examinations ranging from routine to stat. Provides coverage of shifts and as on call basis. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and positioning of the patient and proper adjustment of the ultrasound equipment to include transducer selection. Manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the examination. The spectrum of diagnoses and pathology evaluated includes but is not limited to, tumor, stone, cyst, abscess, hematoma, inflammatory process, hemorrhage, aneurysm and/or dissection, quantification of size and shape of organ, thrombosis, direction of flow, etc. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examination through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Responsible for obtaining and reporting to the radiologist all pertinent history relevant to the examination. May be required to perform difficult and standardized ultrasound examinations. Performs a wide range of ultrasound examination including but not limited to the liver, gallbladder, hepatobiliary tree, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, aorta, inferior vena cava, portal vein, hepatic artery, SMA, celiac axis, renal arteries and veins, iliac arteries and veins, scrotum and testes with vascular documentation, evaluation of liver and kidney transplants, evaluation for abnormal masses or fluid, evaluation for the functional integrity of TIPS shunt with spectral and color Doppler imaging, localization for needle biopsy, thoracentesis, paracentesis, fluid aspiration, abscess drainage, and RFA probe placement. Performs a wide range of small parts and GYN ultrasound studies including transvaginal ultrasound. Has a thorough knowledge of all ultrasound procedures and examinations and keeps abreast of technologist advances in the field of ultrasound and incorporates these advances into new examination procedures and/or in-service education for the technical staff. Properly identifies patient and patient images and exams. Decontaminates non-critical reusable medical supplies and equipment used in any setting where patient care is provided (excluding equipment and supplies that require specialized cleaning procedures per the manufacturer). Follows all polices and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations & requirements. Possess knowledge of Joint Commission regulations and standards as they apply to ultrasound field. Maintains BCLS certification. has functional/operational knowledge of PACS. Assists the Radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures/drainages, aspirations biopsies and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. Evaluates patients' anatomy pre- and post- transplantation including liver and kidney. Maintains ARDMS certification. Performs monthly QA under the guidelines of American College of Radiology accreditation standards. Work Schedule: : 6:00am-2:30pm, 7:00am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:30pm, 8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday Holiday and on- call coverage responsibilities. Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Tech GS-649-9, # 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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 Preferred Experience: Interventional Cardiology/Electrophysiology Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). GS-8 Experience. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspiration GS-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. This would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training and supervision in these procedures, to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects, and to write policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to diagnostic ultrasonography. 2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. References: MARCH 17, 2006 VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 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.

Education

There is no education requirement.

Contacts

• Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Jonathan Davis
• Phone: 405-439-1259
• Email: [email protected]