The Echocardiographer at the Kansas City VA Medical Center has a primary responsibility for performing echocardiographic examinations. In this role, the sonographer performs the full spectrum of echocardiogram procedures to include transthoracic 2D/3D imaging, 2D/3D transesophageal echocardiography, and stress echocardiograms (doppler and ischemic). The position's responsibilities include the ability to perform complex echocardiographic imaging using 3D- echocardiography and strain imaging

Duties

The Cardiac Sonographer should demonstrate a high degree of knowledge of the cardiac anatomy and physiology related to the cardiovascular function. The position also entails the need to perform studies which include various protocols (including but limited to stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, contrast imaging, and assisting with intraprocedural echocardiograms). This position requires the technologist to use independent judgment and problem-solving skills to optimize the evaluation and tailor the examination to ensure comprehensive and accurate diagnosis. Duties: 1. Independently performs 2D transthoracic (TTE) examinations and makes decisions for saline injection studies and the use of an Echo enhancing agent. 2. Performs exercise or pharmaceutical stress echocardiograms using digital acquisition with and without the use of an Echo enhancing agent. 3. Independently performs 3D transthoracic (TTE) examinations for left ventricular function and complex valvular heart disease. 4. Assists Physicians in performing Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), TEE/Cardioversion, and Pericardiocentesis. 5. Ability to perform strain imaging and analysis in echocardiography. 6. Performs measurements of cardiac structures and Doppler blood flow velocities using the software on the echocardiography machine and image analysis workstation. 7. Perform emergency scans on Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology patients with suspected perforations. 8. Recognize evidence of cardiac emergencies and takes the appropriate action, including notification to the Nurse or Physician. 9. Cardiac sonographer prepares the patients for 2D or stress diagnostic procedures in the Echo Lab. Assist patients in and out of the bed, placing electrodes, positioning patients correctly and educating the procedure to the patient. 10. Cardiac sonographer will be responsible for monitoring patients independently and will need to respond to each individual patient's hemodynamic status, which may require triage to a higher level of care. 11. Coordinate the work schedule of the laboratory including Inpatients, outpatients, and add-on appointments to maximize work output and ensure proper patient care. 12. Perform 12-Lead EKG's as needed. 13. Assist with QI review per IAC accreditation guidelines Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 16:00 pm Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Recruitment Incentive 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. Licensure or Certification. Must be and maintain registry through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is to be obtained within 6 months of hire. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Grade Determinations: Experience: At least 1 year 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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography 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 Echocardiography. *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. Preferred Experience: a. Two (2) years recent ECHO LAB Tech Experience in a moderate to high complexity facility accredited through the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. b. Two (2) years experience with training cardiology fellows and ultrasound students in performance of echocardiograms. c. Certified as an Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International preferred References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix 27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Kansas City VA Medical Center 4801 Linwood Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64128 US
• Name: Kassie Ingram
• Phone: 816-861-4700 X53838
• Email: [email protected]