Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. A Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician is competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. A Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician is regarded as the expert source for ultrasound imaging and assists the interpreting radiologist to provide a final interpretation.

Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to: Perform in a hospital or clinical setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Set up and adjust all equipment and manually maneuver the transducer to perform the exam. The spectrum of examination performed includes, but is not limited to: abdomen for tumors, stones, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, vascular ultrasound venous studies to r/o Deep Venous Thrombosis. Obtain pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Perform a wide range of Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound examinations to include but not limit to the: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, appendix, spleen, kidneys, bladder, aorta, portal vein, Doppler studies of blood flow to and from the major organs, this includes imaging of the scrotum and testicles . Perform ultrasound examinations of the female pelvis to include both transabdominal and transvaginal imaging of the vagina, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding anatomy. Perform non-invasive Vascular Ultrasound examinations with Doppler interrogation to include but not limit to Carotids, Venous imaging of upper and lower extremities, Arterial imaging of the upper and lower extremities, Graft scanning for patency and stenosis, shunt scanning, and vein mapping on both upper and lower extremities. Know and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or rejectability of each scan. Control technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Select between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array and annular phased array, transducers depending on the examination and the anatomy to be imaged. Advise radiologist or referring physician of results of exams. Maintain effective control of the ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns. Enter patient notes into the Computerized Patient Record System. Receive and identify patients, explain methods of procedures, assist movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, position the patient and perform examinations requested. Coordinate and perform all examination scheduling. Evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearrange priorities to accommodate them. Maintain records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc. Knowledge of all ultrasound procedures and examinations and keep abreast of technological advances in the field of ultrasound and incorporate these advances into new examination procedures and in-service educational programs for the radiology technical staff. Manage and train rotating x-ray and ultrasound students and technologists. Manage and train volunteers working within the Ultrasound Department. Maintain a quality assurance program of all ultrasound scanning equipment, TV and video and cameras. Perform preventative maintenance as required. Troubleshoot equipment used in Ultrasound and make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to a biomedical service representative. Properly identify patient images and exams. Be certain patient identification and the requests are identical. Vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's age, individual medical conditions, and body habitus. Interview patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the procedure. Report patient history to interpreting radiologists. Assist radiologists and other non-radiologic physicians during Ultrasound guided biopsies, drainages, and aspirations. Notify radiologist immediately when scans require attention such as ER/Urgent Care exams. As patient care needs dictate, perform a variety of diagnostic Ultrasonic exams/procedures both in the department and in the portable setting. Maintain adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Perform other related duties pertaining to patient care as required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am-3:30pm, 8:00am-4:30pm, and/or 9:00am-5:30pm *Subject to change* Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with current law). 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. 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). English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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-6 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures. 2. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality. 3. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties. 4. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures. 5. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. At this level, medical instrument technicians (diagnostic ultrasound) perform examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They position the patient as needed for the best test results, set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the condition of the examination and patient, move and adjust depths and types of scan in accordance with procedures, perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment, and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. GS-7 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 the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized diagnostic ultrasonography examinations. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures. 2. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler. 3. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images. 4. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. At this level the medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound) performs complex, standardized procedures independently. They have the knowledge to alter procedures, equipment settings, transducers used, etc., to accommodate patient needs and still produce a quality image for diagnostic purposes. They will also be required to assist with the performance of more complicated procedures and non-standardized procedures in a developmental capacity. GS-8 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 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 aspirations. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. Preferred Experience: ARDMS Registered. Minimum 2 years' experience. Abdomen and Vascular registries preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Sub-Appendix C, March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate lifting (15-44lbs), moderate carrying (15-44lbs), pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (4 hours), standing (4 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, ability to distinguish basic colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include electrical energy, unusual fatigue factors (overuse of arms/shoulders), working closely with others, and working alone.

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 Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4815 North Assembly Street Spokane, WA 99205 US
• Name: Randi Tran
• Phone: 509-434-7000 X6680
• Email: [email protected]