The incumbent operates independently as the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technologist (Echocardiography) and is responsible for day to day operations of the Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory. The procedures are performed upon patients who have diagnoses of congenital heart disease, congestive heart disease, acquired heart disease and coronary artery disease.

Duties

Echocardiography Technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. Registration is offered by 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). The technologist is proficient in the use of specific physiologic analytical equipment that is used to evaluate the anatomy and physiology related to these conditions. They have specialized knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biological systems, and complex computing to complete these examinations. This highly technical task involves a systemized examination of the anatomic appearance and functional characteristics of the patient's cardiovascular system. Specific standardized measurements are made, recorded , and relayed to the interpreting physician. The patient population treated is at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest and the technologist must be competent to assist with the rescue during these events. The technologist will thus bear a high degree of responsibility for the organization, practices, and work outcomes for this very specialized department. The individual will work closely with the Physicians who interpret the echocardiograms. Functions/Scope - Knowledge of Joint Commission and regulatory requirements. - Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. - The incumbent must have knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training in these procedures for staff development. - Must possess advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques. - Knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. - Knowledge of thoracic cross-sectional anatomy to be able to identify intracardiac structures and determine appropriate ultrasound imaging. - Knowledge of peripheral vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. - Knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and the principles of instrumentation of ultrasonography, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler. - Knowledge of cardiac electrophysiology and normal and abnormal ECG morphology. - Knowledge of cardiovascular response to incrementally increased exercise, cardiac arrhythmias induced by exercise and indications for the cessation of exercise testing due to life-threatening symptoms, cardiac arrhythmias or blood pressure changes. - Ability to perform electrocardiographs, stress testing and holter/event monitors - Ability to perform Diagnostic Cardiac Ultrasound: the use of M-Mode and two (2) dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septa, and valves. - Ability to perform Cardiac Pulsed and Continuous Doppler. The use of Doppler Ultrasound to identify and characterize intracardiac blood flow patterns, Contrast Diagnostic Ultrasound, and Bubble Study. - Ability to perform Transesophageal Cardiac Ultrasound. - Advises referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. - Develops and maintains patient preparation procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. Explains examinations to be performed to the patient so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. - Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearrange patients scheduled to accommodate emergent / STAT exams. - Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. - Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are nor delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. - Utilizes computer skills to document patient notes and other Service work including necessary reports. - Maintains and submits in a timely manner statistics and other required reports. - Understands and adheres to policies and procedures of Cardiology Services, Medical Service and the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (HVAMC). - The technologist will assist with coordinating appointments for patients and communicate necessary preparation instructions to the patient. - The Technologist will verify in at least two separate ways that the patient they are working with is the correct patient. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:45am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, Part II, section D, paragraph 5a. 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). Preferred Experience: Registration by 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) is highly desirable. Grade Determinations: 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. (a) 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 (*): (b) 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. (c) Certification. Registration by 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) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. (d) Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17, 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS9. Physical Requirements: Must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting, standing, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. There will be intermittent exposure to blood and body fluids.

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 Hampton VA Medical Center 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23667 US
• Name: Colleen Clark
• Phone: (919) 354-9262
• Email: [email protected]