Independently performs standard and complex examinations. Expected to perform the full range of vascular US procedures including the most complex and non-routine; full range of chest, head and neck abdominal, pelvis and extremity imaging and to provide imaging during biopsy and therapeutic procedures. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Incumbent will maintain records and files of patients examined.

Duties

a. Advises radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. b. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, small parts, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. c. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing and when necessary registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). d. Incumbent will adhere to all infection control procedures according to TJC guidelines and advises Lead/Supervisor of possible noncompliance with TJC standards. Additionally, Incumbent shall advise administrative staff of possible infection and patient fall risks along with near accidents and the proper ways to avoid them. e. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results based on sonographic findings. f. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the oper,_ation of the section. g. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. h. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. i. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate sonographic study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. j. Gathers related information such as patient charts, x-rays, and any other pertinent information from the electronic medical record so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. k. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. i. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. m. Provide patient-centered care in the performance of duties. Receive patients and ensure proper identification. Provide patient education and reassurance. Continually assess the condition and needs of patients, and ensure patient safety, comfort and dignity. n. Review exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Knowledge of all US protocols indicated by the agreement and signature of the attending Radiologist. Present discrepant or deficient indications to the radiologist.

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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-9: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8) 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. Examples of experience include performing a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures; independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required; work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). 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. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN (DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND) dated March 17, 2006. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. It may involve walking, frequent bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and take apart equipment, lifting and positioning patients; and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate to heavy objects. Duties may require above average dexterity. Work involves regular and recurring exposure to moderate risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions.

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 VA St Louis Health Care System 1 Jefferson Barracks Drive St. Louis, MO 63125 US
• Name: Harold Gotsch
• Phone: (314) 643-7995
• Email: [email protected]