The position of the Lead Medical Instrument Technician ( Echocardiography) is located at the Danville, Illinois VA Medical Center.

Duties

The Lead Echocardiography Technician (Lead Echo Tech) is assigned to Cardiology Section at the Danville, Illinois VAIHCS. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. They incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. They change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. Major Duties: Performs diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two dimensional, pulsed, and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging. Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement and pericardial effusion, thrombus and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc. Performs complementary ultrasonic examinations including Dobutamine stress echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography. Adapts transducer positioning, instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings. Ability to perform ECG and more complex procedures such as electrophysiology monitoring, holter monitoring, event monitoring, stress tests, stress nuclear and pacemaker checks. Performs phlebotomy. Monitors patient's condition during the procedure and administration of medication. Triages inpatient and outpatient cardiology procedure consults, prioritizes, and coordinates care for patients in the Cardio Lab. Accurately documents assessment, interventions, and outcomes in CPRS and other applications. Technical expert in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of the specialized equipment in the Cardio Lab. Performs quality assurance reviews on cardiology diagnoses including Acute Coronary Syndrome monitors. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels, patients and their families and employees from outside agencies. Serves as a consultant to other health care professionals related to cardio lab procedures. Provides training to nursing staff as needed, such as the performance of EKGs. Will be acting supervisor as needed. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30AM- 4:00PM 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

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. Grade Determinations GS-9 Grade Level: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics related to the duties of an echocardiographer. Assignment description at the GS-8: This next lower grade experience required echocardiography technician to perform a range of standard but complex, echocardiographic examinations with responsibility for calibrating all instruments prior to the procedure. They accurately record tests, daily logs, and videotapes. This experience would have provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Physical Requirements:While performing duties of this job the technician is frequently required to stand, walk, bend and reach. It may require long periods of standing and wearing of lead apron, gloves, mask, gown and eye shields during diagnostic procedures in the cath lab. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds, have rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. 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).

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 Danville VA Medical Center 1900 East Main Street Danville, IL 61832 US
• Name: Brooke Cremonesi
• Phone: 217-499-7292
• Email: [email protected]