The Medical Instrument Technician (MIT) operates 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. This is not a full-time position. This intermittent position will work on an as-needed basis.

Duties

Major Duties: a. The incumbent has the ability to perform and interpret cardiac/echocardiogram ultrasonography and related special procedures. Works closely with the Cardiologist to keep abreast of the latest measurements and techniques in echo-cardiology. b. Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle. c. Maintains and keeps abreast of normal and abnormal results in each given scan. Familiarity with the manifestation of various diseases so particular attention can be given to that organ with that process in mind. The ability to recognize normal and abnormal tissue masses and densities with relation to the results it entails. The ability to recognize life threatening conditions which require the immediate attention and notification of the provider. d. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the heart valves and chambers using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and other cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients. e. Ability to perform quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous Doppler and color flow Doppler imaging. f. Maintains adequate records, including identification of scans, daily log and preliminary diagnosis for further reference. Maintains ultrasound equipment and supplies for the ultrasound department. In charge of coordinating maintenance and installation of upgrades and new equipment. g. Skilled in positioning patients for a wide variety of examinations, adapting instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings. h. Thorough working knowledge of ultrasound equipment operation and care, which includes sensitivity and output adjustments of the instruments; to ensure proper imaging and physical principles of sound generation and transmission characteristics, such as A-mode, M-mode and color Doppler. Also, knowledge of methods of signal processing, in order to select appropriate transducer for tissue being examined. i. Skilled in anatomy and physiology, such as the position, shape, size, and function of the many major systems, including the urinary, vascular, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, etc.; as they relate to the examination requested. j. Assists cardiologist by presenting scans and explaining any oddities relating to each scan. k. Maintains required records, such as posting examination date to patient's electronic medical record, number of images acquired per examination, and examinations performed, as well as other appropriate notes. l. When the patient checks-in for an ultrasound, verifies patient's identity using two identifiers, reads request to determine exact nature of examination(s) requested, explains procedure to patient, positions any accessory equipment required, and completes any needed scans to accomplish requested procedures. m. Basic nursing practices in caring for patients including CPR and sterile techniques. n. May be assigned special/additional duties or tasks by the Supervisor of Imaging Services or Chief of Diagnostic Services. Work Schedule: Intermittent employees work on an as-needed basis. Functional Statement: #91275-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation. If an employee who was retained in an occupation listed in 38 U.S.C. § 7401(3) under this provision leaves that occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-8: Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade (GS-7) level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. 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. Additionally, you will be rated on the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Please make sure that each is addressed in your application package. 1. Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with colorflow and some Doppler. 2. Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems, i.e., valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinesia, effusions, endocardial lesions, etc. 3. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G-27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: a. This position requires sitting, walking, standing, stretching, bending, and carrying light to medium weight items. Positions may be maintained for short periods of time. b. Exposure to meeting with employees and external contacts who may be angry and/or upset. May observe patient suffering. c. Ability to read printed material, such as reports and Standard Operating Procedures. d. Ability to view information on computer screens and in CPRS orders. e. Ability to accurately perceive depth so as to move around work space safely. f. Ability to adapt to successfully perform in high stress environments with constant interruptions, emergent/critical/unusual situations, high volume urgency of issues, and interactions with a wide variety of professionals and personalities. g. Ability to work alone and perform a variety of duties, changing one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure, and consistently meet department work schedule demands, including documentation and participation in workgroup, committees, etc.\ h. Ability to read printed material, gauges, computer monitor, and distinguish colors, such as color doppler or reading doctor's orders and visualizing the hue of patient's skin, wounds, etc. i. This position exposes the employee to constant noise and to limited ionizing radiation. The employee works in an area where ionizing radiation is utilized for patient care. Dosimeters are assigned to track occupational dose. Also works with patients that have potentially been dosed with a radio-isotope for Nuclear Medicine procedures. Proper training for PPE use and dosimeter monitoring are requirements of this position.

Education

There is no educational requirement for this position.

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 Aleda E Lutz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1500 Weiss Street Saginaw, MI 48602 US
• Name: Karen Townley
• Phone: 802-291-3794
• Email: [email protected]