OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

Duties

VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) functions as a diagnostic medical sonographer, specializing in vascular ultrasound. The incumbent operates diagnostic ultrasound scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional images of internal organs and body structures. The MIT conducts basic equipment maintenance, performs quality control measures, assists with development of policies, reports abnormal findings to physicians, and completes other administrative, technical or supervisory tasks as required. Major Functions: Performs vascular ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, · extremities, and retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality ultrasounds that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's medical disorders. Performs other diagnostic ultrasound examinations outside of the vascular realm such as soft tissue imaging, imaging masses, collections, ect. Performs ultrasound examinations to assist physicians in the performance of fluid aspirations, pseudoaneurysm thrombin injections, and other procedures, such as determining the location, depth, and required angles of an area to be sampled. Adjusts TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality through utilization of knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body. Uses knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties as well as knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler in the daily performance of ultrasound imaging in order to ensure optimal imaging results. Interacts and communicates with the patient, using knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology, to obtain a brief history and physical pertinent to a peripheral vascular disease with familiarity of the associated signs and symptoms. Properly sets up ultrasound equipment for standard, routine and complex procedures. Makes multiple, simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient. On the basis of radiologic and clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the surgeon responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that the treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. 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 patient schedule log, procedure log, editing/copying CD's as needed, and storing/maintaining digital images on PAC's. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Stores studies digitally (i.e. PACS) for the purpose of keeping records of ultrasound examinations, so that future ultrasound examinations may be compared. Demonstrates proficiency in the operating room policies related to sterile technique. Responsible for being aware of, and practicing the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participating in quality assurance activities as directed Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Days Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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 a. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. c. 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. Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. GS-6 (a) 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: (b) 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. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-7 (a) 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: (b) 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. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. (d) Assignments. 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 nonstandardized procedures in a developmental capacity. (d) Assignment. 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-8 (a) 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: (b) 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. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. (d) Assignment. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G27 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-7. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital 2500 Overlook Terrace Madison, WI 53705 US
• Name: Matthew Acree
• Phone: (608)256-1901 X17488
• Email: [email protected]