The Medical Instrument Technician - Echocardiographer, has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Echocardiography areas. The incumbent performs a comprehensive and high quality transthoracic and stress echos. The incumbent works closely with the technologists, cardiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities and patient satisfaction.

Duties

The Medical Instrument Technician - Echocardiographer establishes policies, procedures, standards, and objectives of echocardiographic services and will be in charge of all cardiac, EKG, and event monitor clinic functions. The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: Performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasounds: the employee will use M-mode and two-dimensional ultrasound to image the pericardium, cardiac walls, chambers, septum, and valves. Identify intracardiac structures in order to select the correct transducer and gain settings to minimize artifact on acquisition, in addition to recognizing subtle equipment malfunctions. Use Doppler ultrasound to identify and characterize intracardiac blood flow patterns in performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasound and stress echos. Perform complete echocardiogram studies by obtaining and recording two and three-dimensional ultrasound pictures, m-mode, pulsed, continuous wave and color Doppler, and Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Responsible for specific measurements and calculations that will be included in the echocardiogram test report (e.g. stenotic valve area, pressure gradient). Responsible for setting up, performing, and analyzing data for stress echos. Will identify the cardiovascular response to incremental 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. Responsible for training cardiology fellows, students, and other technicians in echocardiographic techniques. Operate diagnostic ultrasound machines to obtain quality images to be recorded on digital capture device for cardiologist review. Prepare preliminary diagnostic reports for completed echocardiograms. Utilize computer skills to document patient notes and other service work including necessary reports. Alert the physician to findings on the echocardiogram that may require prompt intervention before an official interpretation can be rendered (i.e., severe pericardial effusion with tamponade, aortic dissection, etc). Responsible for organizing daily workload in the echocardiography lab: ordering supplies, assuring optimal space on digitized echo equipment and the Cardiology data base. Responsible for "trouble shooting" diagnostic ultrasound equipment when problems occur, which requires an increased knowledge of computer networking and application processing. Responsible for initiating and placing in work orders to biomedical technicians to repair equipment. Monitor the patient's EKG and blood pressure. Participate in clinical echocardiography reading sessions with the attending cardiologist. Perform routine daily checks to ensure safety and functional operation of the cardiology emergency cart. Evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearrange patient schedules to accommodate emergent/STAT exams. Advise referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, with possible Saturday rotation. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00960-F 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 A. United States Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a). B. English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). C. Grandfathering Provision: 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). D. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements. Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-9: Experience Requirement: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSA 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 Echocardiography. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. E. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27, Medical Instrument Technician, dated March 17, 2006 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. 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 Spark M Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 459 Patterson Road Honolulu, HI 96819 US
• Name: Frances Medina
• Phone: 000-000-0000
• Email: [email protected]