The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Mid Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6). VA Medical Center, in Nursing Service, Asheville, NC. The incumbent provides support duties relative to the technical functioning of the Cardiology Section of Nursing Service.

Duties

An Echocardiography Technician at this level is responsible for performing echocardiography exams which range from the routine to the complex in all echocardiography modalities, which may require problem solving, communication and writing skills, as well as knowledge of regulatory and industry compliance and accreditation issues. A minimum of four (4) years' experience as a full-time echocardiographer demonstrating advanced knowledge, skill, and abilities for all modalities of echocardiography scanning and information analysis is preferred. Ability to produce 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. Knowledge of normal echocardiography findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc. . Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) trans-thoracic echocardiography, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography (invasive), stress echocardiography, and trans-esophageal echocardiography. Ability to acquire images using 3D echo capability as needed. . Ability to adapt 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 use Definity to enhance picture quality. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning and prepping the patient for procedure. Ability to follow policy for pre-cleaning TEE probes and has knowledge of the sterilization process. Ability to complete diagnostic studies ordered by and in collaboration with physician on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision; works with coworkers to coordinate appointments/ workload according to appropriateness of patients/ staffing; prioritizes in/outpatients and requests throughout the day. Ability to manage Echocardiography images in Xcelera system and copy to CD as needed. Knowledge of more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques. Knowledge of TJC and other regulatory requirements. m. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to function as back-up technician for performing 12-lead EKGs, and ZIOS monitor placement. Ability to confer with Cardiology/Echo physician for difficult exams and notifies the Cardiology/Echo physician of results of exam, as needed. Working knowledge of EKG and Echo-related diagnostic equipment. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Knowledge of TJC and other regulatory requirements. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; day tour with call requirement Recruitment Incentive: $15,000 sign on bonus for a 2 year commitment, for Highly qualified individuals Registered Cardiac Sonographer.

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: One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7. 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. Grade Determinations: GS-8Experience. 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to produce 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. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Ability to perform 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 and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves, etc. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Ability to adapt 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. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. 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. Assignment. This represents the full performance level. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-08 level. Physical Requirements: The work requires standing or walking for a major portion of the work day. The walking will often require carrying supplies or pushing carts and equipment. Standing will require holding patients or stocking supplies. This may occupy half of the work day and will hence be considered demanding physical activity. A certain mechanical dexterity is required in the replacement of parts and the repair of equipment to restore or maintain operability after faults are identified.

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 Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 US
• Name: Cesar Busanet
• Phone: 980-401-2564
• Email: [email protected]