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. The incumbent incorporates the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. This position is associated with an EKG tech

Duties

Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following: 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. The incumbent incorporates 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. Diagnostic ultrasound entails the performance of noninvasive examinations involving the application of high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease. Such examinations may consist of the performance of non- imaging amplitude-modulated studies for determining anatomic midline position and foreign body localization, or the performance of imaging studies for visualization and determination of organ position, from structure, and physical consistency. Procedures in the discipline are considered operator (rather than equipment) oriented and require knowledge and ability to recognize organ pathology in order to determine proper equipment settings, through knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and acoustical physics; and understanding of the functioning (including underlying principles) of the equipment. Cardiac Ultrasound examinations at this level are performed independently with little to no supervision of a physician who is responsible for the use and interpretation of the procedures. Performs echocardiography studies involving analysis of the heart structure and the range of movement of component elements, such as the valves. Diagnostic ultrasound technicians initially interpret and generate measurements of sonographic tracings while they are being generated. Examinations require the constant interaction between the patient and the technician and the equipment. The equipment controls must be continually adjusted to alter amplitude and the position of the probe on the patient's body must be constantly varied depending on the technician's instantaneous recognition of the image being produced. Specific diagnostic patterns must be recognized during the test to be able to perform a proper and complete examination. Judgment and decision-making are inherent in this technology in the false positive and the false negative tracings can be obtained if the technician is not thoroughly familiar with organ pathology and technique. Utilizes Xcelera cardiology storage system. The incumbent independently performs the full range of electrocardiograph procedures, and related examinations, such as applying ambulatory monitoring devices, scanning Holter recordings, event monitor strips and editing EKG, Holter, and treadmill reports. Utilizes MUSE cardiology storage system. Receives request and/or, consults for procedures. Receives assignment for which clear precedents exist. Receives assignments that require application of standard procedures or that have special procedures identified and explained. Incumbent understands and carries out the appropriate requests made by practitioners or seeks assistance of the supervision when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is requested. Instructs patient pre-procedure to ensure confidence and cooperation of patient during procedures. Independently explains various procedures including need for positions on table or treadmill, monitoring equipment, adverse reactions to stressing agents. Explains requirements for accurate monitoring and necessity of diary entries. Answers question by patient and or family members. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 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 is 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 the GS-06 grade level or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English Grade Determinations: GS 07 Grade Level: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the GS-6 level which demonstrates the KSA's & other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided knowledge of the equipment, standard tests & procedures, & typical readings including arrhythmias & abnormalities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of typical patient reactions & signs of distress including the ability to recognize, report & treat potentially lethal arrhythmias. 2. Knowledge of common equipment settings & standardized procedures plus knowledge of common errors & corrective measures. 3. Ability to modify procedures/positions to obtain the correct results with patients with complicating conditions such as amputations, Parkinson's disease, structural defects, & scar tissue. 4. Ability to act as a mentor or preceptor to lower graded technicians. Ability to conduct in-service training on the EKG equipment & related instrumentation Certification: No certification is required; however, it is desirable that employees at this level have BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) & ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certifications Assignment: This represents the full performance level. Medical instrument technicians (EKG) at this level operate and monitor electrocardiographic equipment to perform specialized examinations and studies involving exercise stress testing, ambulatory monitoring of arrhythmias, and indirect carotid pulse tracings on chronic patients. They monitor tracings to identify arrhythmias and when gross abnormalities appear, when to repeat certain procedures, when to stop test procedures, and when to get the immediate attention of a physician. They evaluate test results to determine appropriate machine adjustments and use alternative techniques and procedures when established procedures do not accomplish acceptable results. This includes adapting equipment and accessories to yield the best results during the examination. They edit and select an appropriate sample portion of the tracing for further interpretation by the physician. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds, pushing, repeated bending, both legs required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, hearing (aid permitted). Environmental factors: electrical energy, working around machinery with moving parts, working closely with others. Good visual abilities to read equipment label, equipment gauges/monitors, and observe the patient's condition, often in dim lighting required for the exam.

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 Fayetteville NC VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 US
• Name: Ltanya Walker
• Phone: 919-503-8223
• Email: [email protected]