Independently performs Diagnostic Ultrasounds, Vascular Ultrasounds, including Carotid dopplers, Segmental and Diagnostic Radiological examinations. Schedules patients for examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedure, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Advises interpreting physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination.

Duties

Duties of the Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) include, but are not limited to: Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention' and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technicians so that these individuals may acquire understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. 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 diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing and when necessary registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. ; Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients is thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Gathers related information such as electronic medical record in CPRS, previous imaging exams out of Vista imaging, etc., so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. Assists quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary: (weekly basis). Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination unsanitary conditions. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 586-00626F 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. 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. 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). Grade Determination: GS 9.Experience. At least 1 year of 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 1. 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. *2. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *4. Ability to manage and supervise employees. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: 1. 3 years of experience as a regular Ultrasound technologist. 2. Registered/Certified to perform Vascular Ultrasound. e.g. (Carotid doppler exams). 3. Position requires to be able to cover "Call" for after-hours, weekends and holidays. 4. Position requires to be able to do "Portable" ultrasound exams within the facility. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying light items. Independently performs Ultrasound examinations while working closely with the Radiologists. Schedule patients for examinations, answer calls from providers and providing support for informational needs of the patients. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients scheduled to accommodate them. Advises interpreting physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Cross-indexes interesting cases for teaching purposes. The encumber will being performing all types of Ultrasound examinations on out-patients, ICU patients, Emergency-Room, and In- patients. This will require transporting and helping patients to the exam rooms and onto the examination tables. Preparing rooms for procedure that will require lifting of equipment, shields, and other needed instruments for imaging.

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 GV Sonny Montgomery VAMC 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive Jackson, MS 39216 US
• Name: Richard Cohen
• Phone: 504-422-9343
• Email: [email protected]