This position works directly with patients and Physicians and operates equipment that uses high-frequency soundwaves to take images and scans of the body's internal organs. Incumbent will operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment both in the department and in the portable setting. This position independently performs a wide range of routine and complex ultrasound exams and vascular studies; recognizing the need to make modifications during the examination.

Duties

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Interpret requests or instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Independently interpret and carry out the requests made by physicians. Prepares room, equipment and materials needed for patient procedures. Properly verifies the patient's identity using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification; follows VHA directives and policies. Make certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical. Explains procedures to patient in a manner that will gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension. Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to sonographer exam table utilizing safe patient handling techniques; ergonomic methods and devices. Positions the patient for desired results; utilizing positioning cushions and privacy shields as appropriate. Performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to the abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, pelvis and retroperitoneal space, for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs Intra-Operative Ultrasound examinations to assist the Interventional Radiologists in tumor ablation procedures in a sterile surgical environment. Sets up equipment, makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of the equipment, and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam; insuring accurate results. Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic health record, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family. Properly selects patient's information from the HIS/RIS list on the workstation, verifies patient information prior to scanning. Annotations are made, correct orientation of the image, configures the image before transmitting to PACS. Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and/or quality improvement activities of the department. Maintain a neat and clean work area, including desks and countertops at all times. Ensuring supplies within assigned work area are properly supplied/stocked so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Assist in maintaining inventory of supplies and notify supervisor of low level of supplies in a timely manner. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. Maintain Ultrasound equipment as directed by the manufacturer. Responsible for the quality assurance of the scan (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. Maintain electronic records of patient exams assuring that the images acquired are transferred into the patient record and perform clerical duties as related to patient care as it pertains to release of information and image disc creation. May be required to assist with diagnostic radiographic examinations. Assists the Interventional Radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. This requires the use of surgical sterile techniques, syringes, needles, contrast, etc. 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. Explain procedure, answer questions relating to the procedure, position patient for all necessary views and tend to their comfort for the duration of the procedure. Requires the exercise of judgement to assess and respond to patient's needs prior to, during, and after the procedure. 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. Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) that document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME. Performs or schedules routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Participates in on-call rotation, currently 1 week, every 4 weeks Work Schedule: 0800-1830 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen 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.) 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". Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-6 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy in order to receive and interpret physician requests for routine, standardized ultrasonography procedures. Knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body to adjust TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality. Knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties. 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. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable. GS-07 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. GS-08 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: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. 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 (*): 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. 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. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. *Ability to manage and supervise employees. *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. References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27- MIT Ultrasound Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-09. Physical Requirements: This position uses high frequency sound waves for medical imaging purposes. The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. It may involve walking, frequent bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and take apart equipment, lifting and positioning patients; and carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects. Duties may require above average dexterity.

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 Tucson VA Medical Center 3601 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85723 US
• Name: Bryce Thayer
• Phone: 8609643506
• Email: [email protected]