The responsibilities of this position are to perform a variety of ultrasonic technical studies in the application of non-ionization high frequency waves to patients for diagnosis of disease and other abnormalities and assist physicians during interventional procedures.

Duties

Functions: a. Independently performs a variety of routine small part, abdominal, gynecologic (pelvic transabdominal and endovaginal), obstetric (emergent first trimester), and breast examinations in accordance with established practice guidelines. b. Locate, identify, and determine compositions of cold nodules; differentiate benign renal cysts from malignant neoplasms; evaluate renal disease, liver abnormalities, pancreatic masses, and determining presence or absence of abdominal aortic aneurysms are among the variety of studies to be performed. c. Independently performs a variety of routine and complex vascular examinations using pulse and continuous wave Doppler and color Doppler techniques such as lower & upper-extremity arterial duplex, lower & upper-extremity venous duplex to include abdominal aorta duplex, carotid-artery duplex, hemodialysis graft evaluation, venous mapping, and venous insufficiency scans in accordance with established practice guidelines. d. Assists the radiologist with interventional procedures such as biopsies and fluid drainage. Determines depths, locations, and required needle angles for the lesions to be sampled. Instructs the radiology residents and fellow staff and students in all aspects of ultrasound. Manages the technique of residents and students performing scans and in the generation of images for interpretation. Advises radiologist or referring physician of results and provides a preliminary diagnostic evaluation. e. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the procedure. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. f. Performs invasive/special procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique," preparation of surgical trays, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, clean-up trays, etc., after exam is completed. Adheres to infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. g. Appropriately uses the administrative menus, functions and tools applicable to the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture system (VISTA), the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) application, and McKesson (PACS) Radiology reading solution to accurately and effectively manage patient encounters, document treatment and care and archive diagnostic imaging. h. Adheres to established facility patient identification policy and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients such that they are appropriately linked with their medical record and the services and treatments intended for them. i. Performs a variety of administrative functions required as part of the daily operations of the ultrasound modality to include but not limited to ultrasound desk coordinator, patient and exam registration duties, monitoring of VetLink self-service kiosk for outpatient check-in status, processes ultrasound requisitions (daily request printouts), coordinates emergent inpatient and outpatient exam add-ons into the daily schedule with local and house staff, and assists with the scheduling and work-up of invasive procedures such as biopsies. Work Schedule: 0800-1630 M-F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).] Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Preferred Experience: General and Vascular Ultrasound experience References: VA Handbook 5005/119 December 13, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy from GS-06 to GS-08 GRADE REQUIREMENTS. a. Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. b. Specialized Assignments. Specialized areas of radiologic technology include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R), bone densitometry (BD), mammography (M), diagnostic ultrasound (S), computed tomography (CT), [ ] magnetic resonance imaging (MR), [ ] [interventional radiologic technology (IR)], quality management (QM), [picture archival communication system (PACS) technologist, MRI safety officer (MRSO), imaging administrator, clinical program director, and clinical instructor.] [ ] Ultrasound ([Diagnostic/Vascular] Sonography) (S), [ (VS)]. Positions should be assigned to the DRT, GS-0647 series, when both ultrasound and other modalities which require the delivery of ionizing radiation are performed. Positions in which ultrasound duties are performed exclusively (no other modalities are performed), should be assigned to the medical instrument technician, GS-0649 series, since ultrasound duties solely do not require the delivery of ionizing radiation. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Within this specialization, there is a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties. These include: 1) diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, [musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and 2) vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler, spectral analysis, and calculating ankle brachial index (ABI)]. [Medical Instrument Tech/[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-6 [] (1) Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as developmental DRTs, performing examinations which are routine and standardized in nature. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They must also troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure. (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning. [Medical Instrument Tech/[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-7 [] Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Assignment. DRTs at this level perform a full range of duties but receive guidance and directions regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues. Candidates at this grade level may be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. [Medical Instrument Tech/[Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist], GS-8 [] Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.

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 Durham VA Medical Center 508 Fulton Street Durham, NC 27705 US
• Name: Gary Byles
• Phone: 919-286-0411 X4949
• Email: [email protected]