The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardio) at this level performs complicated examinations or treatments for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. The Echocardiograph sonographer functions proficiently in all aspects of the Non-Invasive Laboratory as a senior technician. The cardiac sonographer works efficiently and carries full responsibility for quality studies utilizing highly specialized ultrasound equipment.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Recognizes cardiac cross-sectional anatomy and pathophysiology, particularly pertaining to intracardiac structures viewed from numerous angles and planes to recognize anatomic features, motion characteristics and pathology to optimally image the heart for diagnostic results Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and/or incompetent valves, chamber enlargement and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves Identifies the need and perform complementary ultrasonic examinations when clinically indicated (including non-invasive) transthoracic echocardiography, strain studies, bubble studies, contrast echocardiography, stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography Assists the Cardiologist with stress echocardiography (pharmacological). Acquires diagnostic quality images in 90 seconds or less for assessment of cardiac anatomy, pathology and function during a pharmacological induced stress assessment 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 Communicates procedures effectively and professionally with patient and employees at varying professional levels Follows RME guidelines for sterilization process for TEE probes to include pre-cleaning and disinfection Accepts verbal orders in the case of an emergency and record entries into the patient's medical record for the procedure performed Performs post processing of 2D images both on the cardiac ultrasound machine (on cart) and the 2D reading station software (off cart) Works with Biomed to ensure completion of required electrical testing and maintenance logs Acknowledges and responds to life threatening echocardiogram and vascular findings, i.e. cardiac tamponade and deep vein thrombosis (DVT); and identification with history of pulmonary embolism with new onset of shortness of breath; offering cardiac ultrasound guidance when needed Assists in providing training and supervision of the ultrasound equipment, diagnostic image acquisition and interpretation of echocardiograms and vascular studies to the cardiologists, cardiology fellows, sonography students as well as fellow physicians, medical residents, medical students and other staff as needed Manages Vascular Ultrasound and Echocardiography images in Centricity, GE, Philips (other software packages) and copy to CD Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately Other duties as assigned in the cardiology non-invasive department to include completion of 12 lead ECG studies, cardiac event monitor placement and vital signs Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm. Tour of duty subject to change based on agency needs. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD01722A 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 Determinations: GS-9 Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) Experience: At least 1 year 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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography 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. 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 Echocardiography. *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) 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. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: 1-2 years of experience References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standards. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must possess the physical and mental health of the position. Engages in physical activities that involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, balancing, and kneeling to provide patient care in a changing environment.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Columbia VA Health Care System 6439 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, SC 29209 US
• Name: Melinda Shelton
• Phone: (216) 372-3938
• Email: [email protected]