The Medical Instrument Technologist Diagnostic Ultrasound fully functional and can carry out the assigned tasks independently. The team member will have an assignment including examinations and procedures within the Ultrasound section. The objective of these exams and procedures is to produce ultrasound studies which are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by Radiologists to locate injuries, pathological conditions within the body so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be obtained.

Duties

Major Duties: The Medical Instrument Technologist serves as Ultrasound Technologist at our Lakeland CBOC. This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of ultrasonic waves to acquire images. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of particular interest to the physician. Technologist meets the requirements set forth in HPM 11-107; BLS Certification is maintained on a bi- annual basis and always complies. Accurately operates imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Works under the supervision of the Lakeland Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the Ultrasound section. Independently works on most exams but confers with Radiologists and Lakeland Supervisor on more difficult problems. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of Ultrasound imaging to include Thyroid, Abdomen- liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, abnormal contour, cysts, tumors, and various pathological disorders. Retroperitoneum - kidneys, adrenal glands, nodes, and urinary bladder using bi-stable and Gray Scale real time techniques. Pelvis - pelvic (abdominal & TV) urinary bladder, scrotum, prostate, when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Prepares patients for exams and explains procedures to patients while performing the studies. Obtain pertinent diagnostic examinations for the physician, which may be necessary for correlation between the ultrasound scan and the clinical history; differentiate artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations. Competent and educated in all service policies pertaining to the technologist and their assigned work section. Maintains knowledge of all department and ultrasound section policies, acknowledging the receipt and understanding of these policies by signing the supervisory copy of the policy. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Thoroughly reviews the Ultrasound orders, screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam. Inputs pertinent information into the designated computer systems and has knowledge to register, complete, cancel and edit exams. Ensures that all administrative duties which include but are not limited to the scheduled request log, pending log, hold log and incomplete log are done daily. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment, is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment. Adheres to the medical center's infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Technologist will check equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures. Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned in to the PACS system. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizenship 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.) 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. 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". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. 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. Education/Training. To be creditable education must have been gained in an accredited Community College, College, or University. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. Grade Determinations: 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 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). 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. Diagnostic Ultrasound Technicians operate diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Registration is offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). (See Appendix C) Positions should be assigned to the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), GS-647 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-649 series, since ultrasound duties solely do not require the delivery of ionizing radiation. Creditable Experience - Knowledge of Current Medical Instrument Technician Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with current Medical Instrument Technician practice appropriate to the identified specialty area. [Specialized developmental experience obtained under supervision of appropriately certified individuals may be credited at higher levels and is addressed in individual appendices.] Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and is directly related to the position/specialty to be filled.GS-9. 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). Grandfathering Provision. The following is the standard grandfathering policy for all Title 38 Hybrid qualification standards. Some of these provisions may not apply to this occupation. Please carefully review the qualification standard to determine the specific education and/or licensure/certification/ registration requirements that apply to this occupation. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory diagnostic ultrasound technicians may have assignments that because of their nature substantially exceed the full performance level. The Professional Standards Board will review proposed non-supervisory special assignments for the GS-9 level and make a determination regarding their appropriateness. These assignments are expected to be relatively few in number and must represent substantial additional responsibility over the full performance level. References: VA Handbook 5005/54 Part II Appendix GS27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS09. Physical Requirements: Perform procedures at patients' bedsides. Ultrasound technicians may be on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are ill or disabled. Position requires lifting of 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying of items (15 - 45 pounds); long periods of standing (up to 5 hours) and walking ( up to 4 hours); repeated bending (up to 4 hours); both hands and legs required; use of fingers; both eyes required; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color.

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 James A Haley Veterans Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, FL 33612 US
• Name: Paula Velez
• Phone: 813-816-7155 X100173
• Email: [email protected]