The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound images and the radiologist relies heavily on the skill, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing the final interpretation. Ultrasound imaging subspecialties include: Diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, retroperitoneal, doppler studies. Vascular technology - vascular and related organs, carotid, peripheral arterial and venous system doppler studies.

Duties

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. Duties consist of the below, but are not limited to: Performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations on multiple body areas including abdomen and pelvis for tumors, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions such as but not exclusive to pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their locations. Sets up, adjusts, and operates radiographic equipment. Selects the appropriate protocol(s), and conducts examination, adjusting technique and equipment to best present the medically significant aspects found. If unanticipated conditions or anomalies are discovered, extends, and modifies procedure to ensure full and accurate information as to findings and patient condition. Monitors patient condition during examination and, if necessary, renders emergency aid and summons assistance. Performs independently in an outpatient setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from routine to highly specialized. Performs evaluations of vertebral and renal artery, aortic aneurysms, and portal-systemic shunts. Performs vascular examinations with full knowledge of cross sectional and longitudinal anatomy of normal and abnormal vessels such as carotid arteries, peripheral arterial and venous system. Screens female patients within childbearing age for possible pregnancy. Documents screening on pregnancy screening worksheet with patient's signature. Follows 10-day rule for menstrual cycle. Contacts physician when pregnancy possible. If procedure performed on pregnant or potentially pregnant patient, uses radiation safety devices to properly shield patient during exposure. Knowledge of physiologic effects, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease. Recognizes aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and plaque formation. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. Knowledge and experience of Doppler physics required to recognize and properly generate true Doppler signals in the region of the critical artery systems bilaterally and in the peripheral arteries and veins and surgical grafts and arterial venous dialysis grafts. Demonstrates complete knowledge of appropriate use of transducers and sequences required to obtain diagnostic study, as well as ability to utilize, differentiate, and overcome physical and technical entities relevant to various scans. Performs infection control procedures for transducers and all equipment, and maintains appropriate technique/ universal precaution protocols in dealing with infectious patients. Controls critical technical factors on ultrasound unit that will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction, and diffraction. Advises radiologist or ordering physician on preliminary results of examination. Receives, identifies, explains methods of procedure to patient and family. Evaluates nature of critical and emergency procedures and arranges priorities to accommodate. Maintains quality assurance program of all ultrasound equipment, monitors, videotape machines. Handles age- specific patients and has knowledge of age specific standards ion regards to limitation of older persons and their care. Possess knowledge of Joint Commission regulations and standards as they apply to ultrasound field. Ability to evaluate products and equipment, making recommendations for purchase and operational improvements. Maintains BCLS certification. Has functional/operational knowledge of PACS. Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: M-F 8:00am -4:30pm Telework: Not Available Functional Statement #: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

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. 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. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. 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). Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. Ultrasound Sonography: 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)]. Grade Determination: GS-9 Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, which include: Ability to check systems for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines, knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed, knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results, ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed, skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, volunteers, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Assignments: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy.

Education

IMPORTANT: A legible 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 Erie VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504 US
• Name: Tanisha Graves
• Phone: (614) 747-4049
• Email: [email protected]