This Medical Instrument Technician, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Ultrasound Imaging (US), position is assigned to the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Imaging Service; Ultrasound section within the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. This is a general medical and surgical facility, classified as a Level 1A facility.

Duties

At this level the Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, in addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-08 full performance level, position is non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. The technician possesses knowledge of the more complex examinations, 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. 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. The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Independently performs and is competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. Performs a diverse range of ultrasound imaging sub-specialties, to include: diagnostic medical sonography - abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic, musculoskeletal (MSK), a breast; and limited vascular sonography-arterial and venous doppler functions. Works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and section supervisor on more difficult problems. Uses judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus and when necessary, confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors to produce and satisfy requirements of ultrasound exams. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of procedures requiring their immediate attention. Independently performs more complex examinations, treatment procedures and techniques such as assisting with diagnosis and treatment in Interventional Radiology with Thrombin injections to treat pseudo- aneurysms; assisting the Gynecologist with Saline Infusion Sonograms (SIS) Procedures; intraoperative US guided procedures; Breast elastography; etc. Performs Interventional Ultrasound exams utilizing sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Works with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical /ultrasound team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/physician and the performance of the exam. They must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition and sterile field. Accurately operates a wide variety of ultrasound equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized procedures. Evaluates image quality and provides corrective actions, for example: by re-loading software and any other troubleshooting technique. The Technician will then notify biomedical engineers if further assistance is required. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, preop, urgent and routine exams. 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. Work Schedule: Main tour is Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with rotating call. Possible tours include 8 hour tour 7:00 am to 7:00 pm dependent on the needs of the service. 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

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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, per VA Handbook 5005, Qualification Standards. 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are required. NOTE: For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. GRADE REQUIREMENTS: 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. Additionally, the knowledge, skills, and abilities at the GS-08 grade level are: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. 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, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, GS-649 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

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 CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Jayme Cooper
• Phone: 717-222-1893
• Email: [email protected]