The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) in the Imaging section, the incumbent performs noninvasive examinations involving the application of high frequency ultrasound to humans for diagnosis of disease. Must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images for patient diagnosis and treatment.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Incumbent is trained to work in a strictly operator dependent modality (ultrasound). Performs computerized ultrasound images of major and minor organ systems, including but not limited to, the abdomen, thyroid, scrotum, soft tissues, uterus, ovaries, and vessels. Must have complete and thorough knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and of the arterial and venous system. Routinely assesses patient's records for contraindications for ordered procedures. Possess the knowledge of and skills needed to access patient medical records (CPRS). Performs in a hospital setting all examinations ranging from routine to stat. Provides coverage of shifts and as on call basis. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and positioning of the patient and proper adjustment of the ultrasound equipment to include transducer selection. Manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the examination. The spectrum of diagnoses and pathology evaluated includes but is not limited to, tumor, stone, cyst, abscess, hematoma, inflammatory process, hemorrhage, aneurysm and / or dissection, quantification of size and shape of organ, thrombosis, direction of flow, etc. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examination through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Responsible for obtaining and reporting to the radiologist all pertinent history relevant to the examination. May be required to perform difficult and standardized ultrasound examinations. Performs a wide range of ultrasound examinations. Performs a wide range of small parts and GYN ultrasound studies including transvaginal ultrasound. Maintains effective control of the ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing, and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the department. Schedules patients for exams. Enters patients into Computerized Patient Record System and / or VISTA. Receives and identifies patients, explains procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts, and tables. Positions patient and performs the requested examination. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate the workload. Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, etc. Verifies all exams are properly documented and transferred to the PACS and / or electronic medical record. Has a thorough knowledge of all ultrasound procedures and examinations and keeps abreast of technological advances in the field of ultrasound and incorporates these advances into new examination procedures and / or in-service education for the technical staff. Properly identifies patient and patient images and exams, must be certain that the patient identification and the exam requests match the patient being examined and that the examination (including side of body) being performed are correct and clearly identified. Ability to vary test as needed to compensate for patient's age, individual medical conditions, variations in human anatomy, and body habitus. Properly identifies all images with body part or area, plane of image, and position of patient (if other than supine). Interviews patient obtaining patient medical history. Decontaminates non-critical reusable medical supplies and equipment used in any setting where patient care is provided (excluding equipment and supplies that require specialized cleaning procedures per the manufacturer)Communicates effectively with colleagues, students, hospital staff, and others. Assists the Radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures/ drainages, aspirations biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. Evaluates patients' anatomy pre- and post- transplantation including liver and kidney. Requires specialized knowledge of pre- and post- transplantation anatomy and physiology. Requires advanced knowledge and skill of color / spectral Doppler analysis to include but not limited to normal / abnormal resistive indexes, delta Ts, and acceleration times and the mathematical equations of their calculations. Performs monthly QA under the guidelines of American College of Radiology accreditation standards. Maintains BCLS certification. Has functional/operational knowledge of PACS Work Schedule: 6:00am -2:30pm, 7:00am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:00pm, 8:00am-4:30pm, and on call coverage. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Technician GS-9 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. 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. 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: Grade Determinations:GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. Assignment. This represents the full performance level for medical instrument technician (diagnostic ultrasound). At this level the technician is required to perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. They perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. They also work independently on evenings, nights, and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. Grade Determinations:GS-9. 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. (a) 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) (b) 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. 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 (c) 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. (d) 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. 1. 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 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27 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: ???????Moderate lifting, 15-30 pounds, Moderate carrying, 15-30 pounds, Straight pulling 2 hours, Pulling hand over hand 2 hours, Pushing 2 hours, Reaching above shoulder, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Walking 7 hours, Standing 7 hours, Repeated bending 2 hours, Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, Ability to distinguish basic colors, Hearing (aid permitted), Mental and emotional stability.

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 Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Jonathan Davis
• Phone: 405-439-1259
• Email: [email protected]