This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The incumbent of this position works in Diagnostic Imaging service at Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center (VAWW). Independently performs standard and complex ultrasound examinations. Evaluates the nature of urgency related to exams and procedures, managing patient flow to accommodate them. Incumbent will maintain records and imaging files of patients examined. Duties will include: Reviews orders and notes in Cerner to verify appropriate exam and patient's medical history. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Gathers related information such as current symptoms, prior imaging, patient history etc., so that correlation of examinations may be made by the radiologist in diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAWW policy, confirms identity on order, and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the Radiologist. Explains examinations to be performed, in a manner appropriate to the patient's ability to understand, the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Advises radiologists of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results based on sonographic findings. Acquires high quality images of the abdomen, small parts, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space, and vascular studies that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Incumbent will adhere to all infection control procedures according to Joint Commission and WWVAMC guidelines and advises Supervisor of possible noncompliance with said standards. Additionally, Incumbent shall advise administrative staff of possible infection and patient fall risks along with near accidents and the proper ways to avoid them. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations to minimize delays of examinations. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Interpret requests and instructions from medical providers under the guidance of the radiologist. Experience in Joint Commission readiness preparation. Incumbent is aware of and practices the RME processes for various pieces of equipment including disinfection and sterilization processes. Incumbent shall identify system errors and work with the Supervisor, facility leadership and BioMed department to facilitate the effective and timely service of sonographic equipment. Work Schedule: M-F 07:30am to 04:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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. 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". 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: 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. 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 (*): 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. Preferred Experience: 3 years General Abdomen OB/GYN and vascular ultrasound experience and ARDMS certifications in at least two. References: VHA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is at GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds), Light carrying (under 15 pounds), Reaching above shoulder, Both hands required, Standing (4 hours). Environmental Factors: Working around machinery with moving parts.

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 Jonathan M Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center 77 Wainwright Drive Walla Walla, WA 99362 US
• Name: Jinho Chu
• Phone: 253-582-8440 X75446
• Email: [email protected]