The Specialty Care service is looking to recruit for one (1) Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography). Echocardiography Technicians operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall.
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. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidate must be proficient in spoken and written English. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the criteria discussed in the applicable headings, or that defined in the appendices, must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS 9 Experience: At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08), which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of echocardiography services. GS-9 Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the experience above, applicants must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk. 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. 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 Echocardiography. 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. This vacancy is being announced above the full performance level GS-08. Physical Requirements: In accordance with VA Directive and Handbook 5019 - Employee Occupational Health Service
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardia! effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves. Perform complementary ultrasonic examinations, including transthoracic, bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Schedules exams in a manner that optimizes all of the echocardiogram procedures and the coordination of equipment while maintaining flexibility for emergent cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. The technician must be able to perform cardiac ultrasounds on ambulatory outpatients, inpatients and patients hospitalized in the intensive care areas. Is responsible for the preliminary report from the examination and proper notification of found critical value studies. Properly identifies patient through the VISTA CPRS. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. and the request are identical. Ask each patient to verbally confirm two approved patient identifiers before proceeding with exam. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand the procedure that is to be performed. Responsible for stocking and inventory of the supplies and related material for the Echocardiography Laboratory. Continually reviews new developments, techniques, and technologies in cardiac imaging and procedures to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes. Assist in writing policies, procedures, and protocols that pertain to echocardiography and contribute to performance improvement projects in the Echocardiography Laboratory. Work Schedule: Full-time, 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday Functional Statement #: 60696-A