Medical Instrument Technician; Diagnostic Ultrasound

Summary

This position works directly with patients and Physicians and operates equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to take images and scans of the body's internal organs. Incumbent will operate diagnostic ultrasound equipment both in the department and in the portable setting. This position independently performs a wide range of routine and complex general ultrasound exams and vascular ultrasound studies - recognizing the need to make modifications during the examination.

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.

• 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 Grade Determination: GS-9 The full performance level of this vacancy is 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
• Experience:
  
  At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-8) - 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 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: 1
• Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques 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
• 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)
• Certification (Preferred - not required):
  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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties and responsibilities include - but are not limited to:
  Interpret requests or instructions from radiologists or medical officers
• Prepare room - equipment and materials needed for patient procedures
• Properly verifies the patient's identity using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification
• follows VHA directives and policies
• Explain procedures to patients in a manner that will gain cooperation - understanding - and allay apprehension
• Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to sonographer exam table utilizing safe patient handling techniques
• ergonomic methods and devices
• Positions the patient for desired results - utilizing positioning cushions and privacy shields as appropriate
• Performs diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body - including - but not limited to the abdomen - neck - chest - extremities - pelvis and retroperitoneal space - for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders
• Performs Intra-Operative Ultrasound examinations to assist the Interventional Radiologists in tumor ablation procedures in a sterile surgical environment
• Sets up equipment - makes multiple…