As 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. The incumbent must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images for patient diagnosis and treatment. 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. Must be proficient in the English Language 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: (1) Experience. All applicants must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-08 level. Specialized experience includes: 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. 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. Perform a full range of procedures including special complicated examinations for which there are no standard instructions or procedures. Perform independent portable ultrasound examinations in ICUs, Emergency Room, Surgery, and the Medical Center when required. (2) 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-09 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. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): (a). 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. (b).* Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. (c). Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. (d). * Ability to manage and supervise employees (e). * Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. References: Meets the qualification standard for the GS-08 Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) as defined in VA Handbook 5005, Part II Appendix G27, Appendix C, Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Qualification Standard GS-0649 Veterans Health Administration. Dated May 13, 2021. The incumbent is a certified Ultrasound Sonographer. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-09 level. Physical Requirements: Able to sit at a desk working at a computer, engage in light to moderate physical activity including sitting, walking, bending, and carrying supplies. Applicants must be able to perform primarily light and sedentary duties with occasionally moderate physical demands, exercise patience, and control emotions, with reasonable accommodation, if necessary, without endangering the health and safety of the applicant or others. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until Friday, September 29, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be August 31, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on every Monday. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Primary 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 including but not limited to the liver, gallbladder, hepatobiliary tree, pancreas, spleen , kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, aorta, inferior vena cava, portal vein, hepatic artery, SMA, celiac axis, renal arteries and veins, iliac arteries and veins, scrotum and testes with vascular documentation, evaluation of liver and kidney transplants, evaluation for abnormal masses or fluid, evaluation for the functional integrity of TIPS shunt with spectral and color Doppler imaging, localization for needle biopsy, thoracentesis, paracentesis, fluid aspiration, abscess drainage, and RFA probe placement. 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 patient information into the electronic health record. - 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. Participates in accredited continuing education programs in accordance with the VA and ultrasound registry requirements, including maintenance of documentation of this education, reporting to the supervisor on an annual basis. - Properly identifies patient and patient images and exams. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films/ images/ exams to patient does not occur. The ultrasound technologist 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. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM As Needed Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91754-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
