The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. A recruitment incentive may be approved for highly qualified candidates. 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. English Language Proficiency. Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English. No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Grade Determinations: GS-9 Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound): Experience. You must possess at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower (GS-8) grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. 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 (*):You must demonstrate the core competencies for the GS-8 full performance level which 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, 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 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. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. Preferred Experience: ARDMS (abdomen) Certification References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 PART II APPENDIX G27 ["Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Perform advanced specialized breast ultrasound exams. Work directly with the Chief of Mammography to complete advanced mammo procedures as directed. b. Performs in a hospital setting all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. The spectrum of examination performed includes, but is not limited to: abdomen for tumors, stones, cysts, abscesses, hematomas, inflammatory lesions, such as pancreatitis, and sizes of organs and their location, evaluations of abdominal aorta for aneurysm and/or dissection, vascular ultrasound venous studies to r/o Deep Venous Thrombosis, peripheral arterial studies to r/o stenosis. Responsible for obtaining pertinent diagnostic examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized equipment well enough to essentially approve the acceptability or reject ability of each scan. This includes: preparation and supplies, scanning motions, TCG (Time Compensated Gain), Doppler, doppler color flow, plethysmography, zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination and initial interpretation the examination. Interpreting the examination requires identifying normal and pathologic appearances. Pathologic appearance includes: intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass to name just a few. Initial interpretation will be forward by the Ultrasound Technologist to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed focus, linear phased array and annular phased array, transducers depending on the examination and the anatomy to be imaged. Advises radiologist or referring physician of results of exams. Maintains effective control of the Ultrasound area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the daily work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Enters patients into the Computerized Patient Record System. Receives and identifies patients, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchairs, carts and tables, positions the patient and performs examinations requested. Coordinates and performs all examination scheduling. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. Maintains records of patients treated, exams performed, scans taken, etc. 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 in service educational programs for the radiology technical staff. Supervises and trains rotating x-ray and ultrasound students and technologists in Ultrasound. Supervises and trains volunteers working within the Ultrasound department. Maintains a quality assurance program of all ultrasound scanning equipment, TV and video monitor, videotape machines, and cameras. Performs preventative maintenance as required. Troubleshoots equipment used in Ultrasound and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to Biomedical service representative. Properly identifies patient images and exams. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films/images/exams to patients does not occur. The Ultrasound Technologist must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's age, individual medical conditions, and body habitus. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the procedure to be performed. Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. And reports patient history to interpreting radiologists. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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