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. 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. 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. 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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. 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-8 (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. This would be experience which provided the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. 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. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. (c) Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable References: JUNE 7, 2012 VA HANDBOOK 5005/54 PART II APPENDIX G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8. ["The incumbent will function at the full performance level. The incumbent performs the most complex ultrasound examinations. The responsibilities of this position are to perform a variety of ultrasonic technical studies in the application of non-ionization high frequency waves to patients for diagnosis of disease and other abnormalities and assist physicians during interventional procedures. a. Independently performs a variety of routine small part, abdominal, gynecologic (pelvic transabdominal and endovaginal), obstetric (emergent first trimester), and breast examinations in accordance with established practice guidelines. b. Locate, identify, and determine compositions of cold nodules; differentiate benign renal cysts from malignant neoplasms; evaluate renal disease, liver abnormalities, pancreatic masses, and determining presence or absence of abdominal aortic aneurysms are among the variety of studies to be performed. c. Independently performs a variety of routine and complex vascular examinations using pulse and continuous wave Doppler and color Doppler techniques such as lower & upper-extremity arterial duplex, lower & upper-extremity venous duplex to include abdominal aorta duplex, carotid-artery duplex, hemodialysis graft evaluation, venous mapping, and venous insufficiency scans in accordance with established practice guidelines. d. Assists the radiologist with interventional procedures such as biopsies and fluid drainage. Determines depths, locations, and required needle angles for the lesions to be sampled. Instructs the radiology residents and fellow staff and students in all aspects of ultrasound. Manages the technique of residents and students performing scans and in the generation of images for interpretation. Advises radiologist or referring physician of results and provides a preliminary diagnostic evaluation. e. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the procedure. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. f. Performs invasive/special procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires \"scrub-in technique,\" preparation of surgical trays, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, clean-up trays, etc., after exam is completed. Adheres to infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. g. Appropriately uses the administrative menus, functions and tools applicable to the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture system (VISTA), the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) application, and iSITE (PACS) Radiology reading solution to accurately and effectively manage patient encounters, document treatment and care, and archive diagnostic imaging. h. Adheres to established facility patient identification policy and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients such that they are appropriately linked with their medical record and the services and treatments intended for them. i. Performs a variety of administrative functions required as part of the daily operations of the ultrasound modality to include but not limited to ultrasound desk coordinator, patient and exam registration duties, monitoring of VetLink self-service kiosk for outpatient check-in status, processes ultrasound requisitions(daily request printouts), coordinates emergent inpatient and outpatient exam add-ons into the daily schedule with local and house staff, and assists with the scheduling and work-up of invasive procedures such as biopsies. j. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize exam times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient. Work Schedule: Multiple shifts available, including weekends Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized-Recruitment Incentive authorized $15,000 for new appointments or appointments with a break in service of 90 days. EDRP Authorized: Contact Caronda.Slocum@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more"]

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