The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) positions are assigned to the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Line Service at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) located in Conroe, Katy, Richmond/Sugar Land, Texas City, TX. Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-12042264-23-TH. 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 VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 2, Section D, Paragraph 5a. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-04 and GS-05 levels. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the United States must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional United States programs. Licensure or Certification. Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable at GS-06 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Grade Determinations: GS-09 Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-08), 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. Resume must include average hours worked per week for work experience credit. Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. 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. 2. *Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 3. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 4. *Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. 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. Preferred Experience: 2 to 3 years of sonography experience BLS certification ARDMS certification Ability to work independently References: VA Handbook 5005/15, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician Qualification Standard, dated March 17, 2006.The position is above Full Performance Level (GS-09). Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include moderate lifting and carrying, 15-44 pounds; good dexterity, use of both hands and fingers required; straight pulling and pushing; pulling hand over hand; reaching above shoulder; both legs required; prolonged walking, standing and repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) Environmental Factors. Work is performed in a health care setting. Working conditions include outside and inside work, exposure to radiant energy, occasional odors, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working alone, and working closely with others. The Medical Instrument Technician may be required to wear a mask and have protracted or irregular hours of work. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) ["This is an Open Continuous Announcement until September 30, 2023. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The duties of the Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) include, but are not limited to: Receives patients, explains methods of the procedure, positions the patient and makes necessary scanning adjustments. Independently performs standard ultrasound exams. Confers with the radiologist to establish requirements of nonstandard exams and determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness cut of scan, etc., to satisfy the requirements crucial to patient diagnosis. Schedules patients for exams, evaluates nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patients' priorities to accommodate them. Advises radiologist/referring physician of results of exam and provides preliminary diagnostic evaluation. Notifies them of significant exams requiring immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing exam. Reviews new developments in the field and makes recommendations to supervisor. Attends seminars, conferences, and continuing education programs. Evaluates new products and equipment for possible future purchase. Research, develop and formulate new techniques/procedures to be performed. Prepares exam suites for various procedures. Using aseptic/sterile technique sets up trays with proper needles, medications, if necessary, test tubes, etc., for the procedure. Maintains in room supplies and those required for ultrasound exams. Assists manufacturer representatives/biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions associated with ultrasound units. Performs non-imaging amplitude-modulated studies for determining anatomic midline position arid foreign body localization of organ position, form, structure, and physical consistency. Utilizes highly specialized units (e.g., digital echo viewer, micro viewer, sector viewer) to approve acceptability or reject ability of scans. Routinely performs procedures such as abdominal, liver, spleen, gallbladder, aorta, kidneys, thyroid gland, scrotum, and chest studies. Performs complex ultrasound procedures such as: (a) obstetrical exams including evaluation of gravid uterus and ovaries, (b) thyroid studies (using compound B-Scanner and real-time equipment) to evaluate for possible cystic and solid masses suspected from physical/nuclear medicine procedure findings (c) central nervous system studies (of the ventricular system) using A-mode techniques to detect for position and size of cerebral ventricles and abnormalities of the structures due to cerebral hematomas or other intracranial masses; (d) selected studies of extremities and small parts, e.g., femurs, legs, testicles, and axilla, to evaluate for femoral artery aneurysm cysts posterior to popliteal region, abnormalities of the testicles, and cystic vs. solid components in the axilla region. Determines technical factors such as depth, distortion, brightness, contrast, angulation and blood flow theory using complex special equipment. Basic nursing practice related to daily hospital care and first aid procedures for such occurrences as seizures, reactions to drugs, cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest, including use of oxygen to assist with breathing difficulties, the crash cart, equipment and medications given during cardiac arrest is required. Certification, knowledge, and skills in administering CPR are required. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments/repairs; exercises care in handling and safeguarding equipment. Checks equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures and reports malfunctions to section supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)/PD580-00781-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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