Incumbent performs complex ultrasound examinations. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures, and rearranges patients schedules to accommodate them. Maintains records and files of patients examined. Cross-indexes interesting cases for teaching purposes. NOTE: A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive is authorized for Highly Qualified Applicants. 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. NOTE: A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive is authorized for Highly Qualified Applicants. Incumbent's prior experience working in a Vascular Department and/or Intensive Care Units as a Medical Instrument Technician is HIGHLY PREFERRED. a. 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 as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE NEXT LOWER GRADE LEVEL (GS-8) LEVEL TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION. ***For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. *** b. GRADE DETERMINATION GS-9:Specialized Experience: Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-8 level which is directly related to the duties of the position and must fully meet the KSA's 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 KSA's and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSA's 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 manage and supervise employees if required. *5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training if required PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS: Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. c. Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 1. Special Assignments. Non-supervisory vascular 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-9 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. 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). ["The Medical Instrument Technician-Vascular: Advises Vascular Surgeons or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest and extremities, retroperitoneal space, pelvis, and Vascular studies for Performs a variety of routine and complex vascular examinations such as extremity arterial and venous duplex to include arterial and venous patency with flow measurements and characteristics (using pulse and continuous wave Doppler techniques). Additional extremity exams may include hemodialysis graft evaluation, venous mapping, and venous insufficiency scans in accordance with established practice guidelines. Will also perform abdominal aorta, carotid-artery duplex exams. Performs Ankle Brachial Index measurements (or ABIs). Participates in training of students, technicians so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Performs training of technicians or technologists for any new Ultrasound or Vascular procedure. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing and when necessary registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS) Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate results. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients, nurses, etc. understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to assure diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Obtains written consent whenever necessary (interventional, e.g., biopsy, aspiration, etc). Reviews related medical information found in the patient's electronic medical record to correlate lab and x-ray values for the Radiologist. Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. Assists quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Assures that preventative maintenance and any required QA is completed in a timely manner. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary: (weekly basis) Performs or schedules routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area, there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. Follows standard operating procedures for disinfection of all transducers utilized. Evaluate new products and equipment and make recommendations concerning developments which would improve operations. Forecast resource and equipment needs and make suggestions to service Chief. Develop protocols and update policies and procedure manuals as well as instruct new ultra-sonographers and medical students of correct methodology of diagnostic ultrasound procedures. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8: 00a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment Incentive is Authorized for highly qualified applicants. Financial Discloser Report: Not required Position Title/Functional Statement #:Med Inst Tech (Vascular)/PD81704F"]
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.
