The Eastern Colorado Health Care System delivers extensive diagnostic imaging services to outpatients and inpatients on a 24/7 basis ranging from routine and complex general radiography (routine, fluoroscopy, bone densitometry, emergency portable and surgical C-arm/O-arm) to highly specialized imaging modalities including Ultrasound, CT, MRI, IR, Nuclear Medicine, PetCT, and Mammography. I 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. Education: There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. Licensure or Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)and/or by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) in Sonography and Vascular Sonography and/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. 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: (a) Experience. 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 (*): (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. K 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. (c) 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. (d) 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 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-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. References: VA Handbook 5005 II-G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9. ["Primary Job Duties: Independently perform a wide range of ultrasound examinations ranging for the routine to the highly specialized. Understand and apply the principles of ultrasound and utilize specialized ultrasound equipment to capture applicable anatomical structures or functions with the ability to recognize acceptable images and reject suboptimal scans. Prepare exam room and supplies with the ability to appropriately adjust the patient position and equipment features to acquire optimal imaging. Prepare ultrasound exam notations, identifying normal and pathological appearances, for final interpretation by the attending radiologist. Assist the radiologist in the performance and guidance of aspirations, biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment. Participate in the training of physicians, residents, and team members of the ultrasound team. Master utilization of all available computer resources to include HIS/RIS, EHR, PACS, scheduling and protocolling software. Research pertinent patient history, ensure orders are appropriate to the scan, consult with attending radiologist as needed. Ensure availability of and review previous scans. Perform quality assurance testing on ultrasound equipment to ensure optimal performance of imaging equipment. Apply Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by Medical Center and Radiology service Infection Control policies. Prepare reusable medical equipment following the manufacturer's instructions for use and sterile reprocessing in accordance with applicable guidance. Work Schedule: M-F, 0730-1600 may vary, call, rotating evening shifts. Position Description Title/PD#: Med Inst Tech (Diag Ultrasound)/PD550150 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items. Use of mobile ultrasound units requires twisting, turning, and reaching out to manipulate the ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help appropriate devices and other employees."]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
