Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Summary This position is located with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Grand Forks - ND. The incumbent operates and performs a variety of complex - specialized - noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound examinations using doppler ultrasound - duplex sonography. Qualifications Basic Requirements: CitizenshipCitizenship of the United States(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) EducationThere are no specific educational requirements for this occupationLicensure or CertificationLicensure or Certification is not required for this occupationhowever - it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilitiesEnglish Language ProficiencyMedical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this partMay 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) GS-9 ExperienceAt 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 levelThis would be specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography servicesIn addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities1Knowledge 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*2Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements3Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels*4Ability to manage and supervise employees*5Ability to provide - or provide for - staff development and trainingCertificationRegistration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirableBasic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirablePreferred Experience: BLS certification and ARDMS Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this positionQuestions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Duties The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical CentersThis is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullestAs an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each VeteranThis is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's communityThis aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-beingMajor duties include but are not limited to: Alerts radiologist or referring physician to images of significant abnormalities that may require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examinationPerforms complex - specialized Duplex (B-scans - Doppler and ABI) examinations of the carotid - abdominal and other peripheral arteries and veinsKnowledge - experience with vascular flow rates - and measurement to maintain accurate vascular ultrasound records for same consistency may be achievedRegisters patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Veterans Integrated Systems Technology Application (VistA)Makes multiple gain - frequency settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to ensure accurate resultsDetermines necessary vascular ultrasound procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings based on clinical signs and symptomsManually clean and disinfect non-critical reusable equipment and surfaces - dispose of one time-use equipment and trash per facility policy - and restock supplies such as linens - cleaning productsInteract with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure - recognizing disabilities or impaired mobility and assisting the patient as necessaryProvide briefings - and orientations to hospital staff and providersDevelops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for general - and vascular ultrasound examinations to prevent delays of examinationsExplains procedure to be performed to the patients clearly including: the purpose of the study - requirements of the patients - how and when results of exam will be availableGathers relevant medical information: patient history - previous exams related to diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disordersCollaborate with scheduling staff for duration of the study - rearranging patients to accommodate emergencies - emergencies add on patients and walk in clinic patientsProvides clinical assistance - evaluations of students and provide constructive feedback during their trainingWork Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.