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Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Med Instrument Tech (Echocardiography)OCA

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383

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Overview

The Echocardiography Technician has the intimate knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function. They will work in Department of Specialty Care at the Joseph M Cleland Atlanta VAMC. This announcement will be open continuously. Qualifications

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. GS-06 : To meet the requirements for the GS-6 grade level MIT (Echocardiography) do you possess

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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels. Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and their relationship to hemodynamic conditions of the cardiac cycle. Knowledge of basic cardiac ultrasound physics and the acoustic mechanisms by which high quality cardiac images are obtained. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for standardized, routine procedures. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning the patient for the procedure.

GS-07 : To meet the requirements for the GS-7 grade level MIT (Echocardiography) do you possess at least 1 year of specialized 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 knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures.

Ability to scan transthoracic echocardiograms in all views with color flow and some Doppler. Ability to conduct cardiac testing to determine the severity and variety of cardiac problems such as valvular dysfunction, myocardial wall kinesia, effusions, endocardial lesions. Knowledge of the set-up for transesophageal echocardiograms. Ability to set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient and to operate the equipment for more complex, but standardized, procedures.

GS-08 : To meet the requirements for the GS-8 grade level MIT (Echocardiography) do you possess at least 1 year of specialized 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 knowledge of proper performance of endoscopic equipment and procedures.

Ability to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and colorflow Doppler imaging. Knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations including noninvasive transthoracic, bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, invasive stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings.

GS-09 : In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-08 full performance level, positions at this grade may be lead, supervisory, or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments.

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 experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services. The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:

Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures, including maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems. Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (balloon pump). Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training.

Certification: Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.

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 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: Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certifications upon hire; References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09 The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-06 to GS-09 Physical Requirements: Able to meet the physical demands of the position Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions While performing duties of this job the Echocardiography Technician is frequently required to stand, walk, bend and reach Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds. Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Ability to perform 2D, M-Mode, continuous and pulsed wave Doppler and color flow exam Performs transthoracic examinations Performs stress echocardiograms with and without pharmaceuticals Assists Cardiology Fellows with results of exam Receives patients, explains procedure and performs exam Assists Cardiology Fellows in performing and interpreting echo exams Independently setting up, calibrating and operating of machinery Knowledge of normal echocardiography findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases Ability to perform complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the four chambers of the heart using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves, chamber enlargement, pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed valves Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations including noninvasive transthoracic echocardiography, bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, invasive stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography Ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient being studied and the problem being evaluated including recognizing pertinent abnormalities and documenting abnormal findings Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning and prepping the patient for procedure Ability to follow policy for sterilization process for TEE probes Ability to complete diagnostic studies ordered by and in collaboration with physician on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision Coordinates appointments/workload according to appropriateness of patients and staffing Ability to accept verbal orders and record entries into the patient's medical record for the procedure performed Compliance with data, revising reports and completing reports for physician review Ability to manage Echocardiography images in Xcelera and copy to CD Ability to schedule clinic appointments using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture VISTA in accordance with the business rules outlined in the VHA directive 2006-005 Outpatient Scheduling Processes and Procedures Demonstrates knowledge and use of general business rules outlined in the VHA Directive 2006-005 Outpatient Scheduling Processes and Procedures Ability to use established business rules for Enrollment and Registration, Scheduling, Consult Management, Use of the VistA Electronic Wait List EWL, Handling No-Shows, Patient Cancellations, and Clinic Cancellations as applicable to job Ability to use insurance software as instructed to ensure capture of all insurance information during check-in Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, tours vary from 0800-1630; Functional Statement numbers: 521-FS-409, 521-FS-410, 521-FS-411

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