Primary assignment will include 5 days per week at the Temple location (Travel to Austin may be required.). The echo technician will have knowledge and experience to provide all aspects of echocardiographic services. He or she will independently perform routine and complex transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and contrast echocardiograms. The technician will assist physicians with transesophageal echocardiogram and other procedures requiring echocardiography. 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 chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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: Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) GS-09 Experience. At least 1 year 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 echocardiography services. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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 Echocardiography. 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. 5. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification: Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: Ability to perform good quality transthoracic echocardiograms using 2D, M-mode, PW doppler, CW doppler and color doppler imaging. Ability to perform transthoracic echocardiograms from multiple windows, including parasternal, apical, subcostal, and suprasternal windows. Ability to recognize abnormal cardiovascular findings and adapt transducer position, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient and indication. Ability to perform echocardiographic bubble studies, pharmacologic contrast studies, exercise and dobutamine stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Previous exposure to 3D echocardiography and strain and strain-rate imaging is desirable. References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix G27 dated March 17, 2006. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 45 pounds. ["This position represents duties and responsibilities beyond the full performance level. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record routine and complex anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically-significant conditions through ultrasound imaging and recordings of Doppler. They incorporate patient symptoms and conditions to develop a comprehensive diagnostic examination, consisting of two-dimensional, doppler, and M-mode ultrasound. They change studies to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They obtain measurements of cardiac structures and doppler flow signals and calculate parameters such as ejection fraction, valve area, left atrial volume index, cardiac output, diastolic filling parameters, RVSP, and other variables on a comprehensive basis. Work Schedule: M-F Rotating shift 0700-1500, 0730-1600 or 0800-1630 Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50328-F"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.
The Grand Junction VA Medical Center services those who serve our country providing critical medical services including acute and chronic inpatient and outpatient care. The facility consists of 53-bed capabilities for surgical procedures, specialty care, psychiatric in/outpatient services, as well as a Community Living Center, and social programs and services. The service area encompasses western Colorado and eastern Utah regions and includes the primary VAMC plus four satellite clinics.