The Medical Instrument Technician (DUT) operates diagnostic ultrasonic scanning equipment to produce cross sectional and two and three dimensional pictures of internal organs and body structures used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. The incumbent also works off-hour shifts, weekends, on-call, and holidays as priorities demonstrate a need. 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: MSTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Certification: Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are 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 GS-8: Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) 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 the overall knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct diagnostic ultrasound examinations in complex and unusual cases. i.e 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. Knowledge of zoom, expansion, prospectus, color Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler. Knowledge of the digital transmission of images. Ability to alter standard, but complex procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations.) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examination on multiple areas of the body, including, but not limited to, the abdomen, pelvis, transvaginal, chest, small parts, thyroid, breast, and scrotum. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Duties: Performs a full range of ultrasound procedures including special complicated examinations for which there may not be standard instructions or procedures. Performs independent portable ultrasound examinations in the intensive care units, emergency room, surgery, and throughout the Medical Center when required. Works independently on evenings, nights and weekend tours of duty as scheduled and/or when on call. Records and processes images for interpretation by a staff Radiologist or resident. Alerts Radiologist of emergent or abnormal findings and forwards initial interpretation of findings to Radiologist for final interpretation. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to complete these examinations first. Inspects all Transvaginal Probes for expiration and returns expired probes to SPS for recleaning. Maintains Transvaginal probe cleaning log. Participates in the training of students, radiology technologies and residents so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound. Performs other related duties as necessary such as, but not limited to, answering telephones, transporting patients, room utilization, processor and equipment maintenance records, reject analysis, and productivity studies Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm or 8:30pm- 5:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized"]
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. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.