Career Center

Summary

This individual will work in the Cardiac Non-Invasive Laboratory under the supervision of the technical supervisor along with the Director - Non-Invasive Cardiac Lab - and under the general supervision of the Chief of the Cardiology and other Staff Cardiologists. This individual is responsible for performing the following technical diagnostic test: echocardiograms and stress echocardiograms.

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.

Basic Requirements:

• 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
• Licensure or Certification
• Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation
• however - it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilities
• English Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - Part II - section D - paragraph 5a
• 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-9. In addition to the core competencies defined at the GS-8 full performance level - positions at this grade may be lead - supervisory - or non-supervisory with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments
• (a) 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
• 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
• KSAs 1 - 2 - and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level
• KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment.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
• (c) 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
• (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
• References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/15 MARCH 17 - 2006 PART II APPENDIX G27The full performance level of this vacancy is GS9
• Physical Requirements: Must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting - standing - bending - transferring - stooping - stretching - walking - pushing - or pulling without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other
• A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy
• There will be intermittent exposure to blood and body fluids.

Duties

• DUTIES TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Perform a complete echocardiogram test by obtaining and recording real time two dimensional ultrasound pictures - m-mode - pulsed and continuous wave and color doppler
• Incumbent will be responsible for specific measurements and calculations that will be included in the echocardiogram test
• Be proficient in operating a diagnostic ultrasound machine to obtain quality images to be digital recorded for cardiologist review
• Prepares preliminary diagnostic report for each echocardiogram for review by the cardiologist
• Alert physicians to findings on the echocardiogram that may require prompt intervention before an official interpretation can be rendered (i.e
• severe pericardial effusion with tamponade - aortic dissection - severe valvular heart disease - new intra-cardiac masses - vegetations - or thrombi)
• Is responsible for organizing daily workload in the echocardiography lab - ordering supplies and maintaining equipment
• Will be flexible to do stat/emergent echocardiograms
• Is responsible for \"trouble- shooting\" diagnostic ultrasound equipment when problems occur
• Be responsible for calling Biomedical technician to repair equipment
• Trains cardiology fellows in echocardiographic techniques to obtain standard views and assist in teaching them echocardiographic interpretation
• Will be responsible for taking and recording vital signs during stress echo test and transesophageal echo test and post TEE recovery
• Will keep up to date in echocardiographic literature and keep abreast of technical developments and evolving applications in the field of echocardiography
• Will participate in clinical echocardiography reading sessions
• Will participate in special research studies by doing transthoracic echos according to protocol
• Will process encounter form in CPRS for all echo tests done (i.e
• Transthoracic - Transesophageal echo - Dobutamine stress echo - Exercise stress echo) Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and can effectively perform during emergent situations
• Maintain CPR certification
• Will perform official duties relating to the access of sensitive printed or electronic files in a confidential manner utilizing security procedures as described in the computer access agreement
• Work Schedule: 8 AM - 4:30 PM - Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized