Summary The Medical Instrument Technician (Cardiac Sonographer) operate diagnostic equipment to graphically record the position and motion of the heart walls or the internal structure of the heart and neighboring tissue by the echo obtained from beams of ultrasonic waves directed through the chest wall. The MIT conducts basic equipment maintenance, performs quality control measures, reports abnormal findings to physicians, and completes other administrative, technical or clerical tasks as required Responsibilities Major duties: Performs all cardiac ultrasound examinations independently of the cardiac circulatory system (heart and surrounding structures) for the purpose of acquiring high quality ultrasounds that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's medical disorders. Demonstrates skill in obtaining trans-thoracic echocardiograms in all views based on protocol. Obtains color flow and Doppler images and measurements as defined by protocols. Proficient in performing complementary ultrasonic examinations (non-invasive and invasive) such as transthoracic, bubble studies, contrast echocardiography, stress echocardiography, Dobutamine stress echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiocraphy. Adjusts TGC (Time Gain Compensation) for optimal image quality through utilization of knowledge of tissue harmonics and soundwave propagation within the body. Uses knowledge of the physics of velocity, frequency of soundwaves, and their physical properties as well as knowledge of zoom, expansion, color flow Doppler, and pulsed echo Doppler in the daily performance of ultrasound imaging in order to ensure optimal imaging results. Interacts and communicates with the patient, using knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology, to obtain a brief history and physical pertinent to cardiovascular disease with familiarity of the associated signs and symptoms. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients so that an understanding of the purpose of the study, as well as, any requirements of the patient is thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate ultrasound study may be obtained in an effort to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders. Properly sets up ultrasound equipment for standard, routine, and semi-complex procedures. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of ultrasound equipment to meet the conditions of the examination and the patient. On the basis of radiologic and clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Abides by and follows procedures and protocols to meet patient needs and physical limitations. Understands and follows the preparation of patients for procedures (pharmacologic stress/exercise stress exams) and TEE. Advises cardiologist or the referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing the examination. Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Also following RME policy for critical, semi-critical and non-critical equipment cleaning. Responsible for being aware of and practicing the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, and participating in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains knowledge of Joint Commission and regulatory standards in order to ensure compliance and achieve objectives. Schedule inpatients and outpatients as needed. Adaptable and willing to learn new technology and techniques. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. GS-08 LEVEL: Do you possess at least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-07) which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the position? Experience includes conducting diagnostic echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases. In addition, can you demonstrate the following KSAs:1. 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.2. 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, etc.3. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography.4. 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. This is a float position and the employee is expected to rotate through multiple locations. Preferred Experience: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer ( ARDMS/CCI) with 5+ years experience and graduate of an accredited cardiovascular ultrasound program. Has experience with DSE, SE, TEE, contrast use, and bubble studies. Ability to work independently. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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