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Medical Instrument Technicians (diagnostic ultrasound) perform examinations which are routine and standardized in. They position the patient as needed for the best test results, set up and adjust the ultrasound equipment to meet the condition of the examination and patient, move and adjust depths and types of scan in accordance with procedures, perform operator preventive maintenance and care of equipment, and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. 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. Physical Requirements. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA policy. 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. 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. 2. Ability to perform vascular studies such as vertebral, renal artery, aortic aneurysm, portal-systemic shunts, etc. 3. Ability to assist radiologists with biopsy procedures determining the location, depth, and required needle angle for the lesion to be sampled. 4. Ability to assist in surgical procedures and fluid aspirations. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting & carrying (15-44 lbs.); Straight pulling and pushing (Up to 7 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking and standing (Up to 7 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision 20/50 and 20/100; Emotional/mental stability. ["The diagnostic ultrasound technologist uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical imaging purposes. The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The technologist manages the diagnostic ultra sonographic laboratory and performs highly technical evaluation of the abdomen, pelvis, thorax, thyroids, prostate, kidneys, aorta, iliac, scrotum, and popliteal. Independently performs standard examinations through knowledge of both normal and abnormal human anatomy. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures. GS 8 - Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. - Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, and extremities, retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. - Participate in the training of resident physicians and students so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of principles of ultrasound and how it related to other diagnostic exams. - Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved. This requires maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log, editing when necessary, registering patients in the Radiology Information System (RIS). - Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment io insure accurate results. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer. On the basis of radiologic findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. - Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. - If licensed, incumbent may be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. - Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to lack of necessary equipment and supplies. - May assist the radiologist in the performance of cyst punctures, aspiration biopsies, and catheter placements for the purpose of diagnostic treatment using ultrasound techniques. This requires the use of surgical sterile techniques, syringes, needles contrast, etc. - Develops and maintains patient preop procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for ultrasound examinations in an effort to minimize delays of examinations. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or be telephone conversation. - 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 patients 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. - Gathers related information such as patient chart, x-rays, etc. so that correlation of examinations to other studies may be made by the radiologist in the diagnosis and recommendation of treatment for medical disorders. - Distributes ultrasound examinations and related information to the radiologist responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be communicated and documented in a timely manner. - Assists quality assurance technologists in performing quality assurance testing on the ultrasound unit using phantoms, test tools, test check lists, etc. for the purpose of assuring peak performance of the ultrasound equipment. Maintains records of the quality assurance testing so that easy reference is available should servicing be necessary. - Performs or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. This is done so that when sterile procedures are required in the ultrasound area there is minimal possibility of cross contamination due to unsanitary conditions. - The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center, the infection control policy and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. - The employee's relations with supervisors, co-workers, and others withing the organization are consistently courteous and cooperative in mature, and overall contribute positively to the effective operation of the Radiology Service. Differences of opinion are nearly always handled in a business-like fashion. Work Schedule: Full-time M-F 7:30am-4:00pm, 8:00am-4:30pm, Weekend On-call Telework Eligibility: Not eligible for Telework Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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