The Primary Purpose of the Vascular Technicians is to operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation. 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: GS 8: Experience: 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 to be filled. This would be experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedures as a senior technician. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of cross-sectional and longitudinal vascular anatomy in normal and abnormal vessels, anatomical planes and tissue structures, physiologic effects of disease entities that impact the vascular system, signs and symptoms of acute and chronic vascular disease, and the characteristic appearance of aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, thromboses, stenoses, occlusions, AV fistulae, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaque formulation. 2. Ability to provide Doppler information of peripheral vessels; demonstrate characteristic differences related to the organs they supply; accurately quantify carotid artery stenoses; and identify and correlate specific waveform analysis, plethysmographic tracings, velocity changes, and pressure gradients characteristic of normal, obstructed, or occluded vessels or grafts. 3. Ability to perform intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. 4. Ability to operate the instruments to extract the highest quality image utilizing the appropriate transducer frequency, Doppler angle, focal zones, gain, depth, color map, wall filter, and sample volume. 5. Ability to provide objective data to document progression or regression of disease. Preferred Experience: 2 years of recent Medical Instrument Technician experience 1 year of previous Vascular Laboratory experience, preferably in an IAC accredited laboratory. RVT certification is preferred References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 08. Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35·pounds for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8 to. 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hours intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation. ["This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 8, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be September 30, 2022, with subsequent cut-off dates every two weeks until 09/08/2023. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. Applicants who are referred will be considered for 90 days, after 90 days applicants will have to reapply. Duties include but not limited to the following: Performs the full range of vascular ultrasound procedures including the most complex and non-routine, in the peripheral vascular diagnostic lab or on the inpatient wards. Makes appropriate adjustments in established procedures and techniques to obtain the results required for clinical diagnosis and documentation. Performs intracranial (transcranial) vascular examinations. Uses ultrasound machines to record vascular information, such as blood flow and pressure; cerebral, abdominal and peripheral circulation; and oxygen saturation. Occasionally vascular technicians will also perform intraoperative studies. Participates in all aspects of the mission of the medical center, including clinical service, education and research, as needed. Assists the management team with the collection of statistical data needed to monitor and improve the clinical service. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures to evaluate and initiate performance improvement projects and to write policies, procedures and protocols that pertain to vascular ultrasonography. Operates and maintain the treadmill, photoplethysmography, electronic Doppler, duplex scanner and other monitoring devices that are available for these procedures. Independently set up inpatient appointments, perform the studies, and record the results. Obtains a brief history and physical pertinent to a peripheral vascular disease with familiarity with the associated signs and symptoms. Shows capability of recognizing indications for further studies beyond established and standardized procedures. Gives preliminary interpretations of the above-mentioned studies subject to final approval of supervising physician. Obtains familiarity with the computer system and scanner used to generate laboratory reports, use the computer independently, and recognize and report malfunctions. Designs new test forms as new procedures are instituted. Be familiar with the protocol established by the Medical Records Committee for the approval of such forms for the patient 's permanent medical record. Devises and maintains a protocol and procedure manual regarding the function of the Vascular Laboratory and make revisions and additions when necessary. Prepares patient education materials pertinent to vascular disease and related surgical procedures. Perform necessary patient teaching. Be responsible for ordering and maintaining supplies as needed for the Vascular Lab. Knowledge of the more complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques in order to provide training in these procedures. Provide in-service sessions regarding Vascular Lab procedures to house staff, medical students, nursing students, hospital nursing personnel, and other groups as requested. Trains others in the performance of the above techniques and procedures. Responsible for independently scheduling and rescheduling of patients. Establish and maintain a permanent filing system for the patient's test results and subsequent follow-up visits. Receives sales representatives as necessary for the consideration of purchase of new equipment. Evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations regarding such that would improve operations. Be responsible for record keeping of all procedures performed in the Vascular Lab. Be responsible for the minor troubleshooting on all equipment used in the lab. When equipment needs repair, will contact appropriate biomedical Engineering staff. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Operate diagnostic equipment using ultrasound to record vascular information such as vascular blood flow, blood pressure, limb volume changes, oxygen saturation, cerebral circulation, peripheral circulation, and abdominal circulation. Independently performs the full range of vascular ultrasound and non-invasive vascular laboratory exams, including (but not limited to) peripheral arterial testing, abdominal vascular ultrasound, cerebrovascular ultrasound, and venous studies of various types. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm or 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:00 am - 4:30 pm\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.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. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.