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An Echocardiography Technician at this level is responsible for performing echocardiography exams which range from the routine to the complex in all echocardiography modalities, which may require problem solving, communication and writing skills, as well as knowledge of regulatory and industry compliance and accreditation issues. This Position is located at the Kernersville Health Care Center. 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. Education: One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7. 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. For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments, specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations". For all specialties identified in this standard, Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications are desirable. Training which does not result in official certification does not meet this definition. Grade Determinations: GS-8 Experience. At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 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. 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. Ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations (including noninvasive) transthoracic, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography, (invasive) stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. 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. Certification. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are desirable. 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. Assignment. This represents the full performance level. Echocardiography technicians at this level identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. They incorporate the causes and results of a variety of symptoms and conditions into a plan of ultrasonic diagnostic examination. They change and develop sounding techniques to accommodate such variables as limited patient mobility, variation in physical condition or dimension of the patient, presence of prosthesis or foreign objects, and ultrasonic response of different body parts. They produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. References: VA Handbook 5005/54, Part II, Appendix G27, Medical Instrument Technician, dated June 2012. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-08 level. Physical Requirements: The work requires standing or walking for a major portion of the work day. The walking will often require carrying supplies or pushing carts and equipment. Standing will require holding patients or stocking supplies. This may occupy half of the work day and will hence be considered demanding physical activity. A certain mechanical dexterity is required in the replacement of parts and the repair of equipment to restore or maintain operability after faults are identified. ["An Echocardiography Technician at this level is responsible for performing echocardiography exams which range from the routine to the complex in all echocardiography modalities, which may require problem solving, communication and writing skills, as well as knowledge of regulatory and industry compliance and accreditation issues. A minimum of four (4) years' experience as a full-time echocardiographer demonstrating advanced knowledge, skill, and abilities for all modalities of echocardiography scanning and information analysis is preferred. Perform Transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), assist with Transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), Stress echocardiograms (exercise and pharmaceutical). Provide echocardiography technician services in more complex and special procedures and non-standard cases. Proficient with Strain Imaging. Proficient with 3D/4D echo post processing tools such as 3D/4D cropping. Produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, and Doppler ultrasound. Supervise equipment maintenance and coordinate equipment repair when necessary. Must be able to produce diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode, two-dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display, and color flow Doppler imaging. Vast knowledge of normal echocardiographic findings and deviations produced by a wide variety of cardiovascular diseases. Strong ability to perform complex procedures, such as stenotic and incompetent valves, cardiomyopathies, and pericardial effusion and cardiovascular studies deriving pressure gradients across obstructed structures, etc. Experience and ability to perform complementary ultrasonic examinations, including agitated saline and contrast echocardiography, pharmaceutical and exercise stress echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography. Experience and ability to adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to the individual patient and the GS-8 Echo Technician 2 patient's individual pathology, including recognition of pertinent abnormalities and documentation of abnormal findings. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to teach scanning techniques to cardiology fellows. Explain pre-testing, and post-testing procedures to the patient and document the patient education note in the patient's electronic medical record. Advanced knowledge of complex and non-standard treatment and examination procedures and techniques with the ability to evaluate patients' pre and post cardiac surgery/cardiac catheterization/chemotherapy. Competence with computer systems, including an understanding of the digital archiving system used for echo studies, Xcelera, as well as coordination with the biomedical engineering department to troubleshoot computer problems as they arise. Ability to perform custom scanning protocols tailored to individual clinical needs and interdepartmental research projects. Ability to work with other departments, to assess and provide for specific study needs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:45am - 4:15pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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