The Echocardiography Laboratory is assigned to the Nursing Services Department under the direct supervision of the Cardiac-Cath Nurse Manager. The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) at this Grade level does- basic preliminary report in Xcelera for Echo procedures completed, identify and record anomalies indicative of disease, injury, or other medically significant condition from cardiac ultrasound imaging and simultaneous recordings of the Doppler. Basic Requirements: a. Citizenship. Citizenship of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Education. There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation. Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels. See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions. c. 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. d. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. e. 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. Preferred: Two (2) years recent ECHO LAB Tech Experience in a moderate to high complexity facility. Echocardiography Technicians 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. Registration is offered 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). GS-9 Experience: 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. 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: 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. VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II Appendix 27 ***This position is above the full performance level.*** ["1.The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)does basic preliminary report In Xcelera for Echo procedures completed. 2. Echo Techs is assigned to Broward (William Kling) Clinic evaluates (Triage) Broward Clinic patients if their Echo is needed to be done at Miami VA for Contrast Echo or Bubble Study. Contrast guidelines may include: CABG1 Obesity, Severe COPD, Severe Aortic Stenosis, Heart Valve Replacement, CHF, etc,, or suspect PFO/ Stroke for Bubble study. 3.Educate and help train Cardiology Fellows and Residents about Echocardiography. Educate them on the transducer location for different Echography views and the knobology location of the Ultrasound machine. Teach them knobology optimization for different procedures such as; Stress Echo, Contrast, Bubble studies, etc, 4. The Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography) has the ability to produce diagnostic quality Images and Doppler frequency, shift recordings using M-mode, two a dimensional, (3D) three dimensional, pulsed and continuous wave doppler spectral display, and color flow. 5. 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 gradlehts across obstructed valves, etc. 6. The incumbent perform measurements of cardiac structures and Doppler blood flow velocities using the software on the echocardiography machine and image analysis workstation. TMs Includes but not limited to: Color flow of mitral, aortic, tricuspid and· pulmonic valves, M-Mode, Continuous Wave and Pulsed Wave Doppler tracing and measurements of mitral aortic , tricuspid and pulmonic valves, Tissue Doppler ,Strain rate, Calculating aortic arid mitral valve area, Calculating aortic and mitral regurgitant volume, Cardiac output, Computer image processing of digital data, Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure right Ventricular strain.Bl-plane (modified impression rule) ,Set up patients for Stress Echo, X identifying the presence of cardiac vegetation or thrombus. 7. The incumbent assists Physicians in performing Transesophageal Echocardiogram(TEE) TEE/Cardioversion, and Pericardiocentesis. 8.Perform emergency scans on Post Cardiac Catheterization patients with suspect Perforations. 9. Ability to perform Treadmill Exercise and Pharmacological (Dobutamine)Stress Test . 10. Recognize evidence of cardiac emergencies and takes the appropriate action, including notification to the Nurse or Physician. 11. Cardiac sonographer prepares the patients for 2D or stress diagnostic procedures in the echo lab. Assist patients in and out of the bed , placing electrodes, positioning patients correctly and educating the procedure to the patient. 12. Coordinate the work schedule of the laboratory including Inpatients, outpatients, and appointments in order to maximize work output and ensure proper patient care. 13. Cardiac Sonographer coordinates and participates in a variety of duties involved in the operation and maintenance of the ECHO laboratory. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (Travel: May be asked to report to Miami VA Bruce Carter Medical Center Echo Lab Clinic as needed Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

Return to Search Results