Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)
What you'd do
The Echocardiography Technician has the intimate knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology related to cardiovascular function. They will work in Department of Specialty Care at the Joseph M Cleland Atlanta VAMC. This announcement will be open continuously.
Major duties
Major duties include, but are not limited to: Ability to performs 2D, M-Mode, continuous and pulse wave Doppler and color flow exam. Performs transthoracic examinations. Performs stress echocardiograms with and without pharmaceuticals. Assists physician of results of exam. Receives patients, explains procedure and performs exam. Assist Cardiology Fellows in performing and interpreting echo exams. Independently setting, calibrating and operating of machinery. Knowledge of normal echocardiography 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 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 echocardiography, Bubble studies and contrast echocardiography (invasive), stress echocardiography, and transesophogeal 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. Ability to interact with patients explaining procedures and positioning and prepping the patient for procedure. Ability to follow policy for sterilization process for TEE probes. Ability to complete diagnostic studies ordered by and in collaboration with physician on all tours of duty with minimal or no direct supervision; coordinates appointments/ workload according to appropriateness of patients/ staffing. Ability to accept verbal orders and record entries into the patient's medical record for the procedure performed. The complying of data, revising reports and completing reports for physician review. Ability to manage Echocardiography images in Xcelera and copy to CD. Ability to schedule clinic appointments using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VISTA) in accordance with the business rules outlined in the VHA directive 2006-005 Outpatient Scheduling Processes and Procedures. Demonstrates knowledge and use of general business rules outlined in the VHA Directive 2006-005 Outpatient Scheduling Processes and Procedures. Ability to use established business rules for Enrollment and Registration, Scheduling, Consult Management, Use of the vista Electronic Wait List (EWL), Handling No-Shows, Patient Cancellations, and Clinic Cancellations as applicable to job. Ability to uses insurance software, as instructed, to insure the capture of all insurance information during the check-in process. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, Tours vary from 0800-1630. Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Functional Statement #: 521-FS-409; 521-FS-410; 521-FS-411: 521-FS-412
What you need to qualify
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. GS-9: 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. (a) Experience. At least 1 year of 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 cardiac catheterization technician services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs. 1. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of laboratory testing procedures to include maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. This includes the ability to perform these lab tests accurately and correctly. 2. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment with skill in repairing and maintaining this equipment and repairing complex problems. 3. Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheterization procedures including measuring cardiac outputs and intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures (i.e., balloon pump). 4. Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. 5. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. 6. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. 7. Ability to manage and supervise employees. 8. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. (c) Certification. Anesthesia technician certification through the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level.
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