Summary

The incumbent works in the Cardiology section of Medicine Service of the Corporal Michael J Crescenz VAMC.. The incumbent has intimate knowledge of thoracic anatomy and physiology as related to cardiovascular function and has demonstrated abilities to operate echocardiography equipment for use in studies of the heart.

Qualifications

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.

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
• 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
• 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
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English 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-08 Level 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 - portalsystemic 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
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level of the GS-07 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 echocardiography examinations in complex and unusual cases
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08
• Physical Requirements: The tasks of this position generally require sitting - standing - occasional crouching or kneeling
• Moderate lifting is required to move equipment throughout the Echo clinic and other Medical Center locations
• Considerable manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are continuously required
• This includes continuous observation of a computer screen
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation demands coordination and stamina
• Heavy Lifting (50 lbs and over)
• Heavy Carrying (50 lbs and over)
• Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour)
• Pushing (1 - 2 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (up to 3 hours)
• Standing (up to 3 hours)
• Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
• Hearing (aid permitted)
• The work is performed in the Echo clinic and other patient care areas
• Due to the nature of hospital work - there is the possibility of the technician in a health care setting being exposed to infectious disease from patients - thus it is essential to always practice universal precautions.

Duties

• Performs diagnostic quality images and Doppler frequency shift recordings using M-mode - 2-D - pulsed and continuous wave Doppler spectral display and color flow Doppler imaging
• Performs complex procedures such as cardiac studies of the 4 chambers of the heart and valves using sector scanning techniques to detect stenotic and incompetent valves - chamber enlargement - and pericardial - thrombus and pressure gradients across obstructed valves
• Performs transesophageal echocardiograms - dobutamine and exercise stress and 3D echocardiograms - bubble studies and the use of image enhancement agents (Definity) - initiates & monitors and discontinues IV access as appropriate
• Proficient in the pre-cleaning of TEE probes and all other RME utilized within the department Adapts transducer positioning - instrument controls and examination techniques to the individual patient and the problem to be evaluated
• Performs digital management and acts as a Super User for imaging storage system
• Assists billing and coding with interpretation of exams and follow up on outstanding billing and coding issues
• Completes encounters on all ECHOS performed - using the correct CPT codes - diagnosis - service connection status and other fields as required and assists management in overall encounter practices in ECHO section
• Inserts IV access when applicable for Definity administration by RN - MD
• PA or cardiology fellow
• Provides cross coverage to EKG and ambulatory cardiac monitoring as needed
• Completes encounters on all diagnostic testing performed (EKG - ambulatory cardiac monitoring) - using the correct CPT codes - diagnosis - service connection status and other fields as required and assists management in overall encounter practices in cardiology
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm - Monday thru Friday
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required