The Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) delivers extensive diagnostic imaging services to outpatients and inpatients on a 24/7 basis ranging from routine and complex general radiography (routine, fluoroscopy, bone densitometry, emergency portable and surgical C-arm/O-arm) to highly specialized imaging modalities including Ultrasound, CT, MRI, IR, Nuclear Medicine, PetCT, and Mammography. 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. 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 specialized experience which demonstrates possession of the knowledge required in order to provide all aspects of diagnostic ultrasonography services. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. KSAs 1, 2, and 3 are appropriate for all positions at this level. KSAs 4 and 5 are to be used in accordance with their appropriateness for the specific assignment. 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 diagnostic ultrasonography. Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Ability to manage and supervise employees. Ability to provide, or provide for, staff development and training. Certification. Registration by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) is highly desirable. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable. Preferred Experience: Recent full time working ultrasound experience prefer ultrasound breast experience of at least one year. Must be ARDMS registered. References: VA Handbook 5005Appendix G27 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items. Use of mobile ultrasound units requires twisting, turning, and reaching out to manipulate the ultrasound unit. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help appropriate devices and other employees ["Performs all ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, breast, neck, chest and extremities and retroperitoneal space for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Both B-mode and real time scans will be obtained to evaluate size, contour, and tissue composition. Perform vascular imaging of the carotids and DVT studies of the upper and lower extremities. Knows and understands the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound equipment to recognize acceptable images and reject suboptimal scans. This includes preparation and supplies, scanning motions, Time Compensated Gain (TCG), zoom or expansion, hard copy, picture-oriented examination, organ-oriented examination, and initial interpretation of the examination. Technician notes of the examination require identifying normal and pathological appearances. Pathologic appearance includes but is not limited to intraluminal echoes that shadow, polyp, carcinoma, thick wall, size, obstructing lesions, common duct stone, tumor, benign strictures, texture, solid mass, cystic mass. Technician notes will be forwarded by the Ultrasound Technician to the Radiologist before final interpretation is made. Appropriately prepares sterile tray, to include preparation of contrast, supplying catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment to maintain the sterile field to avoid contamination. Appropriately label all articles on the sterile tray. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures, and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; time-out procedure; and correct site invasive procedure. Participates in the training of physicians, residents, students and other sonographers, current and new staff, so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound, how it relates to other diagnostic exams, and the proper acquisition of ultrasound studies. Proper orientation and competency of new staff are shared responsibilities of current incumbents to ensure new staff contributes to team production as quickly as possible. Incumbent shall advise management of the new staff's orientation and competency status. Master utilization of all available computer resources such as RIS, VISTA, CPRS, PACS, IPLAN and other software applications to perform all clerical procedures related to the processes of ultrasound. This includes but is not limited to maintaining accurate ultrasound records so that easy recall of patient examinations may be achieved, maintaining a diagnostic log, patient schedule log, and procedure log as well as editing cases for proper reimbursement. Scheduling duties include but are not limited to researching pertinent patient history, tech approval in iPlan, add nonscheduled exams to the iPlan whiteboard, education of residents of proper exams to order, scheduling and coordinating patient appointments with other concurrently ordered exams and clinic appointments. Customer service skills and training are mandatory to handle the tasks associated with these processes. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of all equipment to insure accurate results. Based on radiologic findings and history, determines necessary ultrasound procedures to yield optimal diagnostic findings. A thorough knowledge and grasp of physics is necessary to acquire the most accurate results. The technician must be able to apply this knowledge to several different models of ultrasound machines and display consistent and comparable images in order ensure the best continuity for follow-up exams. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section. Incumbent shall possess knowledge of proper usage and identification of reusable medical equipment (RME) and its method for cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization process as provided. Submit RME for proper disposition following facility guidelines. Work Schedule: Varies Monday- Friday 0730-1600, rotating call, weekends and Holidays Compressed/Flexible: No Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 554-55015-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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