Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Sonographer

This specialty modality uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in ultrasound and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems(PACS) and is able to carry out his/her assignment independently.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Performs ultrasound examinations ranging from the routine to specialized in an outpatient setting.
• Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchair, table, positions the patient and performs examinations as requested.
• Provides care to the patients to allay anxieties, answer questions, familiarizing them with the procedures and equipment to be used.
• The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations and works independently. Follows departmental Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Must be able to handle possible patient reactions using CPR (i.e. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification is required).
• Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration in order to interpret the requested examination accurately.
• Thoroughly comprehends all processes for reusable medical equipment (RME) including initial training, proper setup, use and reprocessing (cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use) and maintenance according to local standard operating procedures.
• Cleans and maintains all equipment in accordance with Infection Control policies, manufacturer guidelines, biomedical guidelines, and Joint Commission criteria. Reports any unsanitary conditions or equipment malfunctions timely to the supervisor.
• Team member works independently, under the direction of the Chief Technologist. Technologist confers with radiologists and/or supervisor on more difficult problems. The team member must follow the chain of command and resolve issues at the lowest level possible.
• Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served, and which is appropriate to the cognitive; emotional, and chronological maturation of the patient.
• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, VA statutes and policy and VHA policy.
• Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 A.M.- 5:00 P.M with rotating call.

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 70919-F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.

Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)