Medical Instrument Technician (Echocardiography)

Summary 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. 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. 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. Experience: At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level – directly related to the duties of the position. Experience must fully meet the KSAs at that level, demonstrating possession of the knowledge required to provide all aspects of cardiac catheterization technician services. Technical KSAs: Knowledge of laboratory testing procedures, including maintenance, calibration, and quality control procedures. Advanced knowledge of electronics and anesthesia equipment, with skill in repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex problems. Comprehensive knowledge of central venous and pulmonary artery (Swan‑Ganz) catheterization procedures, measuring cardiac outputs, and intra‑aortic balloon counterpulsation procedures. Knowledge and ability to assist with airway management techniques. 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 coordinate staff development and training. 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. Duties Perform 2D, M‑Mode, continuous and pulse‑wave Doppler, and color‑flow echocardiographic examinations. Perform transthoracic examinations and stress echocardiograms with and without pharmaceuticals. Assist physicians with results of examinations. Receive patients, explain the procedure, and perform the exam. Assist Cardiology Fellows in performing and interpreting echo exams. Independently set, calibrate, and operate echocardiography machinery. Know normal echocardiographic findings and deviations caused by various cardiovascular diseases. Perform complex procedures such as four‑chamber cardiac studies and other advanced cardiac imaging. Perform complementary ultrasonic examinations, including bubble studies, contrast echocardiography, stress and transesophageal echo. Adapt transducer positioning, instrument controls, and examination techniques to individual patients, recognizing abnormalities and documenting findings. Interact with patients, explaining procedures and positioning and prepping them for the exam. Follow policy for sterilization of TEE probes. Complete diagnostic studies with minimal supervision, record and report findings. Coordinate appointments and workload according to patient appropriateness and staffing. Accept verbal orders and record entries into the patient’s medical record. Revise and complete reports for physician review. Manage echocardiography images in Xcelera and copy to CD. Schedule clinic appointments using VISTA according to VHA directive 2006‑005. Use established business rules for enrollment, registration, scheduling, consult management, electronic wait lists, handling no‑shows, cancellations, and insurance software. Work schedule: Monday‑Friday, tours vary from 0800‑1630; schedule may change based on agency need. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs