Instrument Technician Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• At least one year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level, demonstrating knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the position.
• Knowledge of complex examination and treatment procedures and techniques sufficient to provide training and supervision, evaluate and initiate performance-improvement projects, and write echocardiography policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and other regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels.
• Ability to provide or arrange staff development and training.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• A valid driver's license.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including travel while pushing an echo machine, standing for 8–10 hours, lifting 20 pounds, manipulating probes against a patient's chest, transporting Veterans on stretchers, beds, and wheelchairs, and potentially sitting for extended periods at computer terminals.
• Pass required pre-employment screening and physical evaluation, complete onboarding and application requirements, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period if appointed.

Nice To Haves

• Professional certification as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
• Experience administering ultrasound or echocardiography-enhancing agents.
• Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced cardiovascular testing with cardiology physicians, including transthoracic echocardiograms.
• Acquire adequate 2D, 3D, Doppler, and M-mode images of the heart and associated structures using diagnostic ultrasound equipment.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients and employees during cardiac patient care and procedures.
• Set up, operate, reprocess, and maintain reusable unit- or department-specific equipment according to manufacturer instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in equipment training and achieve initial competency, with ongoing competency validated at least annually.
• Maintain inventory and coordinate ordering supplies needed to conduct echocardiograms.
• Work with biomedical engineering to maintain cardiac ultrasound equipment.
• Transfer diagnostic images promptly to the reporting server for inpatient and outpatient examinations.
• Use word-processing and data-entry software, including Excel, to store and retrieve electronic documents and files, operate printers, format reports and correspondence, and copy imaging data for in-house or external providers according to VAMC regulations.
• Use VistA to access information in the medical center computer system.
• Travel to treatment and duty locations within the Hub and Spoke Network as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or agency needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment in connection with a birth, adoption, or foster-care placement.
• Potential childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees after 60 days of employment.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k), with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.