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 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
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)
In addition to the basic requirements, you must meet the following: Experience
At least 1 year of experience comparable to the GS-7 grade level which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the correct use of invasive patient monitoring equipment specific to anesthesiology
Knowledge of basic electrocardiography (EKG)
Skill and ability to troubleshoot equipment, often while the patient is anesthetized
Skill and ability to maintain sterility during procedures
Knowledge and understanding of arterial pressure line wave forms including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal, artifact from abnormality, and forewarn the physician or anesthetist of an impending life-threatening situation
Knowledge of anesthesiology supplies, medications, and equipment appropriate to more difficult anesthetic procedures such as those found in inpatient settings with more acutely ill patients
Preferred Experience: Six months experience in operating diagnostic and therapeutic equipment covered by this occupation
Experience gained in the operation of equipment for animal diagnosis or treatment may count toward the six months of experience preferred
Ability to learn OR D intravenous catheter insertion
Successfully completed ARDMS (RDCS) or CCI (RCS) Certification
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements: Duties are performed in areas designated for the Cardiology Hub and Spoke Network
The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to travel to treatment areas with ease while pushing an Echo Machine
The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to stand for up to 8 - 10 hours while providing patient care
The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able to lift 20 pounds of equipment, supplies and records
The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician must be able To manipulate the probes during the procedure, pushing against the patient's chest to obtain the appropriate images
Additionally, the Cardiac Echocardiography Technician will be required to transport Veterans on stretchers, beds, and wheelchairs
There is the potential for extended periods of sitting at computer terminals
The Cardiac Echocardiography Technician is expected to use proper preventive ergonomic techniques to perform duties.
