Medical Instrument Technician (Ultrasonography), NHS Charleston

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: This position is located with the Department of Radiology at Naval Medical Center, Charleston, S.C.

NHS Charleston is located in Goose Creek, SC just outside of historic Charleston.  Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is defined by its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses, particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts. The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park both overlook Charleston Harbor, while Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War rang out, lies across the water.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

MAJOR DUTIES

MAJOR DUTIES

Incumbent is responsible for performing routine and complex assignment by operating complex and highly coordinated equipment to make specialized ultrasonic and radiologic examinations for diagnosis and treatment of patient's care/services from pediatric through geriatric patients. Sonographer will assist the Radiologist in cyst punctures and biopsies. Specialized studies include:

Pelvis - (Male and Female) Differentiation of masses or disease processes associated with the reproductive organs, determine whether cystic, solid or complex in nature and localize for proper treatment. Female - Localization of birth control devices. Male - testicular and penile exams.

Abdominal - For retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal structures, soft tissue mass differentiation, renal evaluation, detection of ascites, cyst aspiration and biopsy, detection of vessel dilation with follow up procedures. Correlation with Nuclear Medicine and Way studies for detection of disease processes of the Gall Bladder, Liver, Spleen and Pancreas.

Small Parts - Determination and detection of testicular masses, herniations, breast masses, ductal dilatation. Cyst vs solid differentiation. Cyst aspiration and biopsy.

Neck - Determination and localization of soft tissue masses and nodules of surrounding tissue, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland.

Chest - Detection of pleural effusions and localization for fluid aspiration, diaphragmatic motion visualization, and measurement of wall thickness.

Extremities - Evaluation of soft tissue masses. Detection of vessel dilation and patency.

Vascular - Imaging of plaque, occlusion and stenosis of carotid arteries. Detection of clot (old vs new) in deep venous system.

Obstetrical - Estimation of gestational sac and age, placenta localization, determination of multiple gestations and fetal abnormalities. Differentiation of masses associated with pregnancy, screening of high risk pregnancies, determination of fetal viability or fetal demise.

Head - Imaging of the biparietal diameter of the new intra-uterine fetus. Detection of dilation of the new ventricles in the unborn fetus. Detection of the intracranial hemorrhage and hydrocephalus in the neonate. Independently performs routine radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, extremities, and axial skeleton for diagnosis or injury.

Incumbent must be able to operate the following specific equipment:

Gray Scale Static scanning system with A-Mode, B-Mode and M-Mode capabilities.

Real-Time Ultrasound scanning system. Intracavity probes for pelvic organ imaging.

Industry Standard ultrasound transducers. Independently operates radiographic equipment utilizing ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) techniques.

The Sonographer must develop training plans and implement comprehensive training program for radiology technicians and physicians concerning ultrasonic procedures and the physical concepts of ultrasound.

Assist in the sterile technique of cyst punctures, aspiration, localization and marking organs. Prepare the room, related equipment, sterile supplies, and accessories to perform the necessary procedures.

Maintains adequate supply of linen (sheets, towels, gowns), Sonic coupling media (mineral oil or coupling gel).

Assumes responsibility for cleanliness and sanitation of work area.

Schedules patients and instructs patients of the various patient preparations necessary to carry out exam. Communicates with personnel of other services when patient is scheduled for multiple exams on the same day for proper sequencing.

Familiar with the specific disease entities suggested by the request and by the patients clinical history in order that the proper type of examination is performed. Relates to the patient the studies which are to be performed and of what benefit they will be to them. Reviews images to ensure optimum quality ultrasonic studies.

Responsible for proper patient identification, including correct date of birth and name and proper identification on all images. Conducts as an ultrasound patient contact representative.

Able to adjust the sensitivity and output of the instruments to ensure proper imagining technique.

Evaluates equipment maintenance, orders repairs when needed.

Responsible for keeping abreast of the latest developments in the field. Will be involved in much of the practical and theoretical applications.

With the approval of the Head of Radiology, implements new state of the art procedures, develops protocols for those implemented.

Performs other duties as assigned.