Summary

Functions as an advanced DRT and carries out their assigned tasks independently. The position may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body.

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.

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
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]
• Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist
• Education
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE)
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: GS-9 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• The work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level
• The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1
• Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• 2
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers
• 3
• Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• 4
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• 5
• Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• 6
• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: a
• The individual must have the physical ability to perform job-related duties which require lifting, approximately 45 pounds, standing up to 6 hours, wearing PPE (Lead Apron) up to 6 hours, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling without assistance
• A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic
• b
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• Functions: a
• Optimizes scanner time while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc
• b
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of Computed Tomography (CT) scanning
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• c
• Performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, parallelogram biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal
• d
• Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities
• These angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc
• The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc
• Such procedures may be performed in the operating room
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems
• e
• Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, spot films, patient immobilizers, etc., when required
• The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal
• f
• Performs most lnterventional exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires \"scrub-in technique,\" preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may encounter the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient
• This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs, gloves, syringes, guide wires, catheters, cleanup trays, etc., after exam is completed
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'
• proper attire
• hand washing practices
• and continuing education
• g
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it
• In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient
• Insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• h
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation
• Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations
• i
• Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure
• j
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system
• Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 4:00pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized