Employees at this grade are qualified at the full performance level for Radiology Service at Chalmer's P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. Independently operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist in fluoroscopic procedures. Performs radiologic exams ordered by medical providers and used to diagnose medical conditions as part of an overall patient care plan. Works under the direction of the Chief of Radiology by way of the Radiology Supervisor. 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. 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 candidates must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after completion of a full time 24-month training course or equivalent post high school program. English Language Proficiency Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, completion of 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled which demonstrates knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics that are directly related to the specific assignment. For GS-06/7/8, completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level and directly related to the position being filed. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. 2. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to adjust as needed. 3. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. 4. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist Informed. 5. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. 6. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G25 & G17 Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing(1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours);Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).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). 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-8. ["Duties Include but are not limited to: A. Receives requests or instructions for a wide variety of complex radiology examinations. Contacts provider for verification of request if necessary. May perform as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic. Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor, a higher graded technologist or radiologist when an uncommon, or new procedure is required. Has detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy. B. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and performs triage to prioritize. Notifies radiologist if exam requires immediate attention. C. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures and positions to patients for desired results. Also, cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Monitors patient for physiologicchanges. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, or, in some circumstances, intravenously under close supervision by the Radiologist. D. Operates digital radiography equipment. Determines technical factors, sets controls, and ensures that the portion of the body specified receives the correct calculated exposure. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment required and makes exposures necessary for requested procedures. Ensures ALARA principle is applied for every exam. (As low as reasonably achievable). Performs daily and weekly quality assurance tests to ensure proper equipment function. E. As a team member with a radiologist, performs procedures such as, but not limited to, IVP, urethrograms, G.I. series, modified barium swallow and barium and air contrast barium enemas. Sets up the exam room. Ensures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are available. F. Performs X-ray and C-Arm work in Surgery. Performs C-Arm work in the Pain Clinic. G. Registers patients for examinations and updates status as necessary. Performs clerical duties as they relate to patient care. Accesses the medical record as necessary to view laboratory results or to verify exam order. H. Reviews new developments in the profession and makes recommendations to implement processes which would improve radiology operations. I. Independently makes routine radiographic examinations of head, trunk, and extremities for diagnosis of illness or injuries. Cleans equipment and area after use. Performs routine maintenance and quality control. Recognizes and reports malfunctioning equipment in a timely manner. J. Performs picture archival (PACS) duties. The technologist captures digital radiographs, configures the image, and verifies patient information before transmitting to PACS. This procedure requires a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in digital radiography as lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. K. Works as a clinical preceptor for radiology students when assigned. L. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91582-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
