The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) position is assigned to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, Imaging Service. Technicians at this level are fully credentialed and functional as an MRI technologist with varying assignments and can perform routine to complex and specialized studies, with and without administration of contrast materials, as prescribed by practitioners. 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. Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of of employment. 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), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level 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. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. KSAs at the GS-08 level are: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities: In addition to the above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] DRT- MR assignments in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-0647 dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. ["The practitioner must have specific specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have a specialized knowledge in the radiofrequency coils (transmit/receive) required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. The incumbent requires knowledge of contrast media, power injectors, and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). Duties of the DRT (MRI) Technologist include, but not limited to the following: Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing as required. Maintains current Talent Management System (TMS) training as required. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment, to obtain examinations of acceptable quality using utilizing the standardized amount of specific absorption rate and/or B1 + RMS to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems. Knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of MRI imaging of spine, head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, upper extremities, lower extremities utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs advanced level aspects of MRI imaging, such as MR Breast, MR Cardiac, and MR Functional Neuro studies utilizing specialized sequences to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs MRI imaging of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR Angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. Maintains competence in venipuncture and refer to the Imaging Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, Use of Gadolinium within the MRI Section and policy for use of Contrast Media. Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI under the direction of the radiologist. Follows protocol regarding blood collection for ISTAT results. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, date desired and maintains thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, preop, urgent and routine exams. Independently identifies (through pending list) active MRI exams: stat, ER, and inpatient orders. Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of all equipment. Works with staff and MRI schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies. Uses independent judgment and possesses the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patients' individual medical conditions and body habitus. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Practices the safety policies and procedures of The Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's). Continually reviews new developments and standards in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Required to work in an after hour on-call standby status to perform emergency scans. Work Schedule: 1 position: Full-time, Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm. 1 position: Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. Telework: Not suitable for telework Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required ****OCHCO Bulletin Subject: Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages, dated September 30, 2022. Although hybrid title 38 occupations follow title 5 Veterans' preference rules, as required by the Merit Systems Protection Board (Graves v. VA, 117 M.S.P.R. 697 (2012)), 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants for appointments made during the fiscal year to hybrid title 38 occupations among those reported to have the largest staffing shortages."]

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