This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Ultrasound, position is assigned to the NWIHCS-Grand Island, Imaging Service; Ultrasound section within the NWIHCS-Grand Island Imaging Department. The DRT, Ultrasound Technologist, performs both ultrasound and general diagnostic radiology procedures. Incumbent is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. Performing Vascular ultrasound 40% of the time, General ultrasound 40%, and X-ray/Dexa 20% of the time on duty. 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). 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). Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. Examples of experience is the following: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guide lines, 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, and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Assignments. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Diagnostic and vascular ultrasound experience preferred, x-ray experience also. ARDMS & ARRT Radiography certification. 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: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. ["The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in ultrasound, Computerized/Digital Radiography (CR/DR), and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and is able to carry out his/her assignment independently. a. Performs, in a clinic setting all ultrasound and radiology examinations ranging from the routine to the highly specialized. Performance of the examination requires proper alignment and position of the patient. Sets up and adjusts all equipment and manually maneuvers the transducer to perform the exam. Performs ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, neck, chest, extremities, retroperitoneal space for purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. b. May also perform vascular imaging, both arterial and venous such as, but not limited to US Carotid, US extremity veins bilateral, and vascular upper extremity pressures. c. Knows and understand the principles of ultrasound and the highly specialized ultrasound and radiology equipment to approve the acceptability or reject-ability of each scan. d. Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, explains methods of procedures, assists movement of patients to and from wheelchair, table, positions the patient and performs examinations as requested. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them. e. The technologist interprets the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician. f. Controls technical factors on ultrasound unit, which will affect time, gain, amplitude, velocity, frequency, attenuation, absorption, reflection, scattering, refraction and diffraction. Selects between non-focused, fixed-focus, linear phased array, an annular phased array. g. The technologist must demonstrate skills in performing complex ultrasound procedures including color flow, Doppler carotid and arterial Doppler exams. h. Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration in order to interpret the requested examination accurately. i. The technologist must be skilled in the technique of performing localization studies for invasive procedures such as biopsies and aspirations. Maintains sterile field for procedures such as biopsies and/or aspirations, drainage, etc. j. Advises radiologist of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing exam. k. Participates in the training of physicians, students and radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principals of ultrasound and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Instructs students while performing the full range of ultrasound examinations; oversees the student as he/she performs examinations, providing immediate assistance or guidance l. Assists the Supervisor and Radiologists in establishing protocols for routine examinations and makes independent judgments when it is necessary to deviate from standard procedures. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized"]

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