Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

SummaryThe Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to work in the Diagnostic Imaging Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the facility. This position will be located in Houston - TX. Employee at this level is considered fully functional and able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. Performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direct supervision of a physician.QualificationsApplicants 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 RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.) CertificationAll 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 applicableAdvanced certification indicates the technologist can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examinationIn 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 technologistEducationCompletion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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)Grandfathering ProvisionAll persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title - series and grade held - including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupationEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)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 imagingThe technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enterThe practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human bodyThe technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imagedThis assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program dutiesTechnologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACSDRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certificationGrade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 ExperienceAt 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 levelDemonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities.The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i*Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and proceduresiiKnowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providersiii*Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedureivKnowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiographyvKnowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautionsviKnowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patientsPreferred Experience: Certified as an MRI TechnologistMinimum 1 year as an MRI TechnologistReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the positionMay require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushingMay be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employmentWork Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautionsthe area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilatedHowever - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.DutiesTotal Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties of the advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Diagnostic Imaging Service include - but are not limited to: Operates MRI equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with radiologists' protocol and physician's specificationsVerifies patient identification and reviews medical history relevant to the MRI procedureScreens patients for contraindications such as metal implants or pacemakersExplains the MRI procedure clearly and addresses any concerns to ensure patient understanding and comfort - reducing any anxietyDelivers patient care tailored to meet the cognitive - emotional - and developmental needs of adult and geriatric patientsPerforms various MRI exams on head - neck - spine - chest - abdomen - pelvis and extremities - with and without contrastPerforms Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) exams of the veins and arteries throughout the body - including those in the brain - neck - heart - chest - abdomen - pelvis and limbsPrepares - positions - and immobilizes patients accurately and comfortably in the MRI scanner using cushions - straps - or supports to ensure comfort - patient safety - high-quality imaging - and to minimize motion artifactsReviews all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness - and desired dateThey investigate any questionable details and consult with the radiologist - if necessarydocuments all relevant information in VistA and/or the patient's Electronic Health Record before contacting the patient to perform the examMaintains technical proficiency among the variety of scanners their perspective applications and protocolsOptimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency casesThis requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patientsInserts intravenous (IV) lines for contrast administration using aseptic technique - ensuring proper vein selection and secure placementTechnologist must maintain venipuncture competencyParticipates in quality control and assurance programs to maintain optimal imaging proceduresPerforms routine checks and basic troubleshooting on MRI equipmentReports and documents any incidents - equipment malfunctions - or safety concerns in a timely mannerMaintains an organized and well-stocked MRI suite - including medical supplies - contrast agents - IV kits - syringes - PPE - linens and disinfectantsIndependently organizes and completes assignments in a safe and timely mannerAids team members as neededAssists radiologist - other technologist - students from affiliated institutions and other health care professionals - as MEDVAMC is a teaching instituteThe technologist must possess computer proficiency for effective use of technology in managing patient information - documentation and communication within a healthcare settingWork Schedule: Monday - Friday - 12:30 p.m- 9:00 p.mSubject to change based on the needs of the facilityRecruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not AuthorizedPay: Competitive salary and regular salary increasesWhen setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)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 experienceParental 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 childChild 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 $416.66Retirement: 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 AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 580-00184-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.