Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

SummaryThis position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEnglish Language ProficiencyDRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and7407(d)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 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 technologistEducationCompletion 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)NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment descriptionMay 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)Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology PracticeTo be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practiceThis may have been evidenced by the equivalent of 1 year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT(2) Quality of ExperienceExperience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b aboveExperience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination(3) Part-Time ExperiencePart-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweekFor example - a DRT would receive 1 week of full-time credit for each 2 weeks of half-time workGrade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 (1) 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 level(2) AssignmentsFor 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 timeDRTs at this grade level will be appointed to the following assignment: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independentlyDRTs 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 programRegardless 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 levelThe candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): aAbility to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and proceduresbKnowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providerscAbility to assess factors that may contraindicate the proceduredKnowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiographyeKnowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautionsfKnowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patientsPreferred experience: At least 3 years of clinical experienceexcluding the clinical training while completing the Radiologic Technologist ProgramAbility to assist the Radiologist in performing Fluoroscopic procedures independentlyAbility to operate a C-arm and portable units independentlyThe vacancy is above the full performance GS-9 Reference: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II - Appendix G25 For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and overmoderate carrying - 15-44 pounds - pushing up to 4 hoursreaching above the shoulderuse of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)prolonged standingrepeated bendingstooping - walking - pushing or pulling with and without assistance from another patient care providerAbility for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneouslydistinguish basic colorsgood hearing (aid permitted)good visionspeed in working and emotional stabilityMust have the ability to wear a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and an apron for long periods of time.DutiesVA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional DRTs perform at full performanceDRTs at this level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of Radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only oversight or direction for highly complex issuesPrepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as cystograms - cholangiograms and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract(In the case of injected media - a patient consent form must be obtained - when indicated)These procedures require the use of needles - syringes - isovue - Omnipaque - gastrografin - barium - and enema bagsThe radiographer must know the side effects of the contrast media used and the adverse reactionsImproper use or administration of the contrast materials in the risk of patient mortality - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare itHelp to maintain effective control of the Radiology department by coordinating - organizing - and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departmentPerforms all Diagnostic procedures to include all administrative duties associated with eachValidates all images prior to transmitting them to VistA/VUE Explorer to be interpreted by the professional staffKeeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of RadiologySuccessful completion of all required educational classes and successfully receives all Continuing Education Units (CEU'S) as governed by the ARRT - to maintain an active status with the ARRT SocietyMaintain current BLS certification and complete all required TMS courses in a timely mannerMaximize efficiency in the number of exams performed without compromising the quality of patient careContinuously works to develop a cohesive and effective team with other areas of the Radiology Department and the entire facility to expedite quality patient carePerforms Diagnostic procedures on a high volume of patients to include outpatients - inpatients - procedures performed with the C-arm in the operating room - fluoroscopic procedures - as well as portable examsResponsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the examDepending on procedure can recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitationProperly identify patients correctlyUses two identifiers to Identify patients before starting any Radiology exam/procedureProperly label all images with Right or Left markersThis is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occurThe radiographer must be certain patient identification and requests are identicalPractices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and selfThis is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead lined walls - collimation - and distance managementFilm badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the stateExercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipmentMust recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely mannerInteracts with patients in a manner that is appropriate to the patient's age - physical and emotional conditionAnswers all questions about exams to reduce patient anxietyDemonstrates courtesy and respect of patients - family members - fellow employees - including volunteers - students - and other co-workers in the work environmentReceives and interprets all radiology requestsInputs pertinent radiology information into computerResponsible for making routine calibrations on equipmentParticipates in annual training provided in the set-up - use - re-processing - and maintenance of unit/department -specific Reusable Medical Device (RMD)Timely sets up RMD in preparation for a procedure as outlined in the equipment Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)Assists in the training of rotating x-ray students - technologists - and volunteers within the Radiology departmentAfter each Fluoroscopic exam - appropriately records the Fluoroscopy dose in VISTA - the Dose log books and places Fluoroscopy education notes in CPRSAll other duties as assignedWork Schedule: Monday-Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm7:30am to 4:00pm when assigned to Surgery rotationRequired to rotate weekends and holidaysFunctional Statement #: 61244F Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized