Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

This position is located within Radiology Services at Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN and performing duties as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serves as entry level through full performance level DRT. They explain exams to patients in terms they can understand as well as potential hazards. They also must troubleshoot equipment used for diagnostic radiology and exercise extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing Equipment. Must report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representatives and assist higher graded technicians in performing more complicated examinations. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient issues and require direct supervision in any assignment area of general radiologic technology.
• Performs radiographic examinations of the skull torso and extremities or routine physical examinations, and for diagnosis of illness or injuries to accident victims. Often these procedures are performed on patients with severe injuries from accidents, patients who will not cooperate due to their mental status, paraplegic and quadriplegic patients who are almost helpless and patients with deformities, which make it impossible to use routine techniques and positioning.
• In collaboration with higher-grade technologists or radiologists assists with more complex procedures such as carotid aneriography or other contrast studies of the venous or arterial system.
• Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures., using portable x-ray units and mobile fluoroscopic units to achieve these exams. Upon request, operates the fluoroscopic unit in the cysto suite.
• Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. The technicians to assure compliance to radiation safety regulations wear film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits and when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RlS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface.
• Properly identifies the patient and the image. Uses left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Monitors equipment for proper operation, makes minor adjustments and reports malfunctions to supervisor and/or Biomedical Engineer.
• Maintains required supplies in the radiographic room in a neat and orderly manner. Ensures that sterile supplies, contrast material, catheters or other required supplies are adequate and within the use by date.
• Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees.
• Incumbent required to take calls.
• Incumbent may be required to perform duties at both the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr VAMC and satellite clinic locations as needed and may be required to travel.

Work Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 8:00AM-4:30PM/ Wednesday-Saturday 8:00AM-4:30PM

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 50832F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized