Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Summary This 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. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). 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 has taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, technologists who do not possess advanced certification may be provided on‑job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist. COPY OF CURRENT CERT REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION PACKAGE. An employee who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination 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 other recognized accrediting agencies. COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS WITH CONFER DATE REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION PACKAGE. 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: GS‑9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 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. 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 (*). 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑9. Physical requirements: light and moderate lifting and carrying (up to 44 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; walking and standing (1–4 hours); repeated bending (1–2 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid may be permitted); mental and emotional stability; exposure to outside and inside; constant noise; working closely with others; working alone. Duties The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist assists with procedures performed in the hybrid operating room or the standard operating room using the fixed imaging equipment or portable fluoroscopy units such as digital radiography, peripheral angiography, visceral angiography, cerebral angiography, and interventional & therapeutic procedures. Duties will include: positioning the patient within the hybrid operating room, monitoring the patient during all phases of appropriate examination(s) and removing the patient from the system(s) upon completion of imaging acquisition(s). Ensures that adequate quantities of endovasculer “specials” supplies are available to meet workload demands through a systemized process of ordering, receipt, and inventory. Assures that the hybrid operating room is stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies. Technologists working in the hybrid operating room interpret and direct the most difficult requests to the attending physician. Trains new technologists, residents and fellows in digital angiography, venograms, spine guidance, and other special procedures including the use of mobile radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures (using C‑arms or portable X‑ray units) within the sterile surgical environment. Participates in the evaluation of new employees. Performs neuroangiography — including spine — head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x‑ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. Performs cardiac, peripheral, and visceral angiography of the coronary arteries, ascending aorta, arch, descending thoracic aorta, as well as abdominal systems and extremities (renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, endovascular, etc.). Calibrates, operates, and troubleshoots mobile or fixed imaging equipment used in the operating room and digital archiving systems (PACS). Ensures the equipment is ready for use—reporting any malfunctions to biomedical engineers or supervisors. Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques, requiring scrub‑in technique, preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supply of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field to prevent contamination. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique, storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, proper attire, hand‑washing practices, and continuing education. Works with surgeons/interventional cardiologists as a member of the operating room team. Responsible for the intravenous injection of contrast media. In the hybrid OR, administers contrast media and medications under the direction and supervision of the proceduralist(s) and anesthesiologist. Registers patient and procedure(s) in the VISTA System – Radiology Package – and enters case number to the patient’s file to indicate that the procedure has been completed. Performs technical and general operation and maintenance of the computer, disk drives, console, imaging devices, etc. Assists engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of any malfunctions in all equipment associated with the hybrid room imaging devices. CPR/BLS certification is required and recertification in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead‑lined walls, and collimation. Ensures compliance to all VA/Local Guidelines and Policy on RME and Infection Control at all levels. Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients, including registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system, ensuring that appropriate films are annotated, copying images (to PACS, CD or film), logging patients on the HIS‑RIS work list. Performs irregular hour emergency procedures on‑call coverage and is required to participate in part of call‑back for the hybrid OR. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 am–4:30 pm. Recruitment Incentive (Sign‑on Bonus): Not Authorized. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr