Details
Posted: 12-May-22
Location: Portland, Oregon
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 653927400
This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in computed tomography, inclusive of post processing applications and including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations combined with Cardiovascular-interventional (CV) which uses specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. 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. 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). 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 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. Grade Determinations: n 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. 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: (a) [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 (*): 1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. 6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred Experience: Requires IR advanced certification to qualify for position. This is a Multi-modality position which requires incumbent to obtain advanced certification in CT, once at full performance and credentialed in CT incumbent will be promoted to GS-10. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-10. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. ARRT, CT required for this position at GS-9, when ARRT,VI is obtained in additional to CT, Incumbent will be promoted to GS-10. Functions CT Duties:\na. Confers with radiologists/residents to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number, and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Advises radiologists/residents or referring physicians of examination completion. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.\nb. Utilizes highly sophisticated equipment such as computerized tomography scanners, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. taking education, training, and available resources into account for appropriate usage.\nc. Performs all studies presented in the CT Department. This includes but is not limited to routine and specialty neuro, chest, body, musculoskeletal, and CTA imaging as well as interventional/specialty procedures (i.e. biopsies, aspirations, injections, bladder and rectal contrast administration, etc.).\nd. Works with the radiologist/resident as a member of the radiology team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists in the performance of exams, to include recommending appropriate contrast materials to achieve optimal diagnostic results. Must be continuously on alert for the patient's condition, the sterile field, and the supplies needed for each specific examination. The alertness of the technologist is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technical factor corrections, etc.\ne. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques for biopsies or aspiration of fluid of the anatomical region indicated. Adheres to hospital and department infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.\nf. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials runs the risk of patient mortality. Therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient.\ng. Additional duties as assigned within the scope of practice for Interventional Radiography. IR TECHNOLOGIST FUNCTIONS:\na) Liaison between radiologists and requesting providers to ensure more complicated exams are correctly completed.\nb) Teaches and supervises radiology students rotating through IR.\nc) Rotates on call and is the subject matter expert in obtaining appropriate information and imaging of emergent exams after hours when limited staff is available.\nd) Leads the training of new IR techs, and provide less experienced technologists the training and guidance necessary for their development in becoming a more proficient and expert IR technologist.\ne) Supports research protocols.\nf) Participates in the development and improvement of new advanced exam protocols\ng) Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients Work Schedule: Monday - Friday Day shift, Requires Call\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]