This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position is assigned to the White River Junction VA Medical Center, Imaging Service; General Radiology in the VA Medical Center. This is a general medical and surgical facility, classified as a Level 2 facility. It is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and limited research. This DRT will perform General Radiology duties 75% of the time and CT duties 25% of the time. Applicants 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 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) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade 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. Demonstrated 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this job series is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-9 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly extended periods of time. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). ["The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) employee at this level is fully functional as a DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. The team member will have a varying assignment including special and complex radiographic examinations and procedures within the General Radiology section, with and without the use of contrast materials. The objective of these exams and procedures is to produce radiographic studies which are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by Radiologists to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions or lesions within the body so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be obtained. Duties include but are not limited to; Functions (Advanced DRT) Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality. This includes but is not limited to: Fluoroscopic and General Diagnostic exams, Portable Radiography, Portable Fluoroscopy, Operating Room and all other duties assigned. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable or consumable solutions such as UGI's, BE's, Small Bowel, Modified Barium Swallows, Venograms, Cystograms, Cholangiograms, Fistulagrams, Arthrography, etc. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, 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 the 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. Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging. Technologist is competent and educated in Level One training of MRI Safety, including basic MRI Safety knowledge. Responsible for the quality of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Ensures documentation of repeat/reject analysis and meets the established monthly measure of >5% of total exams performed. Performs radiology procedures/exams utilizing sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. When necessary, confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Functions (CT) Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs all aspects of CT Interventional Radiography, including Biopsies, RF Ablations, Abscess drainages, cyst aspirations, etc. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, including CT Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac trained technologists only) and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient. Performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Work Schedule: Full Time. Tour of Duty: to be discussed upon hiring. Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:405-F04565 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Notifications: -This position is in the Excepted Service. -This position is a AFGE Bargaining Unit position. -Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
