Diagnostic Radiologic Tech General

Summary Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, digital diagnostic units, portable units and C-Arm equipment used the Operating Room. Responsibilities Major duties: Performs fluoroscopic examinations under the guidance and direction of the Radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and aithrography 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. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, oral contrast, barium, enema bags and drinking cups. 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. Sends emergent studies after hours to offsite Teleradiology station assuring proper form is completely filled out. Responsible for the quality assurance of the image such as positioning, label, technique, and net work information. Proficient in the operation of PACS, the transference of selected images, and verification of their arrival for interpretation and dictation. 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 technologist will assure compliance to radiation regulations wearing 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. Adheres to Medical Center infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Follows safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media, sharps, and bodily fluids. Registers patients if clerical support is not available using the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Follows Joint Commission National Safety Goals. 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 ce1tain 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 patients condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs radiographic exams 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 department due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Performs fluoroscopic exams in the Pain Clinic using the digital C-Arm. Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor. Is required to work alternating Holidays and cover for staff shortages as needed. Work Schedule: Thursday – Monday 3:00pm – 11:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d), and 7407 (d). 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: Must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R). GS-8: Experience: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience). Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patients clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patients physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 – a physical examination will be conducted based on the physical requirements of the position. A physical examination prior to placement is required. Light lifting (under 15 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1-2 hours); pushing (3-4 hours); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; walking (6-7 hours); standing (3-4 hours); kneeling (1-2 hours); repeated bending (3-4 hours); near vision correctable at 13″ to 16″ to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; and hearing (aid permitted). The environmental factors for this position are: working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; and unusual emotional strain. The full performance level of this vacancy is 08. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.