Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at the GS-9 grade level will operate independently and without direct supervision performing all manner of diagnostic radiology examinations and assisting in evaluating - monitoring and continuously improving various imaging informatics workflows within Iowa City Imaging services.

Qualifications

All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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
• 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)
• 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)
• Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 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)
• Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - GS-8 - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Specialized experience includes: Experience checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Utilized knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Applied knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Monitored patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Utilized knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Applied knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• AND Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting - moderate carrying - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required - walking - standing - repeated bending - and both legs required

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: Schedules exams in a manner to optimize all the radiographic equipment including the MRI scanner times while maintaining a flexibility to allow for emergency cases
• This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery - etc
• Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams
• Determines technical factors - positioning - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results
• Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc.) Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI and general exams
• 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 - 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
• Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• Must have knowledge to load and unload laser camera
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients
• This includes patient logbooks - requisition and editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS) - copying of films - etc
• Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifier and left/right markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur
• The radiographer must be certain that the patient I.D
• band and the request are identical
• Asks each patient to verbally confirm his or her name and social security last four numbers
• Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI
• Continually reviews new developments in MRI
• Is continually on the alert to improve quality of examinations utilizing the new technologies available
• The purpose of this review is to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible films and scans for diagnostic purposes
• Responsible for assuming various rotating schedules as determined by the Chief - Radiology Service
• Available and flexible to be on-call both nights and weekends
• Work Schedule: Full-time
• Monday-Friday - 8am to 4:30pm
• Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required