Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - is assigned to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC) - Imaging Service; MRI Section within the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in Aurora - Colorado. RMRVAMC is a complex level 1A1 Medical Center which provides a full range of state-of-the-art patient care services to include a 182-bed hospital with a 30-bed spinal cord injury and disorders service.

Qualifications

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
• 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
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• For grade levels above the entry level - the candidate must be certified
• 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).] 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: 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
• GS-8 is the next lower level
• Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• This position is above full performance level at the GS-9. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles
• Some pushing and pulling
• Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions
• 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 - speed in working - and emotional stability
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d).

Duties

• Operate a wide variety of imaging equipment in MRI to obtain examinations of acceptable quality while limiting the amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for diagnosis and localization purposes
• Perform MRI of the spine - head - neck - abdomen - pelvis - extremities - breast - and cardiac studies (onsite training for specialized exams) Perform MRI of the peripheral and visceral vessels through MR angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities to include renal - hepatic - mesenteric - aortic - femoral - or any other studies according to current protocols
• Perform venipuncture and adhere to guidance regarding administration of contrast media - use of power injectors - and gadolinium
• Process studies through post processing software and the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Maintain electronic records of exams performed on patients
• Appropriately process orders through all imaging scheduling software and document
• Prepare contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist
• Respond to patient reactions that may require immediate attention to prevent harm to the patient
• Must follow MRI safety guidance - report and document safety issues and incidents in the electronic health record - patient safety reporting tool and to the supervisor immediately upon occurrence
• Must adhere to all service - section and national policies and directives
• Review and interpret all radiology study orders for accuracy and appropriateness
• review orders - protocols - screening information for accuracy - note and research all questionable information prior to tech approval and performance of the exam
• Complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent and routine exams
• Coordinate examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability - maximizing exam room effectiveness
• Must optimize scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Adhere to hospital infection control and safety policies
• Maintain adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department
• Inventory and restock all supplies and monitoring expiration dates
• Notify the supervisor and supply chain management of supply issues
• Determine technical factors to produce optimal MRI studies
• Appropriately vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Consult with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams and document in the electronic health record
• Notify the radiologist of procedures requiring their immediate attention
• Properly identify patients by using full name - date of birth - full social security number and/or hospital name band
• Verify correct MRI scan - correct amount and type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position - and all other identifying markers
• Properly identify areas of interest on all images - when applicable
• Perform minor equipment adjustments - repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment
• Technologist will check equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures
• Technologist must report equipment malfunction to the supervisor immediately after trouble shooting and enter an electronic repair request
• Must participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Complete all annual and/or new competencies and required trainings
• Must participate in the afterhours call rotation
• All other related Imaging duties as directed
• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: Variable Shifts Compressed/Flexible: Authorized Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 52095-A