Summary

The incumbent is at the full performance level as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT). Performs routine to moderately complex radiographic exams. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - direct digital units - C-arms and portable machines. The position level GS 8 functions proficiently at a level not requiring constant supervision of technical detail in the Cardiac Cath Lab (CCL).

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
• 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) NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.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:GS8: (1) Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• (2) Assignments
• 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(3) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed (e) Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Preferred Experience: Current (within the last year) of Cath lab experience - and Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology certification
• ACLS Required Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 8
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• DUTIES: a
• Assists interventionalist during fluoroscopic examinations
• Employs knowledge of anatomy - physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of the procedure
• b
• Assist the interventional provider in fluoroscopic examinations to include functions of scrub - circulate and monitor procedures
• c
• The DRT will discuss any case that deviates from normal protocol with the in interventional provider
• d
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the Interventional provider
• e
• Responsible to the interventional provider for the quality and quantity of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• f
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• The technologist is to assure compliance to radiation regulations and is to wear film badges
• The technologist must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• g
• Documents patients in the XPER/ WITT system and or the electronic health record
• h
• Knowledge of Joint Commission and regulatory requirements
• i
• Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas
• Monitors PAR levels and weekly checks expiration dates
• Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor/equipment specialist
• j
• Explains and educates procedures to patients - so the patient has a clear understanding of procedure - hazards (if any) and instructions to follow (if applicable)
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions or changes in mental status and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitationk
• The DRT must be professional - cooperative - and able to work with other employees
• Displays skills in using tact diplomacy and courtesy in dealing with customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors and volunteers .Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized