Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) and Computed Tomography (CT) position is assigned to the Salem VAMC - Imaging Service. The DRT/CT staff at this level is fully functional as an advanced multi-modality technologist and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. The DRT/CT staff is certified/licensed by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT).

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 BLS and 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) 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 GS10 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
• DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Computed Tomography (CT)
• This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral - and/or - multi-slice computer tomography - inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans - including drainages - biopsies - and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• to interpret the examination request accurately
• to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs
• to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor - or on film - and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
• [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this vacancy is 10
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 10
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing - walking - and sitting
• Work involves constant bending - lifting and twisting
• The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients
• Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions
• Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees
• Wearing lead to protect self when assigned to fluoroscopic procedures or exams.

Duties

• DUTIES: Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray - general fluoroscopy - or bedside (portable x-ray) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers
• Has adequate knowledge to operate all ionizing equipment
• Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• This is achieved by using the ALARA principals - lead aprons - lead gloves - lead eye protection - lead shields - lead-lined walls - collimation and proper positioning
• Film badges are worn and exchanged in a timely manner
• 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
• Knowledgeable of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes
• 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 Interprets and follows the requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinician
• Discusses any case that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist
• Skill to recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor and equipment specialist
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power and properties of x-ray in order to understand the operation of equipment
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of radiographic studies in Diagnostic Radiology - Computed Tomography and Interventional Radiology Verifies correct patient using two patient identifiers - correct exam and correct side
• Uses left and right markers as appropriate during diagnostic x-ray exams
• Performs quality control of the images produced - assessing for proper exposure - positioning and annotation
• Applies post-processing techniques such as window leveling - edge enhancement - brightness and annotation corrections as necessary before routing images to workstation and/or PACS
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist (oral - rectal - intravenous)
• Provides patient education and obtains appropriate consent for administration of contrast media
• Establishes IV access and administers IV contrast
• Observes patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reaction and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity and if necessary - cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Maintains adequate supplies and contrast materials used in the department
• Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies - notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance
• Coordinates with Pharmacy - Logistics - and vendor representatives to ensure medications - contrast and supplies/implants are available for case load
• Enters implant information into prosthetics log and alerts Supervisor of usage so Prosthetics consult can be placed for implant to be reordered Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency
• Disseminates information of general interest
• Annually participates with Image Wisely - a National joint initiative pledge of multiple imaging societies to raise awareness and promote radiation protection in adult medical imaging Work Schedule: Every other weekend - Saturday and Sunday 4PM-Midnight Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required