Summary

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) - a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval - award amount (up to $200 -000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Interventional Radiology GS647-9 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
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level - clinical instruction - and basic QM type duties within the program
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level
• 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
• Preferred Experience: At least 5 years Diagnostic Radiology experience with 1 year dedicated to Interventional Radiology experience required
• CT experience in addition is highly preferred
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination
• Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties
• Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy - regulation - or statute

Duties

• Functions: Ability to perform peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities including renal - hepatic - mesenteric - aortic - femoral - etc.as well as neuro-angiography including spine - head - and neck studies using highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy - pressure injectors - parallelogram biplane imaging - patient monitors - etc
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Properly identifies patient with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy - confirms identity on order - properly identifies patient images and utilizes L(eft) and R(ight) markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur
• Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records
• Receives and interprets all radiology requests
• Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer
• Schedules appointments - processes exam requests - and registers patient exams - cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS)
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of a physician for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions
• The radiographer is proficient at the insertion of IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary
• The radiographer must know the effects and adverse reactions of the contrast materials
• Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality - therefore - it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it
• Must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders
• Adverse reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient or equipment
• Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition - transmission - storage - and review of images - performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the radiologist
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines Knowledge of calibration parameter and the ability to make adjustments as needed Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood
• May be required to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle
• This is includes appropriate use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - collimation and distance management
• Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations
• Has knowledge in the use of surgical sterile technique in the preparation and set up of a variety of sterile supplies - for a variety of procedures - ensuring the patient has been properly prepared for procedure adhering to all Joint Commission and VAPORHCS guidelines and observing all timeout procedures
• Portland HCS is a teaching institute which requires the technologist to assist/train radiologists - other technologists/technicians - students from affiliated institutions - and other health care professionals in x-ray equipment operation - DR/PACS usage and in diagnostic procedures and protocols
• Respect and professional interaction with others is required at all times
• Courteously interacts with patients - visitors - medical staff and other professionals on a daily basis - projecting a professional and helpful attitude - in person or by telephone - dealing with problem solving and quality issues
• Maintains a professional relationship displaying a cooperative attitude and effectively working to implement the organization's mission - goals - and ICARE values Reviews new developments in the field and recommends those that would improve the quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available Additional duties as assigned within the scope of practice for Diagnostic Radiography
• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0700-1600 with rotating on call
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 0000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized