Career Center

Summary

Serves as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General/X-Ray) performing routine to moderately complex radiographic examination procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - digital diagnostic units - portable units and C-Arm equipment used the Operating Room.

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
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402 (d) - and 7407 (d)
• Education-Transcripts Submitted: 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)
• Certification-Documentation Submitted: Must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R)
• 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: Completion of at least 1 year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level (for a total of 3 years of DRT experience)
• Qualifying experience would include independently performing a substantially full range of duties but receive occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues and providing services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Skill in using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 8.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties: Performs fluoroscopic examinations under the guidance and direction of the Radiologists in the less complex fluoroscopic examinations
• Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP - cystogram - cholangiograms - fistulagrams and aithrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract
• In the case of injected media - a patient consent form must be obtained
• These procedures require the use of needles - syringes - oral contrast - barium - enema bags and drinking cups
• 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
• Sends emergent studies after hours to offsite Teleradiology station assuring proper form is completely filled out
• Responsible for the quality assurance of the image such as positioning - label - technique - and net work information
• Proficient in the operation of PACS - the transference of selected images - and verification of their arrival for interpretation and dictation
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient - staff - and self
• This is achieved by the use of lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• The technologist will assure compliance to radiation regulations wearing film badges
• 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
• Adheres to Medical Center infection control and universal precautions at all times in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures
• Follows safety guidelines according to established policies and procedures ensuring the proper disposal of contrast media - sharps - and bodily fluids
• Registers patients if clerical support is not available using the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface
• Follows Joint Commission National Safety Goals
• Properly identifies the patient and the image
• Uses left and right markers
• This is essential so that mistaken identity does not occur
• The technician must be ce1tain that the patient ID band and the request are identical
• Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions - and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Performs radiographic exams in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology department due to incapacity or surgical procedures
• Performs fluoroscopic exams in the Pain Clinic using the digital C-Arm
• Reports equipment malfunctions in a timely manner to the supervisor
• Is required to work alternating Holidays and cover for staff shortages as needed
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 30849F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized