Career Center

Summary

The incumbent serves as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for the Imaging Service at the VHA WNY HCS. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists complete assignments in specialized areas that include general diagnostic radiologic technology (R) - interventional radiologic technology (IR) (to include OR Vascular and Special Procedures). The technologist will function in assigned modalities based on competency assessment and duties assigned based on the needs of the agency.

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: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-5 Experience or Education
• None beyond the basic requirements Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-6 Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure
• (b) Knowledge of anatomy and positioning
• (c) Knowledge of all patient safety procedures
• (d) Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment
• (e) Ability to learn basic computer functions
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-7 Experience or Education
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• or successful completion of an advanced registry program - with certification - in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging
• Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image - including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system
• (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study
• (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards - minimum radiographic exposure techniques - appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area - and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures
• (d) Knowledge of computed radiography - CR readers and Digital Imaging systems
• (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-8 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• GS-9 Experience: To qualify at the GS 9 level - in addition to meeting the basic requirements - you must also have one of the following experience or educational requirements below: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 8) - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• GS-9 Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities
• At this level - candidates must also demonstrate the following Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSAs): (a) Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while performing complex scans and procedures
• (b) Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• (c) Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• (d) Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• (e) Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• (f) Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients.

Duties

• General Radiologic Technology (R)
• DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of Lead Technologists and Imaging Manager
• The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by radiologists to locate injuries - foreign bodies - pathological conditions - or lesions within the body
• They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with Federal regulations
• All DRTs must be knowledgeable in computerized [and digital radiography (CR/DR) -] and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS)
• The technologist properly identifies patient by using full name and full social security number - date of birth and/or hospital name band
• Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists - R & L markers - correct amount - and type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan
• Properly identifies areas of interest on all images - if applicable
• Quality and Safety for Imaging- The technologist performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality as assigned by leadership
• The technologists must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner through the vhabuf 114 equipment email group or nursing supervisor on non- administrative hours if patient care is impacted - so as proper attention is ensured to maintain the integrity of the equipment
• The technologist complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations - using protective equipment when required and provided
• Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace
• Attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level safety promotions as directed by supervisor
• Knows fire drill and emergency plans for work area - including location of all emergency fire equipment
• Work Schedule: Intermittent -Incumbent must be available to work a minimum of two shifts per week
• Title/PD#: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (OR Vascular)/PD21U41A Physical Requirements: This work may involve assisting individuals off of the bed that slides into the bore of an MRI machine
• The position also demands standing - walking - bending - twisting - and carrying light items
• Telework Eligibility: Not Eligible for Telework