Career Center

Summary

Performs 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

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: 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: Must be certified in Advanced Radiology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology ARRT (R)
• GS-8: Experience: 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS- 08
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Duties

• 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: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00pm-7:30am Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available
• Work in person
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Available PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required