Summary

This position is located in the Diagnostics & Therapeutics (D&T) Service Line at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany - New York. This position functions as a diagnostic radiologic technologist for the Radiology Department. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist at this grade level are to be qualified to provide diagnostic radiologic services - including x-ray radiology and computerized tomography (CT).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Certification
• All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology - Radiography (ARRT) (R)
• Advanced certification in Computed Tomography is REQUIRED for this position
• 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)
• 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 4 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
• Credentialing Standards
• Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-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
• 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: 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 References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• General Duties DRTs perform procedures - examinations - and 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 and type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan and areas of interest
• The technologist operates digital fluoro and the C-arm - performs radiographic exams at the bedside and 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 and performs all general radiology exams - providing proper explanation of procedures to patients and completes appropriate evaluations of medical records when applicable
• Computed Tomography 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 - cardiac CTAs and peripheral vascular examinations
• The technologist requires knowledge and training in the location - appearance - and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
• ability to interpret the examination request accurately - understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs - use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor 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
• The technologist performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires proper preparation of sterile trays - labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays - knowledge of supplies and specific locations - and assuring measures taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment
• The technologist prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT
• This specialty requires knowledge of I STAT procedures and insert IV needles for administration of contrast material
• This is achieved by ensuring all policies and procedure are adhered to and maintaining knowledge in CT dose optimization
• The technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload - making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities
• Quality and Safety for Imaging The technologist performs daily inspection of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality
• The technologists must be aware of and practice safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center and participate in quality assurance activities
• Technologist must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner through the vha buf 114 equipment email group or nursing supervisor on non-administrative hours if patient care is impacted
• Proper attention is required to maintain the integrity of the equipment
• The technologist maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical - Semi-Critical - and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) that document the process and procedures for cleaning - disinfection - sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME for appropriate modalities
• The technologist provides in-service training to other technologists and students involved in the operation and maintenance of DR panels and other PACS operations maintained within the department
• The technologist works with physicists to ensure compliance with radiation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging safety program
• The technologist maintains accurate records to include fluoroscopy logs for quality assurance analysis - quality control - performance improvement - and other related purposes
• Adheres to Radiation Safety guidelines - properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization - positioning - required views - etc
• to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging
• Promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace
• The technologist maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients where applicable
• This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets - registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned in to the PACS system - in the correct orientation and on the correct patient
• Work Schedule: Saturday & Sunday - Midnight - 10:00am Functional Statement #:21V90A