Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
What you'd do
The position is that of a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) providing support and services in Diagnostic Radiology to both inpatients and outpatients with in the Central Arkansas Veteran Healthcare System under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment independently, both mobile and fixed, and assists the radiologist and other providers in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.
Major duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) include, but are not limited to: Impatient Equipment and Procedures: Performs a wide variety of general diagnostic radiographic examinations utilizing multiple types of radiographic equipment. Operates digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), and conventional radiography equipment with accuracy in producing optimal imaging examinations. Calibrates and adjusts technical factors to optimize image quality. Responsible for diagnostic quality of images produced. Applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology to imaging. Determines and applies proper positioning for anatomic region of interest and information desired, according to established guidelines. Dedicates at least 25% of time in hospital facility performing advanced radiographic procedures. Performs basic troubleshooting and adjustments to assess imaging equipment operations. Reports equipment problems to supervisor and confers with biomedical engineering as requested. Provides patient education about procedures, give directions, and answering questions, if any. Performs screening process for the safe application of contrast administration, obtaining informed consent as criteria mandates. Obtains applicable lab value prior to contrast administration. Demonstrates an understanding of the side effects and adverse reactions associated with contrast administration. Monitors patients' physiologic changes during procedures and keeps radiologists informed. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and respond to changes accordingly. Identifies the patient and the image according to guidelines. Uses left and right markers and other markers, as indicated. Incorporates infection prevention and control practices in accordance with established guidelines. Performs invasive procedures utilizing surgical sterile technique in accordance to hospital policies and applies appropriate PPE when working directly with a sterile field. Reusable Medical Equipment (RME): Performs the processes to prepare Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) per CAVHS SOPs specific to each device according to manufacturer's recommendations as required. Ensures proper storage of the clean device. Complies with all Policy regarding infection control practices pertaining to pre-cleaning and cleaning processing of RMEs. Cleans and disinfects all RME according to manufacturing guidelines and VHA operating standards associated with RME. Associated Duties: Performs all documentation and record keeping related to each examination. Performs P ACs duties, which includes capturing computerized radiographs and digital images; applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Performs image manipulation and data correction as necessary. Provides training to student radiographers and residents from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives. Maintains cleanliness and adequately stocks supplies in assigned areas. Provides support and assistance in all areas of the service with technical, administrative and other tasks, based on the needs of the Service. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, rotating on-call after hours, weekends and holidays, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. 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 #: 598-00017-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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). 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). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: 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. 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: ARRT certification required, at least 1 year experience, and ability to work independently with limited supervision. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
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