Summary

The Durham VA is seeking one Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist performs procedures such as digital radiography - peripheral angiography - visceral angiography - cerebral angiography - interventional & therapeutic procedures - C-arm fluoroscopy - epidural injection - vein Ablations and endovascular cases in the operating room. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units - the chest unit & general diagnostic units.

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
• 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)
• 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
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• 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: GS9 In addition to the basic requirements - the following is required: 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 KSAs
• 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
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking
• There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes for rapid film changers
• Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning which may require reaching or work in strained positions
• The work area is well lighted - heated - and ventilated
• Special safety precautions are required to reduce exposure to x-rays
• These include using minimum current settings in the x-ray machine and never operating the machine except from behind a protective screen or when wearing protective clothing such as a lead apron.

Duties

• Technologists' working in Vascular/Interventional interprets and directs the most difficult requests to the Radiologist
• Vascular Radiology procedures are extremely difficult requiring close consultation with a Radiologist
• Duties include but are not limited to: Assures sterile supplies - contrast material - catheters - and other required equipment are present and ready prior to procedures
• Prepares and administers/injects various types for contrast material - some by using pressure injectors
• Ensures that adequate quantities of Angio/\"specials\" supplies are available to meet workload demands through a systemized process of ordering - receipt - and inventory
• Assures that angiography procedure rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies
• Obtains patient consent forms on high risk patients in the case of injected media
• 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 Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures
• 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
• Trains new technologists in digital angiography - venograms - myelograms - and percutaneous nephrostomy and other special procedures
• Participates in the evaluation of new employees
• Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient
• Performs neuroangiography - including spine - head - and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy - pressure injectors - patient monitors - etc
• Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing digital fluoroscopy/ conventional xray units - patient immobilizes - etc. - when required
• Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques
• This requires \"scrub-in technique -\" preparation of surgical trays - preparation of contrast - supplying of catheters and guide wires - sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient
• This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of sterile packs - gloves - syringes - guide wires - catheters - clean-up trays - etc. - after exam is completed
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'
• proper attire
• hand washing practices
• and continuing education
• Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team
• Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the procedure
• Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition - sterile field - catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations - etc
• The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties - etc
• Prepares contrast materials
• Must know the effects and reactions to the contrast
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff - and self
• Practices the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center - and participates in quality assurance activities as directed
• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Work Schedule: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
• On call rotation
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• 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) 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.