Incumbent functions as an advanced ORT and carries out their assigned tasks independently. Position may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic duties within the program. Performs exam of the head, neck spine, chest and body. Exams may be performed with the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment.

Duties

The incumbent is responsible for the following duties: a. Optimizes scanner time while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. b. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, to produce and satisfy requirements of the exam. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. c. Performs spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, patient monitors, etc. d. Performs exams of the abdominal systems and extremities. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, patient monitors, etc. e. Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, spot films, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. f. 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 encounter 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, cleanup 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. g. 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 exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. h. Prepares contrast exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. i. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations. j. Performs studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. k. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. l. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. Confirms patient identity to imaging request by verbally confirming patient name and social security number and/or date of birth. m. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done and expected of them during the procedure as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. n. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all X-Ray, supplies and related materials. o. May be required to perform irregular hour emergency scans on standby 24 hours per day, coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. p. Continually reviews new developments in the field of general radiography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the modern technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes. q. Performs collateral duties and duties related to the position. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 08:00am - 04:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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: a. Citizenship. All applicants are required to be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) b. 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]. c. 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).] d. 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. e. English Language Proficiency. All applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: 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. 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 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is 09. .

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Trudy Wachala
• Phone: 4106057000 X51841
• Email: [email protected]