The position is located in the Medical Imaging Department within the Radiology Service at the Capitan James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, IL This DRT position performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body and any other exams as per department guidelines. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. Works under the supervision of the Imaging Section Supervisor.

Duties

Major duties include but are NOT limited to: Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for same day, stat/emergent cases, This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient workload that who may require immediate diagnostic information and/or emergency surgery, etc. Demonstrates and implements new procedures and promotes new policies required to accommodate the on-going DoD/VA Activation project incorporating all of the local Naval Hospital's inpatient, outpatient, operating room and emergent care workload. Daily workloads have Increased significantly and are projected to more than double in the near future requiring adaptation in workflow and the need to resolve internal conflicts and advise on resolutions for external problems and conflicts. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies radiologists or physicians of scans requiring their immediate attention. Performs neuroanglography including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluroscopy, pressure injectors, parallelogram biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities. These angiographic studies include renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams Involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems. Performs all exams utilizing either aseptic or surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique" preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast suppling 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, 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. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of electronic patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized Information system: Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. Responsibly, professionally and courteously explains exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Responsible to maintain adequate work level of CT and angiography supplies arid related materials. Performs after hour emergency scans on standby basis, provides up to 24 hours per day coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 40 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Work to include off shifts, weekends and holidays. May be required to perform a variety of duties during this time. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve duality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review Is to' provide the patients with the best passible scans for diagnostic purposes. Interacts and reviews work production of radiology. students and assists students during clinical rotations. Local college utilizes our facility is a clinical rotation site for radiology students and radiology (CT) students. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 12:00am-8:00am (Overnights) Compressed/Flexible: Per supervisor Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: 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). aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. 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 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. 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: GS-9 GRADE REQUIREMENTS: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. DRT's 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G27 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center 3001 Green Bay Road North Chicago, IL 60064 US
• Name: Lisa Ahearn
• Phone: (928) 445-4860 X6301
• Email: [email protected]