The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist functions as a Vascular Interventional Technologist that functions in concert with the Interventional Radiology Physician with advanced skills, knowledge, and experience to facilitate the daily operations of the Interventional and Diagnostic Imaging Department by interacting, coordinating, and collaborating with Radiologists, Physicians, and multidisciplinary teams at the Medical Center and referring institutions.

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. It is anticipated that the incumbent will spend approximately 95 % of their time in two locations (Interventional Radiology suite and the Hybrid OR) preforming procedures in the most difficult and complex modality in the Imaging department, as well as providing general Diagnostic procedures in a therapeutic setting. Additionally, 5% is spent assisting Physicians and Advanced DRT CT with CT guided biopsies. At this grade level, it is expected that such assignments be unique, with expert specialization in the most complex area of radiologic technology. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Assisting IR MD with procedures to include scrubbing in on complex procedures. Using specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures, complex vascular, nonvascular interventional, and therapeutic procedures. Possesses additional knowledge of vascular systems, major vessel anatomy, and specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. Administering contrast media/and other agents (Lidocaine) under the supervision of the staff radiologist and conferring with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures; possesses knowledge in CR and PACS. Possesses thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes. Demonstrates knowledge of various catheters, stents, and products for Interventional causes. Demonstrates ability to operate complex imaging equipment in the Interventional Suite and the Hybrid OR Demonstrates ability to perform technical functions related to electronic medical record (CPRS) and Picture Archiving System (PACS). Prepares procedure table following accepted Infection Control guidelines for sterile table setup. Monitors fluoroscopy dose and contrast administered, and documents accordingly. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as transhepatic cholangiograms, fistulagrams and angiography. Receives and processes all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into VistA Radiology Package. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Supports CPT angiography/interventional coding compliance; utilizes appropriate CPT codes for exams performed, performs timely, accurate case editing, usage of parent codes to multiple examinations. Participate in after-hours calls. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized for Highly Qualified Candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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). 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. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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: 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 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - 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. Experience. 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. AND Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *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. [Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application

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 Minneapolis VA Medical Center One Veterans Drive Minneapolis, MN 55417 US
• Name: Amy Bakner
• Phone: 612-629-7180
• Email: [email protected]