The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The ORT Cardiovascular-lnterventional (CV), 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.

Duties

A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as more applicants become available. Applications will remain on file for 90 days. The first cut-off date for referral of eligible applicants will be August 29, 2023. The incumbent works as an Advance Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist- Cardiovascular Interventional (CV), assigned to the Interventional Radiology section of the Radiology Service, VA North Texas Healthcare System, Main Campus, Dallas, Texas. Technologist in this position serves as a team member who provides complex imaging procedures to perform diagnostic and therapeutic non-invasive procedures of the Vascular system, Gastro-duodenal, Genito-Urinary system, Endocrine system, Neurological and Musculoskeletal systems among others. Functions/Duties including but not limited to: Prepares patient for requested procedure to include but not limited to: Correctly identifies the patient conforming to the JCAHO national patient safety goals. Ensures patient clothing is compatible with the area of interest and aid as necessary. Explains procedure and ensures patient questions are answered to the scope of their understanding. Verifies patient allergies. Ensures IV Access is in place as required for procedure. Ensures valid consent and H&P have been properly submitted prior to bring patient into IR Suite. Secures patient belongings and returns them to owner at the end of the procedure. Ensures patient comfort to reduce patient motion in order to obtain optimum image quality. Maintains electronic patient records as follows: Safeguards patient information as established by the Institution's policies and regulations. Ensures proper request has been submitted for the procedure to be performed. Ensures all CPT codes have been properly applied and closed out in order to capture the workload performed by IR staff and ancillary services. Verifies that all images have crossed over into PACS, clear QA issues and takes corrective actions when faults are found that may affect report status. Prepares Interventional Radiology procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques: Applies Infection control practices when setting up table, trays and procedural site preparation. Adheres to the Facility sterile process and procedures prior to, during, and after procedure. Understands the use and need of protective devices. Performs tasks with minimal to no supervision from the Interventional Radiologist: Obtains hemostasis post vascular procedures. Performs Gastric tube and percutaneous drain checks. Securement of various drainage and connecting tubes. Insertion of nasogastric tubes in preparation for gastrostomy tube placements. In the absence of staff radiologist, makes recommendations to new residents during minor Angio/Interventional procedures regarding equipment and supplies that would expedite the exam. Demonstrates knowledge of proper use and administration of contrast agents normally used in the interventional suite: Knowledge of various indications and contraindications for contrast medium; including contrast reactions symptoms and immediate treatments. Knowledge of location and correct use of emergency medical equipment required to control adverse contrast media reactions. Knowledge of various routes for contrast media administration. Demonstrates accurate knowledge of equipment and supplies used in a modern Angio/ Interventional suite: Knowledge of use and function of all guidewires, angiographic catheters and dilation catheters. Knowledge of use and function of all accessory devices used in Angio suite- drains, caps, pressure lines, various stopcocks, manifolds, and sheaths. Knowledge of use and function of thrombectomy devises, balloon catheter, stents, endovascular filters and different embolization devices. Knowledge of the complex operational capabilities of modern single plane angiographic equipment, such as: bolus chase, 3D cone beam acquisition, 3D arteriogram, AI Guidance Technology- vessel mapping for injection of oncology treatment, storing and recalling imaging position, and imaging fusion. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, function of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes that affects them. Incumbent must have basic understanding of the selection of optimal imaging parameters. Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm, rotating on-schedule/holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Compensation: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (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 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), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-09 DRT (Above Full Performance): Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 or the equivalent, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. 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: 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body PACS-Ensures completion of examination by following proper procedures to transmit images to PACS immediately after the exam. Demonstrates safe radiation work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures. Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control. Administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. Knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647. December 13, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Additional details may be found in 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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by JRCERT at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the JRCERT website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]