The position is in the Medical Imaging Department at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System where the incumbent performs a variety of routine and very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. The incumbent operates equipment both mobile and fixed and assists the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Reviews request for appropriateness before performing exams. Incumbent uses appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, interviews the patient, reviews the patient chart or contacts the ordering clinician as needed for clarification. Receives patients and ensures proper identification. Provides patient education. Continually assesses the condition and the needs of the patients to ensure patient safety, comfort and privacy. Performs portable exams throughout this facility. Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams, including standard radiographs, gastrointestinal exams, genitourinary exams, arthrograms, myelograms and plain tomography. Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques. Performs surgical procedures using both portable and fixed radiographic units. Processes images by using (CR) Computer radiography, including specific exposure requirements, and digital postprocessing techniques to optimize image quality. Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of the DR network and interface with the VISTA imaging and PACs and contingency procedures for manually entering patient demographics and routing images. Supports radiologist in performance of fluoroscopic exams such as gastrointestinal studies, Fluoro guidance studies, and swallowing evaluations. Anticipates the imaging and equipment needs before and during the procedures, follows the progress of the procedure and facilitated flow. Prepares and administers barium or other contrast agents. Starts IVs as needed for IVP exams. Observes the patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reactions and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. Ensure compliance with infection control standards and practices. Monitors performance of radiological technologist students from affiliated training programs. Participates in education and oversight. Supports maintenance of inventory supplies, ensuring that outdated, damaged or otherwise unusable items are discarded. Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency. Disseminates information of general interest. Employee works independently after normal duty hours, weekends, and holidays. Work Schedule: To be discussed with supervisor Functional Statement #: 70200-F 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. 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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), 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: GS-9 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. 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. In addition, 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 G-25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. 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 Tennessee Valley HCS - Nashville 1310 24th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37212 US
• Name: Crystal Noriega
• Phone: (512) 317-1310
• Email: [email protected]