The Detroit VA Medical Center is hiring for a DRT specializing in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams of the head, neck spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. MRIs with myocardial stress mapping, flow quantification, ejection fraction analysis, and viability analysis. Complex exams include and are not limited to: MRI Spectroscopy, Cardiac, Coronary MRAs, and head, neck, extremity, chest, abdomen and pelvis MRAs. Performs complex MRI exams 30% of the time.

Duties

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist for MRI Major Duties: 1. Establishes and manually updates state of the art departmental MRI/MRA protocols. 2. Protocols all MRI (routine and advanced) exams and arranges the MRI schedule to optimize the MRI scanners while maintaining the flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. 3. Performs complex 3-D post processing exams on advanced work stations and software applications for specialized reformatting of images. 4. Responsible for performing and maintaining the Quality Assurance on all MRI Scanners. 5. Responsible for maintaining MRI Safety standards, devices and techniques on all MRI Scanners. 6. Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of slices, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of MRI scanning. Performs MRI angiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, patient monitors, etc. Schedules patients for examinations, advises radiologist or referring physicians of examination results, notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. 7. 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 (the alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc.) Performs most exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. 8. Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI/Angiography and general 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, technologist 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. Is certified to start IV and insert catheters for administration of contrast material when necessary. 9. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, proper exposure factor and equipment, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. The radiographers to assure compliance to radiation regulations wear film badges. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedure of the medical center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. 10. Uses the PACs system for retrieval of images to be printed to a laser camera and CD's. 11. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes patient electronic logbooks, requisition and editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS), copying of films, etc. 12. Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifiers and left/right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient films does not occur. The radiographer must be certain that the patient I.D. and the request are identical. Asks each patient to verbally confirm his or her name and social security last four numbers. 13. Assures that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. 14. Performs irregular hour emergency MRI scans, on call 24 hours per day, on weekends and Holiday coverage. Requires the technologist to be available within 1 hour from receipt of call, so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. May also be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. 15. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all MRI and general imaging supplies and related material. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 12:00pm to 8:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91111-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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). 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by VA Regulations Grade Level Requirement:GS-10: Candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies are met. This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging. The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter. The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body. The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged. This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties. Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's): In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's):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 (*): *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: MRI imaging References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 dated December 13, 2019The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting and carrying (45+ lbs.); Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs.); Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); Heavy carrying (45+ lbs.); Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.); light carrying (under 15 lbs.); straight pulling (.5 hours); pulling hand over hand (1 hour); pushing (1 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (7 hours); standing (7 hours); repeated bending (2 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously. Environmental Factors: Work closely with other and works alone. Work involves attention to radiation safety requirements, which requires the technologist to remain in lead-lined booth when making exposures, wearing lead apron during fluoroscopy , using minimum exposure settings for patient protection and safety measures.

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 John D Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4646 John R Street Detroit, MI 48201 US
• Name: Kimberly Ingram
• Phone: 469-970-0788
• Email: [email protected]