The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General) is located at the VA San Diego Healthcare System Kearny Mesa location and performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a physician. Operates radiology equipment both mobile and fixed, and assists the radiologist with fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients. Assists surgeons in the operating suite in performing complex fluoroscopic procedures including angiography.

Duties

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - General performs general diagnostic radiography of the entire body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. Employees at this grade level serve as Staff DRT's at the full performance level. Duties include, but are not limited to: Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets routine requests independently and/or receives instructions from radiologist or medical officers. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations .Independently interprets and carries out the requests made by physicians. Supervision is often administrative and employee must contact radiologist or higher graded expert in the department or in some cases at another location. Receives assignments for very difficult examinations. Employee understands and carries out the requests made by physicians or seeks assistance of the supervisor when an uncommon, unique or new procedure is required. Obtains patient's clinical record, diagnosis and laboratory results when needed for reference to complete examinations. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patients' medical conditions. Independently explains procedures and positions patients for very difficult procedures. Administers contrast materials orally, by enema, and intravenously under general supervision. Performs radiographic exams of the head, spine (including myelography), chest, abdomen (including exams of GI tract, gallbladder, urinary system and fistula) and extremities (including arthrography). These are achieved by using digital diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, tomographic unit, and general diagnostic units. Maintains a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, including cross-sectional anatomy, to recognize unusual images and determine proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Assists surgeons in the operating suite in performing complex fluoroscopic procedures such as angiography. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist, for the purpose of performing exams requiring injection of contrast such as, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of needles, syringes, contrast media, enema bags and drinking cups. Sets up the X-ray room. Assures that sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and laid out. Operates a wide variety of computerized equipment such as Direct Digital Radiography (DR), Digital Fluoroscopy, Computer Acquisition and post-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, WEBPACS desk top viewing software and hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS. Performs picture archival duties, The technologist captures computerized radiographs, applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. This procedure requires the technologist to have a general knowledge of computer operations. Image manipulation and transmission is critical in computerized radiography, lost data can only be recaptured by repeating the radiograph. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, management and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am -5:00pm, Position includes Holidays, On-Call, Weekends and Overtime as needed for the functionality of the department. Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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), and 7407(d). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.(b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.(c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.(d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.(e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.(f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25. Preferred Experience: More than (3) years of current experience working independently performing diagnostic radiographs. State of California Radiography and Fluoroscopy permit highly preferred. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, moderate carrying, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, both legs required.

Education

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).

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 San Diego VA Medical Center 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 US
• Name: Tonya Stewart
• Phone: 858-232-7825
• Email: [email protected]