The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) principal responsibilities are to perform Mammography procedures for the patients of this medical center. These exams are performed without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies so that proper diagnosis and treatment may be effectuated. Mammography is a part of James A Haley VA Hospital system through the FDA/MQSA and ACR Accreditation program.

Duties

Major Duties: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography) 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 radiographic procedures. Maintains effective supervisory control of the Tamps VA Screening Mammography area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields, incorporating these advances in the fields of Mammography and these advances into in-service educational programs for the nursing and physician staff. Technologist updates post reviews of the following information, by the Chief, Imaging Service and lead-interpreting physician: required patient care procedures and complaint processes, patient history form and result letters, Infection Control Policy (specific to mammography per FDA), mammography personnel duties (per FDA), MSDS specific to mammography section (per FDA), cleaning product(s) documentation, any documentation of serious blood/body fluid contact (per FDA), and on-going log of equipment repairs and preventative maintenance, consumer complaints, medical audit, medical report content, patients with breast implants, direct communication of results to patients. Technologist meets the requirements and maintains advanced registry in Mammography, provided by the ARRT. Technologist performs Mammography quality control, under the direction of the Women's Imaging Supervisor and Lead Technologist at Tampa VA. This data must be reported, tracked, and maintained as established by the Physicist and Supervisor. Incumbent must be aware of established guidelines for quality control data, as to ensure proper data is utilized for patient imaging in mammography. If data is not within established guidelines, technologist will report to Lead Technologist or Women's Imaging supervisor, who must provide corrective actions and troubleshooting. If corrective action is not effective, Lead Technologist/WI supervisor will then notify biomedical engineers. Technologist performs and maintains annual checklists of the established quality control areas and at the frequencies. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Review submitted requests daily to determine the appropriateness and timeliness of appointment. Provide advice to clinic providers on proper examination orders and make necessary adjustments when needed. Utilizing a digital scanner, digitize mammogram/radiology procedures into the PACs system. Troubleshoots equipment used in mammography/diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative. Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Registers, requests, cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Compiles computer generated x-ray reports and distributes to appropriate clinics and physicians. Properly identifies patient images utilizing the I.D. tablet and patient work list, and assures proper image orientation utilizing the L & R markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. The technologist must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas. Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor. Represent radiology in monthly clinic meetings. Accept and process comparison requests from outside providers. Request images from VAMC and monitor that the films are being received in a timely manner. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Work Schedule: Varies per agency need Telework: Not Available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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. Must 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.). 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). Advanced ARRT certification is REQUIRED : Mammography (M). Proof of ARRT (R)(M) is required. 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).] (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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). 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. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. (3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. Grade Determinations: To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or nonpaid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. 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. Mammography (M). The complex nature of breast disease involves multiple imaging modalities. This specialty involves the specific knowledge and abilities to perform complex imaging of the breast. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Mammographers are subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and regulated by the FDA. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (M) certification.] 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: 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.

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 James A Haley Veterans Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, FL 33612 US
• Name: Karen McKee
• Phone: 352-548-6000 X105242
• Email: [email protected]