The Temple, Texas VA Medical Center is looking for a highly qualified Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The technologist is required to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, including magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and, if necessary, magnetic resonance spectroscopy during the day or evening shift.

Duties

Functions/Duties: The incumbent will be required to receive scheduled and unscheduled patients and identify patients per established organizational policy. The technologist will interview each MRI patient prior to their examination to determine if the patient has any contraindication(s) or possible contraindication(s) for the MRI procedure (claustrophobia, cardiac pacemaker, ferrous implants, metallic clips, cochlear implants, cardiac prosthetic valves, metallic foreign bodies, etc). The incumbent will thoroughly explain the examination procedure to all patients and determine which patients may require informed consent. He/she will work with the supervising radiologist to determine the disposition of patients whose examinations may be contraindicated. As an expert in the software and hardware capabilities of MRI equipment, the technologist will be required to acquire diagnostic quality MRI and MRA examinations based on established protocols and modify pulse sequences and patient positioning, if necessary, to obtain the highest quality exam possible. The technologist will maintain a logbook of established examination protocols (which includes patient positioning, coil selection, and acquisition parameters) and will be required to keep these protocols up-to-date based on input from staff radiologists. The technologist will be required to complete a MRI contrast worksheet (protocol worksheet) for all patients (to include known allergies and results of recent creatinine/eGFR tests) and will obtain radiologist written directions/instructions regarding contrast administration. The incumbent will be required to review each patient's MRI safety checklist with the patient, perform final (tertiary) MRI safety screening, and subsequently scan the patient for ferromagnetic materials with a hand-held metal detector before the patient enters the scan room per organizational policy regarding MRI Safety. The technologist will properly position the patient, choose the proper scan coil( s ), and set the proper acquisition parameters per established exam protocols. In the case of unusual examinations, the technologist will be required to consult with the supervising radiologist to determine any necessary protocol modifications. During any examination, the incumbent maintains visual and vocal contact with the patient during the scan and recognizes patient distress and intervenes or contacts a physician as needed. The technologist prepares gadolinium-based contrast media and administers this contrast media intravenously to patients within the MRI suite prior to performing their scan according to either modified or approved standard protocols under a radiologist's directive. The technologist places appropriate intravenous (IV) lines into patients prior to IV contrast administration when necessary. The employee can recognize the signs and symptoms of a contrast reaction and knows what steps to take in the event of a contrast reaction. After each exam, places ("cases") the examination into an "examined" status in the hospital information system (VistA) and ensures that each "cased" exam accurately reflects the examination that was performed. Incumbent is responsible for correctly initiating transfer of obtained MRI images to the organization's Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS) and confirming successful transfer of these images following completion of each acquired MRI examination. Following the conclusion of each patient's exam(s), enters a detailed Imaging Procedure Note in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Obtains emergent (STAT) serum creatinine and eGFR measurements on patients within the department when necessary using an iSTAT or similar device when it is available. The incumbent rearranges the exam schedule under the guidance of the MRI section supervisor or supervising radiologist to ensure that critical patients are scanned or critical exams are performed in the most expeditious manner. He/she maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, scans taken, etc. Advises radiologists or referring physician when a particular exam has been completed, when requested. The employee notifies a radiologist of any recognized significant abnormality that may require immediate attention while patient is undergoing an examination. He/she performs operator preventive maintenance as required and may be required to print hard copy films of MRI examinations from a laser printer or transfer exams to a DVD or CD. Reviews new developments in the field and makes recommendations to a supervising radiologist or Chief, Imaging Service, which may improve patient safety or the operation of the section. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; some evening coverage as needed. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement.

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. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. 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 other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). Grandfathering provision. 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). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-08 directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience in the specialty of Magnetic Resonance Imaging requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging; Educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients, visitors, and equipment enter; Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body; Specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged; Knowledgeable in contrast media, power injectors, and PACS. 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 (*): 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. Preferred Experience: AART certified in MRI One or more years' experience in MRI Proficient in attaining IV access for contrast administration References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-0647 Veterans Health Administration December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: "The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds."

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Accreditation Information: 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. Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov).

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 Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the Accredited Educational Programs (jrcertaccreditation.org) website or Department of Education (DOE) DAPIP | Homepage (ed.gov) website you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

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 VA Central Texas Health Care System 1901 Veterans Memorial Drive Temple, TX 76504 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]