Incumbent is a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) with the Nebraska-Western Iowa VAHCS.

Duties

Functions: Works Solely in CT 100% of the time performing contrasted and non-contrast exams and is responsible for training any current or future staff, as well as students, assigned to the Cat Scan area. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to Biomedical engineering and/or service representative. Assists with the coordination of importing and exporting patient studies to and from outside physicians and hospitals. 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. Reviews and interprets all radiology requests. Confers with radiologist to determine requirements of non-standard exams. Inputs pertinent radiology information into scanner. Registers requests, cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Notifies radiologists of exams that require immediate attention. Practices ALARA principles and radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance with radiation regulations. Maintains adequate supplies used in the department. Responsible for assuring calibrations and warms ups are completed on CT equipment prior to use. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of IV and/or oral contrast. Also, assists with Interventional Radiology procedures requiring CT imaging guidance (i.e. biopsies, drainages, tube placements, and cryoablations). Technologist is also responsible for more complex exams such as CTA gated chests and CTA Pulmonary ablations. Utilizes scanner in a manner that optimizes scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient or IR exam. Determines technical factors, positioning, length and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of established CT protocols. Performs exams using universal precautionary techniques. This is done to minimize hazards associated with invasive procedures and involves the use of IV insertion for contrast administration with the use of a power injector. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids, and "sharps", proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Works with the radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, and to plan accordingly for the requested CT exam, along with the consequent manipulation of data from the CT workstations. Prepares IV contrast for use in CT exams where contrast is indicated. The technologist must know the effects and reactions to IV contrast. Improper use or administration of the contrast material runs the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material use is possessed by those who prepare it. Performs irregular hour emergency procedures on standby or "on call", 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, coverage, on a rotational basis. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Work Schedule: 9am-5:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. 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). 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. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.] 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. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, 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. Examples of experience is the following: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines, knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed, knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results, ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed, skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers, and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. 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. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. [DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application

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 Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha 4101 Woolworth Avenue Omaha, NE 68105 US
• Name: Glenda Abfalter
• Phone: 3202556480 X5201
• Email: [email protected]