The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to independently perform general radiographic technology (R), Computed Technology (CT), DE)(A Scan, procedures at above the full performance level for the patients of the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa-Health Care System as well as other duties necessary for functionality of the imaging department. The percentage of time spent on each modality is: CT 25%, X-RAY 60%, Administrative Duties 10%, DEXA, FIuoro 5%.

Duties

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: General Radiologic Technology (R): DRTs perform procedures and examinations in hospitals or clinics under the direction of radiologist and other medical officers. The objective of the examinations and procedures is to produce radiographic studies that are used in medical diagnosis and interpreted by medical officers to locate injuries, foreign bodies, pathological conditions, or lesions within the body. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Computed Tomography (CT): This is a specialty modality that requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice computer tomography. Computerized tomography exams performed on outpatients, inpatients, intensive care patients, and emergency department patients, include scans performed without and with the use of intravenous contrast, CT angiography, 3-D reconstruction scans, 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 function 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 a 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 aspect of interest to the physician. Examinations include but are not limited to: General radiographic procedures including, fluoroscopy, and DEXA. Receive and interpret all radiology request. Input pertinent radiology information into computer. Register exam requests and case edits them once complete, cancels and edits exams vis VISTA system. Computed imaging including the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck as well cystograms and scans for clinical research initiatives. ECG-gated CT angiography studies and CTA studies of the head, neck, thorax, abdomen, and extremities. Other Duties included, but are not limited to: Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic, CT or exam table and assist with the transporting of patients to other areas of the clinic. Prepares pre-procedural activities includingroom preparation, arrangement of equipment, and material needed for patient procedures. Provides training to student radiographers from affiliated programs and facilitates the attainment of established program objectives Prepares oral, rectal, and injectable contrast and other contrast materials as necessary. Inserts peripheral intravenous catheters for the administration of IV contrast and removes the IV post-procedure when required. Administer contrast material under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. Utilizes P1CC lines, central lines, mid-lines, and infusaports per device guidelines for the administration of IV contrast. Follows prescribed protocols required to independently perform simple to complex procedures. Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. Processes images with digital image acquisition and processing. Provides excellent customer service to patient during all interactions. Work with volunteers, MSA's, nursing personnel, etc. to ensure proper hand-off of patients between departments/units and unified coordination of care. Maintains a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within the assigned rooms. Practices hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures. Responsible for the quality assurance of images (positions/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PACS network. The incumbent assists in transmission of images to off-site locations. The incumbent maintains the equipment/workstations as directed by the manufacturer and reports equipment problems through the appropriate processes. Performs a variety of department quality assurance/quality control duties. Provides education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures. Reception and clerical duties related to patient care including, but not limited to management of images to outside with appointment information, preparing schedules for future appointments, calling patients to schedule appointments. Basic knowledge of functionality of PACS system. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified applicants. 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. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. GS-8 experience is defined as: 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. iv. 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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. References: VA 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 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 the 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]