Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-12168320-24-SA. Employees at this level are above fully functional as a DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRT's in this position work primarily in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Duties

The duties of the Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist in the Diagnostic Imaging service include but are not limited to: MRI Scan: a. Performs a wide range of complex examinations using magnetic resonance imaging for patients at this medical center to provide diagnostic and functional imaging. These MRI examinations include but are not limited to: neuro - head (brain, sinus, iac, orbit), neck, spine; body - cardiac, abdominal, breast; extremity - bone and soft tissue b. Programs examination protocols according to anatomy to be visualized, pathology indicated, as prescribed by a radiologist, selecting appropriate coil application and sequence parameters and options. S/he applies understanding of imaging parameters, and their affect on image quality, making necessary adjustments specific to each patient exam. The employee evaluates the need for additional sequences and consults the Radiologist. He/she advises the Radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. c. Performs complex post processing and image manipulation and reconstruction to accomplish thorough diagnostic imaging, applying knowledge of vascular and visceral anatomy, functionality, and the effects of disease processes on these systems to obtain optimum visualization. d. Operates ancillary equipment and accessory devices in performance of MRI examination adhering to safety practices in the placement and operation of the devices and cables. This includes but is not limited to monitors, injectors, and biopsy devices. e. Technologist performs patient safety screening using guidelines set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures regarding ferrous objects, medical devices interaction with magnetic fields, consulting publications when applicable. Applies screening criteria prior to contrast administration to determine associated risk, according to department policies on contrast administration. Associated Duties: a. The employee assists in CT when available. The role in CT is supportive of dedicated CT technologists by assisting with documentation, contrast screening and administration, and patient handling. b. The employee interacts with the patient, explaining the procedures, positioning patients, providing immobilization devices and seeing to the comfort needs of the patient. c Administers IV contrast under the direction of a Radiologist. Is knowledgeable of the effects and adverse reactions associated with contrast administration and monitors patient for signs of any reaction. Takes appropriate action if reactions occur, documenting reaction in CPRS and VISTA. d. Programs power injector for specific examination to be performed. Operates injector safely, according to established guidelines. Monitors patients for indications of complications such as IV infiltration. When complications occur, takes appropriate action and documents accordingly. e. Establishes intravenous access via butterfly or cannula for the purpose of contrast administration. Applies appropriate IV fluids to maintain access. Determines safety of existing iv fluids in conjunction with contrast media and acts accordingly. Documents, in CPRS, the administration of contrast media. f. During invasive procedures, the employee assists the Radiologist utilizing sterile aseptic technique. Prepares procedure tray with supplies, solutions and medications indicated for specific procedures, per established protocol. Ensures labeling of all solutions is performed with required documentation. Utilizes infection control practices according to department and medical center policy. Follows established guidelines for performance of examinations under moderate sedation or anesthesia. g. Responsible for quality of the examinations performed, reviews images, equipment performance and results of the selected parameters, to insure the best diagnostic computer data and images, prior to transmittal to PACS. Participates in Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs for the section and in performance improvement activities. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Rotating On-Call after-hours, weekends and holidays. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 598-00218-F 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable.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. Both General Radiologic Technology Certification and MRI Certification is required for this position. Current certifications must be uploaded with application. Education: Applicants must have 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). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-10 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. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.] Preferred Experience: Thorough understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology with advanced knowledge of cardiac hemodynamic waveforms, sterile technique, scrub, monitor, and circulator roles and be able to anticipate all aspects of cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures. Extensive working knowledge in cardiac/electrophysiology procedures and equipment including but not limited to Impella, IABP, FFR, Laser, ShockWave, PFO/ASD, Various Ablation procedures including A-Fib, EnSiteX Mapping System, and MacLab/CardioLab. Ability to intervene in emergency situations including activating hospital code policy. Hold current BLS/ACLS certifications. 2 years of experience References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services).

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 John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital 4300 West Seventh Street Little Rock, AR 72205 US
• Name: Sandi Adkins
• Phone: 601-368-4431
• Email: [email protected]