Employees at this level are fully functional as an 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. The Technologist functions independently and meet the requirements as full performing DRT and can complete complex procedures.

Duties

Performs basic OR radiography/fluoroscopy duties with assistance of an experienced technologist as needed and under the direction of a supervisor. This includes post-operative portable radiographs and operation of the C-arm. Performs Special and complex procedures like lithotripsy and fluoroscopy procedures. Performs daily QA on radiology equipment's. Performs routine radiographic examinations in the main department and ER as well as routine portable examinations on patient wards. Assists experienced technologists with more complex exams and procedures to gain experience that will allow for promotion to the next pay grade. Responsible to the radiologist 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 radiation dose. Practice radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. Documents all fluoroscopy doses as directed by service policy after completion of case. Responsible for maximizing utilization of radiology exam rooms. Identifies scheduled procedures for the following day and plans and coordinates activities around physician availability in order to maximize room effectiveness. i Incumbent must perform all clerical duties in radiology including schedule patient for exams in all modalities registering patient for exams being performed. Printing requisitions of patient checking in radiology for appointments and notifying the appropriate staff of patient arrival. Assists Management in handling all complaints and requests from physicians and other hospital personnel for procedures included in this area. Works closely with other departmental personnel in coordinating and integrating departmental activities. Incumbent has administrative accountability for departmental supplies and equipment in his/her area. He/she anticipates needs for supplies and provides for them well in advance. He/she also checks equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures. Finally, the incumbent is responsible for the state of equipment in this area at all times. Must report all equipment malfunctions in a timely manner by submitting an electronic work order. Incumbent is responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, is possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Responsible 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. Practice radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians to assure compliance to radiation regulations. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Incumbent daily assures all exams performed are transmitted to PACS and cases are edited in Vista daily. In addition, assures all Stat Readings are given to a radiologist for immediate diagnosing. Incumbent must follow all procedure for the reading of exams after hours. Must be able to burn CDs with patient's exams, fax over patient info to contracted facilities for readings outside of VA. The incumbent is also responsible for paging all on call staff when needed. Performs routine diagnostic x-ray procedures when required (following the radiology procedure manual). Operates the digital fluoro unit in the endoscopy suite, when assigned by supervisor. Also performs radiology exams in the operating and recovery rooms. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Incumbent is responsible for checking the crash cart in assigned area daily. Incumbent is responsible for assisting the radiology students in all exams performed. Incumbent is responsible for completing all assigned procedures unless physically relieved from procedure by another staff technician. Incumbent is responsible for remaining in assigned work areas within the radiology service. Technologist must adjust to the evolving field of imaging and adhere to new procedure, equipment, and policies Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Determined by service

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: 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. 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). 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-09: 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. 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. 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

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 Edward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 US
• Name: Frankie Fessler-Boylan
• Phone: 515-868-4959
• Email: [email protected]