The work is performed at William C. Tallent OPC Knoxville, TN with the technologist performing both x-ray and ultrasound procedures. The incumbent performs a variety of routine and very difficult radiographic examinations and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. The incumbent may operate equipment both mobile and fixed and may assist the radiologist/physician in fluoroscopic procedures as part of the diagnostic plan for patients.

Duties

The technologist will evaluate the nature of critical and emergency procedures and prioritizes work accordingly. The technologist uses high frequency sound waves and other techniques to produce images of vascular anatomy and evaluate vascular flow dynamics for patient diagnosis and treatment also the incumbent performs general ultrasound procedures of internal organs and body structures. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all vascular imaging and the interpreting radiologist/physician relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographer in providing a final interpretation. Must be competent in performing pulsed volume recording, continuous and pulsed wave doppler, color doppler, photoplethysmography and segmental pressures. Functions or duties of this position include but are not limited to: Advises radiologists or referring physician of significant abnormalities that would require their immediate attention and visualization while the patient is undergoing examination. Performs vascular ultrasound and doppler examinations of the neck, chest, and extremities for the purpose of acquiring high quality examinations that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical disorders. Performs general ultrasound examinations of the abdomen, breast, testicles, pelvic, neck, chest, extremities, and retroperitoneal space. Participates as needed in the training of physicians, and other radiology technologists so that these individuals may acquire an understanding of the principles of ultrasound and vascular procedures and how it relates to other diagnostic exams. Makes multiple simultaneous settings and adjustments in operation of equipment to insure accurate results. On the basis of clinical findings, determines necessary ultrasonic procedures to yield definitive diagnostic findings. Reviews orders/notes in CPRS to verify appropriate exam. Maintains adequate supplies so that examinations are not delayed due to the lack of necessary equipment and supplies. Helps to coordinate daily schedule and consults with patients and appropriate personnel to assure maximum resource utilization. Utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images. Distributes examinations and related information to the radiologist/physician responsible for the interpretation of the exams. This is done so that treatment based on diagnosis may be effectuated in a timely manner. Obtains adequate and appropriate clinical history pertaining to the requested exam being performed from the patient and notes in CPRS. Receives requests from providers and checks for proper clinical indications and correct exam ordered for the patient's symptoms. Performs quality assurance as recommended by manufacturer. Performs routine housekeeping duties to assure that the ultrasound area is clean and sanitary. Cleans the equipment and transducers as recommended by the manufacturer. (RME) precautions are followed. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Interviews patients for demographic accuracy, clinical history, and patient education prior to procedure, ensuring patient comfort and relaxation Positions the patient for all ultrasound procedure, monitors patient during all phases of appropriate examinations(s) and removes patient from the respected system(s) upon completion of the data and/or imaging acquisition(s) Performs the full spectrum of radiographic exams, including standard radiographs, gastrointestinal exams, genitourinary exams, arthrograms, myelograms and plain tomography. Utilizes textbooks and radiologist to perform exams requiring specialized or modified techniques. Processes images by using (CR) Computer radiography, including specific exposure requirements, and digital post-processing techniques to optimize image quality. Demonstrates fundamental knowledge of the DR network and interface with the VISTA imaging and PACs and contingency procedures for manually entering patient demographics and routing images. Employee works independently after normal duty hours, weekends, and holidays. Prepares and administers barium or other contrast agents. Starts IVs as needed for IVP exams. Observes the patient for signs and symptoms of adverse contrast reactions and initiates the appropriate response for varying levels of severity. - Maintains compliance with infection control standards and practices. Work Schedule: Multiple Tours which will all include rotating weekends, holidays, and on call duties. Specific Tours will be discussed during the interview process. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 70283F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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). Criteria is described in Additional Information below. Grade Determinations: GS-10 Positions should be assigned to the DRT, GS-0647 series, when both ultrasound and other modalities which require the delivery of ionizing radiation are performed. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical purposes. The practitioner must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer is regarded as the expert source of all ultrasound imaging, and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) 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. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G-25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards 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 James H Quillen VA Medical Center Corner of Lamont Street and Veterans Way Mountain Home, TN 37684 US
• Name: David Wiseman
• Phone: (614) 935-3242
• Email: [email protected]