The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Clinical Instructor) position is assigned to the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, Imaging Service. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assignments 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.

Duties

The DRT Clinical Instructor will be responsible for training all DRT's. The DRT Staff Clinical Instructor develops competencies that are constantly evolving new and complex procedures and equipment. The training for the DRT Staff shall consist of daily, monthly, quarterly and annual training as required by the Chief Technologist. The DRT Staff Clinical Instructor will be responsible for training plans, communication and reporting to the Chief Technologist with documents of training and competencies. The DRT will also develop a mentorship program to help lower grade technologist have a constant resource for assistance. Duties of the DRT (Clinical Instructor) include, but not limited to the following: Trains all DRTs with new equipment (general x-ray rooms, fluoroscopy, portable x-ray units, etc.). Trains all DRT in all procedures appropriate to their grade and experience. Trains all DRTs with hospital software programs. The DRT Staff Clinical Instructor will retrain DRT staff if needed. Utilize tools for teaching including but not limited to lecture/self-study, discussion/verbal feedback, case studies, direct observation/daily work, or any other deemed appropriate by the Chief Technologist. Operates all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment; perform all types of radiographic, tomographic and fluoroscopic procedures. Works closely with the professional staff involved in radiographic and fluoroscopic examinations. Technologist will rotate into different radiography rooms in order to maintain knowledge of all procedures and equipment. Independently performs examinations of the head, entire spine, chest, abdomen and extremities. Assist radiologists in the difficult complex fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable solutions such as IVP, cystogram, cholangiograms fistula grams and arthrography and for the purpose of performing oral and rectal exams of the GI tract. In the case of injected media, a patient consent form must be obtained. Responsible to the radiologists 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 dosage and reducing costs. May be required to coordinate work activities of lower grade technologist/students and/or provide guidance as necessary to assure completion of complex examinations. Assures compliance with radiation regulations for all staff including the wearing of film. Records pertinent data for electronic work orders. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Edits, when necessary, registers patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS. Presents completed examinations for interpretation, entering all pertinent information on records as well as documenting fluoroscopy doses on an electronic log sheet. Keeps abreast of current technical literature and evaluate new procedures and techniques for the purpose of recommending for consideration changes to the current practices. Assists in training and orientation of new technologist and/or students in procedures and equipment. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, potential adverse effects may be possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Performs portable radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic x-rays to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. Helps other technologists, when necessary, i.e., difficult or uncooperative patient, heavy workload, etc. Maintain and encourage an environment of teamwork and a positive workplace. Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing as required. Practices infection control according to the Radiology Department policy and facility MCM. Moves wheelchair and stretcher patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer, such as sit to stand, ceiling mounted lifts. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not suitable for telework 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). 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Clinical Instructor), GS-09 Employees perform technical work in support of diagnostic radiology and is responsible for the oversight of an affiliated DRT educational program. Duties may include assigning daily workplans, coordinating evaluations, conducting imaging labs, assessing performance and assigning grades. The instructor has knowledge of the affiliation requirements and oversees the VA standards to ensure compliance. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-08) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Knowledge, skills, and abilities at the GS-08 level are: 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. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience as x-ray clinical instructor. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II Appendix G25 Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, dated December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address West Palm Beach VA Medical Center 7305 North Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33410 US
• Name: Kristen L. Johnson
• Phone: 443-531-8426
• Email: [email protected]