The technologist operates independently as General Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist and provides all X-ray including routine exams, wheelchair and gurney patients, and performs bone densitometry exams.

Duties

The technologist provides radiographic examinations in two areas: (1) General Radiography examinations/procedures 90% (2) Bone Densitometry examinations 10%. The incumbent will perform the following duties as a regular recurring part of the job: Provides support to physicians or other medical professionals in using diagnostic instruments, equipment and accessories. Equipment includes radiography unit (fixed and portable). Prior to conducting the examination the technologist will provide patient education, confirm patient identification, review orders, review history, enter basic imaging protocols, and ensure the image recording devices and network connections are viable. During the examination the technologist will adjust imaging parameters to maximize image quality and to accommodate for the patient's body habitus and pre-existing pathology. Notifies the Supervisory DRT, radiologist, or appropriate health care professional of any situation in which prompt or immediate medical or surgical attention or intervention may be required. The Technologist receives requests or instructions for procedures; interprets requests or instructions from physician. He/she understands and carries out the requests made by the physician or seeks assistance of the Supervisory DRT or radiologist when an uncommon, unique, or new procedure is required. The technologist will explain the procedure to the patient to promote the patient's comfort and gain increased cooperation. The technologist monitors patient's condition and takes immediate action when patient's condition indicates undue stress, trauma or other adverse symptoms indicating onset of complications. The technologist will maintain a clean, well-stocked area. Great care must be taken to avoid exposure and cross contamination by infectious materials thus adhering to the Joint Commission and OSHA standards. Routinely cleans and inspects equipment to ensure proper mechanical and electrical operation and promptly enters work orders to biomedical engineering as well as reports these deficiencies to the Supervisory DRT (Chief). The technologist will assist with the quality improvement program by performing quality control testing and gathering quality improvement data in the X-ray area of Imaging Service. The technologist provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and age needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Special attention will be directed toward maintaining body heat and ensuring that the patient is comfortable during procedures. The incumbent may need to encourage older and debilitated patients to remain still during the examination. The technologist will assist the Supervisory DRT with implementations of technical advances and other changes in the workplace. Strives to improve performance and expand knowledge to facilitate growth and development to the benefit of the Veterans, the employee, and the VHA. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on hand hygiene, cleaning of equipment in between patients, the disposal of body fluids and "sharps," proper attire and continuing education. Maintains the electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. Editing of patient exams in Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) and the Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS) upon completion of examination. Any exam exceptions will be resolved so the patient data is available in VistA, CPRS, and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band is identical to the patient identification printed on the request. He/she confirms patient identity by using two patient identifiers (full name and date of birth). Supports physicians or other medical professionals in using surgical support instruments, equipment, and accessories. Works with other staff in the department and the facility to promote an atmosphere of teamwork, responsibility and professionalism with patients and fellow staff. Uses judgment to adapt and change procedures, adopt or develop new procedures or techniques for individual problems, uses initiative to learn new developments in the field and to recommend changes to improve service, correct deficiencies, and improve reliability of test and treatment results. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday with possible Saturday Rotation, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 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 A. United States Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a). B. English Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). C. 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. NOTE: applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts. 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. D. Certification: all applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT)(R). NOTE: applicants must submit a copy of their certification with their application. E. Grandfathering Provision: 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). F. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must meet the following grade requirements. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9: (1) 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. NOTE: Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 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. NOTE: all KSA's must be clearly stated on resume. G. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, dated December 13, 2019 H. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.

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 Spark M Matsunaga Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 459 Patterson Road Honolulu, HI 96819 US
• Name: Lizbeth Torres
• Phone: (415) 221-4810 X24760
• Email: [email protected]