The Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (CT) for VA Loma Linda performs all of the routine, as well as, the most complicated exams in Diagnostic X-Ray and CT. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technician (CT) functions with or without the availability of an immediate supervisor and will serve on the irregular shift (weekday and weekend, evening/night, holiday, etc.)

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Makes independent decisions during the exams and is responsible for Quality Control of the exams that could affect the diagnostic accuracy. Makes independent determinations of what exams will be performed, at what times, and must determine when to call in a Radiologist to answer questions for diagnosis. Is responsible for determining when equipment needs to be repaired, how urgent the need is, and who to report the problem to. Is responsible for maintaining safety regulations and reporting problems to the appropriate persons during the irregular shift. Employee is expected to prioritize the work, and to respond as quickly as possible to STAT requests in the department, on the units, in the Emergency Room, and in the Operating Room. Employee expedites and prioritizes requests as they come across the computer. Arranges with the Nursing Units and Emergency Room for patient transport to the department. Reviews the request for completeness and correlates medical history. If a discrepancy is noted, contacts the Nursing Unit and/or the Physician for clarification and resolution of the problem. Makes daily inspections of the rooms and equipment to be sure they are clean and ready for exams to be done on the evening shift in Diagnostic X-ray and CT, as well as for the next day's work. This includes availability of medications, contrast material and emergency supplies such as oxygen and suction equipment. Employee will be working as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist and CT Technologist which will be required to perform all diagnostic X-Ray and CT exams in the department as well as doing portable exams. Employee must be sure to enter data and close out exams necessary for the Radiologist to dictate the following day to assure close-out of exams for AMIS reports, daily statistics, and to assure proper reimbursement of billable exams. Employee must send all STAT exams that are completed after hour and on weekends to the National Teleradiology Program (NTP) for immediate interpretation. Employee must be able to operate, trouble-shoot problems and have a full understanding of the Digital Radiography systems and the CT scanners. Must have a full understanding of which imaging algorithms best apply to the image taken and be able to recognize and apply the appropriate additional post processing and distribution of electronic images as needed or requested. Must be able to take analog images and digitize them accurately including proper orientation of the image, contrast and brightness levels, and proper storage and archive of the image on the Digital Network (PACS). Must be able to query the archive library and recall previous images from both short-term storage and long-term archive. Employee is a key player with the hospital stroke program. Employee will ensure quick response to a Code Brain, perform a CT within 20 minutes of the code being called, and send to PACS and/or NTP for immediate interpretation and results for the Code Brain team. Work Schedule: Irregular tour position (Weekends/Evenings/Nights) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT) / 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Physical Requirements: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing/ pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. 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. 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. GS-9 Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Assignment. 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. Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and inter relationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT certification. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards.

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 Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital 11201 Benton Street Loma Linda, CA 92357 US
• Name: Courtney Blansfield
• Phone: 602-751-1286
• Email: [email protected]