The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform MRI scan procedures for the patients of this medical center. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures.

Duties

The incumbent will perform examinations that include, but are not limited to, MRI examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, etc. The incumbent will also assist the radiologist in performing interventional procedures under CT guidance. The incumbent may be cross-trained in special procedures to maximize utilization of personnel. The incumbent will also participate in on-call or standby to provide 24 hour, 7 day a week; will also participate in the departmental in-service program. This subspecialty requires advanced ARRT certification in MAGANETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MR). 1) Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table. 2) Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures. 3) Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary. 4) Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures. 5) Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. 6) Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Radiology Department. 7) Performs daily maintenance of head and body phantoms, such as changing water, cleaning and removing air bubbles, etc. 8) Administer contrast material, under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. 9) Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. 10) Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. 11) Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. 12) The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PAC's network. The incumbent assists house staff in use of Vista Rad system and can also digitize films for the network and/or transmission to offsite locations. Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures. 13) Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. 14) Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT/angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material, and the proper use of pressure injectors. 15) Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. 16) Clerical and file room duties related to patient care. 17) Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7am to 3:30PM VA Handbook 5007/57 Part V Chapter 3 outlines this in further detail with limitations and further explanation. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: NOT Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

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). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include MAGANETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI). 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: 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).] Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Must have advanced ARRT MAGANETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) certification. Grade Determinations: Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable, experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice, which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. (2) Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. (3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full- time credit for each two weeks of half-time work. 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. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: [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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part ll, Appendix G25, date December 13, 2019. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Qualification Standard GS-0647. http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf this can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Education

There is no education substitution to qualify for this grade.

Contacts

• Address James A Haley Veterans Hospital 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Tampa, FL 33612 US
• Name: Karen McKee
• Phone: 352-548-6000 X105242
• Email: [email protected]