GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray, general fluoroscopy, bone density) or bedside (portable x-ray, c-arm) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers.

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include, but are not limited to: Functions - Diagnostic Radiology: a. Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray, general fluoroscopy, bone density) or bedside (portable x-ray, c-arm) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. Has adequate knowledge to operate all ionizing equipment. b. Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. c. Maintains sufficient knowledge and capability of the PACS system to adequately transfer images and other pertinent data for radiologist interpretation and diagnosis. Some basic computer skills are required for this function. d. Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. e. Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs. f. Assist radiologists and other LIP's in fluoroscopic examinations. Assistance includes, but not limited to, acquiring high quality images using c-arm and general fluoroscopy equipment and preparing contrast materials for injectable or non-injectable agents such as cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams and examinations of the GI tract. g. The technologist practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using the ALARA principles, lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, and lead lined walls. Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation safety regulations. h. Performs and/or coordinates the upload and management outside image studies, to include but not limited to: uploading DVD's, burning DVD's for imaging requests, and scanning reports to the system. i. The technologist is responsible for implementing the safety policies/procedures of the Medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Employee seeks to improve the quality of exams by implementing new technologies as they are acquired and implemented at the facility. j. 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 hygiene, and continuing education. k. Responsible for stocking and inventory of linens, supplies, and related materials within the work area. Demonstrates knowledge and maintains standards in the use and reprocessing of RME. l. Rotates with peers through day, evening, and weekend tour schedules. Performs off tour emergency exams on a rotating basis while on-call. The technologist must be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call for proper and effective emergency care. m. Continually reviews new developments in the field of imaging, PACS and digital radiography. n. Contributes to the Imaging department by: - Performs/coordinates the performance of various modality Quality Assurance measures, and preventative maintenance tasks with either biomedical engineering service or equipment vendors as necessary. - Maintains conduct, attitude, and practice consistent with the VABHHCS standards, mission, vision, and goals. - Is self-directed during non-patient care time to ensure administrative and general housekeeping tasks are completed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday. Tour of duty will be discussed during interview. 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

All requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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). 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. Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-8, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. These include: 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. AND 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 (*): 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. Preferred Experience: CT certification, but will train if need be References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.

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 VA Black Hills Health Care System 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD 57741 US
• Name: Adam Abbott
• Phone: 612-629-7067
• Email: [email protected]