The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is responsible for the performance and coordination of diagnostic radiology examinations and procedures at Ralph H Johnson VAMC, Radiology department.

Duties

Assigned Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations. Performs fluoroscopic imaging during examinations conducted by other providers. Employs knowledge of anatomy, physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of examinations. Knowledge and ability to recognize unusual images to determine proper positioning to procedure and keeps the Radiologist informed. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the Radiologist for examinations requiring injectable solutions such as cystogram, arthrography and barium suspensions for the purpose of performing upper and lower exams of the GI tract. Patient consent may need to be obtained in certain patients. These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, iodinated contrast, gastro , barium, enema bags and various other supplies. Sets up and prepares sterile surgical fields and prepare patients for arthrograms, injections or drains. Responsible to the Radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to assure a high level of quality of radiographs while minimizing radiation dosage and reducing costs. Advises Radiologists, participating providers or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved with the utilization of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, time and distance and collimation. The technologist assures compliance with radiation regulations for all staff including the wearing of film badges. The technologist must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs imaging using direct radiography and computed radiography with the images processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), patient acquisition through work list and releasing images to storage system (VistA and PACS) and printing. Knowledge of procedures results in accurate and properly processed radiographs. Registers patient procedures in the VISTA system and verifies with the patient the orders are accurate. Properly selects patient information from the HIS/RIS list on the workstation, verifies patient information prior to making exposure. Ensures all pertinent anantomy is demonstrated, correct anatomical markers are visible, proper annotations are made, and correct orientation of the image is set prior to transmitting to the PACS. Immediately contacts the PACS administrator to correction of any errors. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that images are matched to the correct patient and sent to the correct electronic record. Verbal confirmation is used when available; the patient I.D. band may be matched to the request when the patient is unable to confirm idediagnosis and laboratory results, when applicable. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done and what, if any, are potential adverse effects may occur. Screen all childbearing age patients for pregnancy and document this appropriately. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or summon emergency response team. Maintains BLS certification to initiate response system and assist in aide to patients when necessary. Trains students in radiographic technique including positioning, exposure factors, patient identification, and environmental factors which result in optimal imaging and meet the needs of the students during their rotation at this facility. 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. Portable x-ray Units and a mobile intensifier unit located in Surgery are used for these exams. Upon request, provides digital fluoroscopic assistance in the Cystoscopy suite, the OR, Pulmonary medicine for bronchoscopy, and the GI suite. Provide digital fluoroscopy and assistance turning the room around with Pain Clinic. Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600/ Rotating Calls and Holidays Compressed/Flexible:Not available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52410F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g. 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, as applicable. 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). 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). GS-9 Determinations Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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 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. References: Cite the VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is of GS9. 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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Spencer Lane
• Phone: 317-709-7548
• Email: [email protected]