Independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic exams. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, direct digital units, C-arms and portable machines. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment.

Duties

DUTIES: The incumbent will discuss any case that deviates from normal protocol set by the radiologist Assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring oral and rectal contrast material (i.e. barium). Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologist is to assure compliance to radiation regulations and is to wear film badges. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Performs processing of digital images. Performs quality control of the images, assessing for proper exposure, positioning and annotation. Applies post-processing techniques such as window leveling, edge enhancement, brightness and annotation corrections as necessary to provide adequate and properly processed images. Makes a disc (CD) of the patient's studies when necessary, such as when a patient is being seen by an outside facility or being transferred to another facility Registers and edits patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (RIS) as well as the work list management portion of the HIS-RIS interface. Properly identifies the patient and the image, ensuring the patient ID and request are identical. Correct use of right and left markers Explains exams to patients so the patient has a clear understanding of procedure, hazards (if any) and instructions to follow (if applicable). May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions or changes in mental status and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation Performs radiographic exams at the bedside and in the operating rooms providing diagnostic images to the surgeons and professional staff on patients that are unable to be examined in the Radiology Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures. The technologist will achieve these exams by using portable x-ray units and/or a mobile C-ARM unit that is located in OR or Pain Clinic. Supports CPT coding compliance: utilizes appropriate CPT codes for exams performed and performs timely and accurate case editing for each exam Supports, identifies and/or initiates performance improvement plans that utilize the facility model for quality improvement. Participates in identifying key aspects of care, developing strategies for improvement, and collection and analyzing data Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and able to work with other employees. Work Schedule: 7:45a-4:30p w/rotating weekends, holidays, odd shifts 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: 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). 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). Grade Determinations: GS-9 : 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs: 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; and. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is 9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 9 to 9. Physical Requirements: 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 Salem VA Medical Center 1970 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, VA 24153 US
• Name: Kera Madden
• Phone: 540-982-2463 X2770
• Email: [email protected]