The VA Cheyenne Health Care System, Radiology Department is hiring for one Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - MRI position to work out of the Cheyenne VA hospital. This is an open continuous announcement until September 30, 2024. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available.

Duties

Scope of assigned duties include but are not limited to the following: a. Safeguards the MRI Scanning environment sufficient to maintain a safe condition at all times. Employee observes patient safety guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures. b. Provides input for the development of policy and procedure for the MRI section, pursuant to the delivery of MRI services at the highest possible standard of patient safety, in accordance with the recommendations of the American College of Radiology, The Joint Commission and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies. c. In conjunction with the radiologist, develops, maintains, and improves a system of examination protocols in order to standardize examination appearance, to tailor the images obtained to the pathologic condition being investigated, and to optimize the benefit to the patient being examined. d. Trains other personnel in MRI principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment. Explains concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool. e. Interprets requests and instructions from medical providers, under the guidance of the Radiologist. f. Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and date of birth. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. g. Informs the patient about the examination, securing their trust, confidence, and cooperation. h. Fully screens each patient for contra-indications or risk factors for any of the techniques that are to be used in the examination. Collaboration with the Radiologist will take place in the presence of any of the above, and the examination and/or the patient's post procedural care will be adjusted accordingly. i. Under the direction of the Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) the technologist prepares, labels, and administers contrast agents according to signed orders. j. Technologist is required to maintain adequate competency to insert an appropriate IV catheter and the use of automated or manual injection techniques according to signed contrast orders. k. Ensures that the contrast injection and the scanning sequences are timed appropriately so that the desired vascular phase images are obtained. l. Positions the patient and the image cut planes correctly for high quality views, and will vary the patient position and cut planes as necessary to adjust for the patient's medical condition and abilities. m. Adjusts all operator controllable parameters of the MRI equipment, ensuring that the portion of the body specified receives the correct, calculated exposure to variable magnetic fields, radio wave signals, or ionizing radiation. n. The technologist uses their specialized knowledge of anatomy to correctly visualize the desired features of the patient. o. Actively participates and monitors quality control program parameters. Reports deviations in Q.C. tests and defects in MRI and Imaging equipment, power injector, and patient monitor to MRSO, supervisor, and biomedical engineer for repair or calibration. Maintains equipment malfunction and downtime log. p. Maintains effective relationship with manufacturer service representative in order to help diagnose and fix equipment over the phone and in person. q. Monitors temperature in Computer room and Control room and notifies Facilities Management (Engineering) when temperature is out of range required for MRI computer operation. r. Assures migration of images from the MRI and Imaging unit to the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) is correct and complete. s. Observes all patients under their care for change in condition, reporting to medical authorities as necessary to insure the health and wellbeing of the patient. t. Follows infection prevention practices, maintaining a clean and sanitized environment for the performance of imaging procedures. Properly cleans equipment and items in accordance with facility Reusable Medical Equipment guidelines and policies. u. Maintains an adequate stock of medical supplies, linens, and cleaning supplies, as appropriate in their assigned work location. Work Schedule: FT, Monday - Friday1:00 pm to 9:30 pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54547-A 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). 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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). All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist , GS-10 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 GS-09 level. Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist.GS-10 Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-10. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work require long periods of standing, walking, and sitting. Work involves constant bending, lifting, twisting, and carrying moderately heavy items. Use of mobile Ultrasound units in the clinic and in the operating room requires twisting, turning to manipulate the Ultrasound unit/transducer. The work requires pushing wheelchair and stretcher patients. Positioning patients who are unconscious or disabled requires considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Lifting of totally incapacitated patients is done only with the help of other employees.

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 Cheyenne VA Medical Center 2360 East Pershing Boulevard Cheyenne, WY 82001 US
• Name: Phillip Narey
• Phone: 720-723-4833
• Email: [email protected]