This position is located in Medical Imaging Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID.

Duties

Duties: - Performs radiographic exams in the Medical Imaging Service and at other locations such as the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Pain Clinic and Surgery as required. Radiographic exams outside of the Medical Imaging Service are performed at the bedside and in operating rooms on patients that are unable to be x-rayed in the Medical Imaging Service due to incapacity or surgical procedures in order to provide diagnostic images to surgeons and professional staff. Exams performed in Surgery such as hip pinnings, retrograde cystograms, and angiograms, ICU exams such as pacemakers placement and PICC Lines, also Pain Clinic procedures such as joint and spine injections are more complex, but still within the normal duties of a GS8 Radiology Tech at full performance. Two portable x-ray Units, two mobile intensifier unit (C-Arm), and a digital fluoroscopy unit in the cysto-room that is located in Surgery are used to achieve surgery exams while ICU exams utilize the two portable x-ray units and the surgery C-Arms. - Calculates radiographic exposure techniques and technical factors to control density, contrast and distortion of digital images to produce quality diagnostic radiologic examinations. This process includes utilization of computerized radiology equipment, direct radiology equipment, buckys, collimators, filters, grids, and other accessories to produce digital images of high diagnostic quality with minimum of retakes. Evaluates resulting images for quality and makes necessary corrections required to retake sub­quality images. Notifies radiologists of exams requiring their immediate attention. - Positions normal, abnormal, or difficult patients for a number of general to complex radiographic examinations. - Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer and reviews existing information for accuracy. Registers, requests, cancels and edits exams information via the computer radiology information system (RIS) and VistA. - Must be able to use commercial PACS to correctly send patient information and images to an outside teleradiology contractor. Be able to correct minor problems as they arise. - Prepares a variety contrast materials (iodine-based or barium sulfate) under direction of the radiologist for performing exams requiring iodine-based contrast injections such as venograms, cystogram, cholangiograms, fistulagrams' and arthrography or for performing exams requiring oral/rectal administration of barium such as exams of the GI tract. (In the case of IV injected contrast media, patient consent must be obtained.) These procedures require the use of needles, syringes, enema bags, etc for proper administration of contrast materials. The technologist is required to know and recognize the effects and adverse reactions of utilized IV contrast materials. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials increase the risk of patient mortality; therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of usage be possessed by those who prepare it. Technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Patient's that exhibit adverse reactions require immediate attention. Serious adverse reactions require immediate interventional action to advert potential life­threatening harm that could result if actions were not taken. - Thorough knowledge of radiation safety standards, devices, and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage and genetic changes, effects of radiation on living organisms, and the effect of x-ray on patients and operators to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained. Practices radiation safety to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure when obtaining radiographs. Follows ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday7:00am to 3:30pm Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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: a. 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.) b. 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.] c. 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).] d. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. e. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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-5 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. GS-7 Experience or Education. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level; or the successful completion of one full academic year of graduate education leading to a degree in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging; or successful completion of an advanced registry program, with certification, in addition to a 4-year baccalaureate degree program in radiography or other directly related field to diagnostic radiology/imaging. Education may relate to the duties of a specific position or to the occupation but must be appropriate for the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system. (b) Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study. (c) Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures. (d) Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems. (e) Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills. GS-8 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Preferred Experience: 3 years with experience in Surgery and Specials. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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 Boise VA Medical Center 500 West Fort Street Boise, ID 83702 US
• Name: Yolanda Gallegos
• Phone: (208) 422-1000 X7376
• Email: [email protected]