ASHHRA Career Center

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Interventional Radiology Technologist (IR) position is assigned to the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Diagnostic Imaging, Interventional Radiology section within the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. The team member will have a varying assignment including special and complex radiographic procedures within the Interventional Radiology section.*****A recruitment/relocation incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidate(s).***** 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. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). 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). Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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. Grandfathering Provision. 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: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. NOTE: Each uncertified VHA DRT who was permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, changed to lower grade, or reassigned within the GS-0647 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry. Physical Requirements. The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Additional details may be found in VA Directive and Handbook 5019. GRADE REQUIREMENTS Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS. 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. Demonstrated 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: Using computerized health record Knowledge and ability to operate fluoroscopy units and portable C-arm units. General knowledge of Interventional Radiology supply inventory. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9 References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25 ["The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Interventional Radiology Technologist employee at this level is fully functional as a DRT and is able to carry out the assigned tasks independently. The team member will have a varying assignment including special and complex radiographic procedures within the Interventional Radiology section, with and without the use of contrast materials, 100% of the time. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Interventional Radiology exams utilize highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopy, 3D rotational imaging, bolus chase stepping, mapping of vessels, pressure injectors, and patient monitors, etc. Technologist works under the supervision of the Section Supervisor and/or IR Radiologists and rotates all responsibilities within the IR section. Knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes to systems. This specialty requires the technologist to possess an advanced knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist prepares contract media ensuring that bubbles have been removed and injector parameters have been set according to the Radiologists request. Technologist must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Technologist is competent and educated in all service policies pertaining to the technologist and their assigned work section. Reviews and schedules requested Interventional Radiology exams in a manner, so as to optimize the time of the Interventional Radiology suite while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. Performs routine clerical procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate electronic records. Thoroughly reviews the IR consult screening information for safety purposes, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient. Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, pre-op, urgent and routine exams. Technologist works with IR schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Performs Interventional biopsy/procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical /IR team. Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by Medical Center and Imaging service Infection Control policies. The relationships with management, co-workers, patients, radiology students and the general public are consistently courteous, respectful, and cooperative in nature. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals used in the department. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifies patient by using full name and full social security number and/or hospital name band. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Maintains competency and thorough knowledge of the processes for Critical, Semi-Critical, and Non-Critical Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) that document the process and procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME and follow established procedures for all RME. Completes mandated required continuing education, as assigned by the Medical Center, including adhering to patient privacy policies and practices (HIPPA/Cyber Security). Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations, using protective equipment when required and provided. Ensures complete and thorough knowledge of the employee competency folder, maintain the ability to review each section with complete understanding of the individual requirements. Continually reviews new developments in the field of Interventional Radiology. Maintains all required electronic records of exams performed on patients. Technologist uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files. Assignment at this level of the position is required to train lower level grade technologists as appropriate and act as consultant. Performs irregular hour emergency procedures on-call. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday - Rotating day shifts 6:30am - 3:00pm; 7:00am - 3:30pm; 7:30am - 4:00pm; & 8:00am - 4:30pm. In addition, rotating on-call duty is required. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized to highly qualified candidates Compressed/Flexible: Not eligible Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:20186F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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