Diag Rad Tech (Angiogphy)

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (IR), will be a part of the radiographic team at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System. Performing procedures in Interventional Radiology, caring for Veterans residing in the Greater Pittsburgh Region.

Qualifications:

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.

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: Be a citizen of the United States. 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), and 7407(d).
• 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 2 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).
  • 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.

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:
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-09
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. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.

• 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.

Physical Requirements: Position requires Lifting (Assist Patients from lying position to sitting (and vice versa) with varying degrees of assistance, working with 200 lbs.)/Carrying (45lbs and over); Sitting/Standing/Walking/Kneeling/Bending/Twisting/Pulling/Pushing/Simple Grasping/Fine Manipulation (Keyboard and Computer Components)/Reaching Above Shoulder/Operating Machinery (US Equipment)/Chemicals (Hospital-Based Solvents) 2-6 hours each requirement per day.

Responsibilities:

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (IR) performs procedures in Interventional Radiology such as digital radiography, peripheral angiography, visceral angiography, cerebral angiography, interventional and therapeutic procedures.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs neuroangiography procedures, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, and patient monitors.
• Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, endovascular, using highly sophisticated equipment.
• Accept patients in IR suite, conducts patient interview, obtaining and updating medical and demographic information. Ensuring patient has knowledge and understanding of procedures being performed.
• Position patients for procedures, monitors patient during all phases of examination(s) and removed patient from respected system upon completion of imaging acquisitions.
• Schedule exams to optimize IR times, while also prioritizing scheduled patients and ensuring to maintain flexibility to accommodate emergency cases.
• Works with radiologist and radiographic team to care for patients.
• Ability to start IVs, administering contrast media and medications under the direction and supervision of the radiologist.
• Ensures all images are sent to PACS/ Vista Imaging without case editing errors at the end of each procedure, any discovered errors are brought to the attention of the Supervisor or department IT personnel for correction without causing delay in care.
• Performs image reconstructions on advanced workstations as directed by the radiologist or as part of a given study.
• Assists manufacture and biomedical engineers in the calibration and trouble shooting of any malfunctions in all equipment associated with the IR Imaging Devices.
• Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff by using aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation.
• Adheres and practices safety policies and procedures of the Medical Center, participating in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system, copying of images (to PACS, CD or film), logging patients on the HIS-RIS work list.
• Trains new technologists, residents and fellows in digital angiography, venograms, myleograms, percutaneous nephrostomy, and other special procedures.
• Assures that angiography procedure rooms are stocked with necessary supplies at all times with special attention to emergent equipment and supplies.
• Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
• Reviews new developments in the field of angiography and computerized Radiology to help improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available.
• Technologist may be required to work modified shifts and pull on-call duty as required.
• Performs other duties common to the Radiology Service as assigned by the Chief Technologist or Supervisory Technologist.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:00pm, 8am-4:30pm, 7am-5:30pm
Telework: This position is not eligible for telework.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000

Salary : $81,432