What are the responsibilities and job description for the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position at VA Nebraska-Western Iowa HCS - Omaha?
The position is that of a Registered Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist with skill and training in Interventional Angiography, 3-Dimensional carotid angiography and stent placement, 3-Dimensionalperipheral angioplasty and stent placement, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiac angioplasty and stent placement, and related Cardiac procedures such as permanent pacemakers, temporary pacemakers, ICDs and Biventricular devices.
GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
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. These include: 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; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
AND
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).
AND
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
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: Prefer 3-5 years' experience in Cath/EP lab including EKG interpretation, hemodynamic monitoring, EP mapping/ultrasound, 3D mapping, and closure devices
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-9.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
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:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
The incumbent will also:
Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.
Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
Provide support of those of a radiologic cardiac technologist in the Cardiac Catheterization Suite during procedures such as diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, balloon angioplasties, valvuloplasties and TPA therapy, as well as that of an interventional radiology technologist with all related procedures such as drainages, peripheral procedures, biopsies, stents, and angioplasties.
Manages technical support for new, complex innovative scans and procedures such as 3-dimensionalcarotid and peripheral stent placement, high speed rotational cardiac peripheral scans, prop scans, peripheral cryoplasties and Helix air driven mechanical Thrombolectomies.
Using sterile technique, prepares surgical procedural trays, Scrubs in with the physician to assist tableside.
Knowledge in and follows all aseptic techniques and universal precautions pre, during and post procedure.
Operates, maintains and records complex cardiac hemodynamic data using a specialized multi-channel, multifunctional electronic recorder.
Prepares and operates various other complex equipment used in obtaining physiologic measurements in cardiac procedures, such as ACT's, oxygen consumption computers, defibrillators, temporary pacemakers.
Complete certification in ACLS/BLS - recognizing signs of distress, adverse reactions, or potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and reports these to the physician and assists in the treatment of these conditions.
Performs necessary computer work, pre and post procedure, prepares required procedural/patient forms, gathers relevant patient information from sources such as medical records, families, and healthcare providers associated with patient exams.
Maximizes patient throughput by; contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
Maintains adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. Keeps abreast of current literature in cardiovascular and interventional technology.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to set up and position patients, and select proper technical factors on an individual patient basis to provide diagnostic procedures.
Monitors the examination by checking computations, performance, and result of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic data and images.
Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives. The incumbent assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the trouble shooting of malfunctions in the equipment, notifies Supervisor, Cardiology.
Uses computer programs with competence, and establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintains operation logs and patient files on each examination.
The incumbent coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the daily and future patient examinations.
Performs or monitors safety check on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards.
Provides and assists with the development and training of new imaging specialists, residents, and general clinical employees.
Communicates with the manager to provide technical oversight and assign "in-training" personnel with tasks and assignments to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday.
The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image and in the transmission to off-site locations.
Independently explains various procedures, including need for positioning, any alteration, in positioning, or revision of the testing due to patient limitations or conditions, monitoring equipment, or adverse reactions.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Qualifications:
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
- English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
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. These include: 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; Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
AND
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).
AND
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:
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: Prefer 3-5 years' experience in Cath/EP lab including EKG interpretation, hemodynamic monitoring, EP mapping/ultrasound, 3D mapping, and closure devices
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-9.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
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:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
Responsibilities:
Performs a variety of complex, specialized radiographic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Foremost is the innovative 3-Dimensional angiography with high speed rotational and prop scanning, peripheral cryoplasty and Helix air driven mechanical Thrombolectomies. Other procedures include but are not limited to: visceral and peripheral angiography, absecess drainages, fistulograms, renal arteriograms, angioplasties, stent placements, venograms, carotid arteriograms, carotid stent placements, biopsies, cardiac catheterization, and other related cardiac procedures.The incumbent will also:
Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table.
Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
Provide support of those of a radiologic cardiac technologist in the Cardiac Catheterization Suite during procedures such as diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, balloon angioplasties, valvuloplasties and TPA therapy, as well as that of an interventional radiology technologist with all related procedures such as drainages, peripheral procedures, biopsies, stents, and angioplasties.
Manages technical support for new, complex innovative scans and procedures such as 3-dimensionalcarotid and peripheral stent placement, high speed rotational cardiac peripheral scans, prop scans, peripheral cryoplasties and Helix air driven mechanical Thrombolectomies.
Using sterile technique, prepares surgical procedural trays, Scrubs in with the physician to assist tableside.
Knowledge in and follows all aseptic techniques and universal precautions pre, during and post procedure.
Operates, maintains and records complex cardiac hemodynamic data using a specialized multi-channel, multifunctional electronic recorder.
Prepares and operates various other complex equipment used in obtaining physiologic measurements in cardiac procedures, such as ACT's, oxygen consumption computers, defibrillators, temporary pacemakers.
Complete certification in ACLS/BLS - recognizing signs of distress, adverse reactions, or potentially life-threatening arrhythmias and reports these to the physician and assists in the treatment of these conditions.
Performs necessary computer work, pre and post procedure, prepares required procedural/patient forms, gathers relevant patient information from sources such as medical records, families, and healthcare providers associated with patient exams.
Maximizes patient throughput by; contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc.
Maintains adequate level of supplies within their assigned rooms at all times. Keeps abreast of current literature in cardiovascular and interventional technology.
Demonstrates the knowledge and skills needed to set up and position patients, and select proper technical factors on an individual patient basis to provide diagnostic procedures.
Monitors the examination by checking computations, performance, and result of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic data and images.
Performs technical operation and general technical maintenance of the computer, disk drives. The incumbent assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the trouble shooting of malfunctions in the equipment, notifies Supervisor, Cardiology.
Uses computer programs with competence, and establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintains operation logs and patient files on each examination.
The incumbent coordinates daily schedule and consults with hospital physicians, clinical and administrative personnel pertaining to the daily and future patient examinations.
Performs or monitors safety check on patients, employees and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards.
Provides and assists with the development and training of new imaging specialists, residents, and general clinical employees.
Communicates with the manager to provide technical oversight and assign "in-training" personnel with tasks and assignments to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday.
The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of the image and in the transmission to off-site locations.
Independently explains various procedures, including need for positioning, any alteration, in positioning, or revision of the testing due to patient limitations or conditions, monitoring equipment, or adverse reactions.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Salary : $80,145