Summary

This Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) position is located in the Diagnostic Imaging department within the Manchester VA Healthcare systems. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week.

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 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)
• Advanced ARRT CT certification is required for assignments that include CT (Computed Tomography) duties performed independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination
• English Language Proficiency
• RTs/RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist GS-9: Experience: This position requires you have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) that demonstrates the following clinical competencies needed to provide services for this specialty area - as follows: Checking scanners for operation - assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines
• Calibrating parameters and make adjustments as needed
• Reviewing patient's clinical record - diagnosis - and laboratory results
• Monitoring patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed
• Using tact - diplomacy - and courtesy in dealings with the customers - patients - staff - family - visitors - and volunteers
• Understanding of anatomy and physiology - and cross-sectional anatomy - recognizing unusual images - and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: 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
• 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)
• References: VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Appendix G25The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-9. Physical Requirements: Must be able to: Lift - move or push heavy equipment - specifically cassettes - mobile x-ray equipment - stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them
• Assist in lifting patients who may be paralyzed - comatose or otherwise incapacitated - from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back
• Provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances
• Reach overhead to manipulate an x-ray tube or CT injector that hangs from the ceiling
• Heavy Lifting (45lbs and over)
• Heavy Carrying
• Straight Pulling
• Pushing
• Reaching above the shoulder
• Walking
• Standing
• Repeated bending.

Duties

• Duties of this position include but are not limited to: Scheduling exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Ensuring that the patient - exam and requisition all match - as well as ensuring the patient images include the correct patient and information
• Explaining exams to competent patients as well as what hazards - if any - are possible
• Reviewing each patient chart and previous images for consistency (examination order/ clinical diagnosis) - and record pertinent data
• Conferring with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams and contrast studies
• Determining technical factors - positioning of patients - number and thickness of scans - etc. - to produce a satisfying variety of required CT scanning
• Scheduling patients for examinations - as needed
• Notifying radiologists of any abnormalities seen requiring their immediate attention
• Preparing contrast materials that are used in CT examinations that require the use of intravenous and/or barium contrast media
• Maintaining IV sites during injections of contrast materials
• Performing IV insertions utilizing clean techniques as approved by JCAHO
• Adhering to all infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on clean technique
• the storage of sterile supplies
• the disposal of body fluids and sharps
• proper attire - and hand washing practices
• Performing peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal - chest - head and extremities
• Working with the radiologist as a member of the radiology team
• Assisting and anticipating the needs of the radiologists during the performance of the exam
• Performing daily quality assurance procedures using a variety of phantoms to assure parameters and Hounsfield units are correct for the diagnostic interpretation of each scan
• Recording and maintaining a log of calibrations and notifies biomedical engineering of any deviation from normal scanning parameters
• Notifying supervisor/appropriate personnel of any needs for service
• Practicing radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients - staff and self
• Performing 3D reconstructions of CT when part of a standard procedure studies or when requested using the Vitrea
• Stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials in the CT room and general radiology areas
• Initiating applicable \"incident reports\" and reports incomplete and incorrect examinations to ensure proper patient charge and continuity of patient care
• Assessing environmental safety hazards that include
• changes in equipment and procedures that could harm patients - visitors or other hospital employees and reports all hazards to appropriate personnel or supervisor immediately - once identified
• Position requires rotating into x-ray on a regular basis- OR - DEXA and Pain Work Schedule: 9:30am-6:00pm Monday-Friday
• Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
• Telework: Not Available
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: PDF01820 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
• EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized
• Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay - higher or unique qualifications - or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
• NOTIFICATIONS: This is a Bargaining Unit position
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• This position is covered by a special rate.