Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography/Interventional Radiography)
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Application
Details
Posted: 18-Jan-23
Location: Houston, Texas
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 700245200
Current permanent VA employees and Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11800800-23-ML. The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Line Service is seeking a Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography/Interventional Radiography) to provide support and services in both Interventional and Computed Tomography procedures. This position will rotate through both Interventional Radiology (50%) and the Computed Tomography (50%) sections. 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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists 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 Technologists, 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. You must provide a copy of your unexpired ARRT general radiologic technology and advanced CT certification with your application. 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). You must provide a copy of your transcripts showing the certificate/degree awarded and conferred date with your application. Grade Determinations: Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography/Interventional Radiography), GS-11: Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of creditable experience at the GS-10 grade level include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes. Utilizes advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures. Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment. Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, M, ultrasound) studies. Your resume must have month/year for employment start and end dates, include average hours worked per week, and demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) through the tasks/duties you performed for each job listed to receive credit. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): 1. * Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees. 2. * Ability to evaluate work performance of lower level employees and recommend performance ratings. 3. * Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities, and ensure that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities. 4. Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development. 5. * Knowledge of medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures. Preferred Experience: Knowledge and application of placements of IV's. Minimum 5 years of hospital experience/patient care. Knowledge of basic nursing care duties and skills including CPR. Ability to coordinate and perform complex CAT scan examinations, work closely with the radiologist, clinicians, and administration to ensure optimum quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. Interpersonal communication -- ability to act as a liaison between family members and patients as it relates to patient care. Ability to sufficiently and independently perform at the level of complexity required. Knowledge of sterile techniques/maintaining sterile field. References. VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, dated December 13, 2019. The position is above Full Performance Level (GS-11). Physical Requirements. The work is performed in a health care setting. The physical demands of the work include moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling; pulling hand over hand; pushing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers and both hands required; prolonged walking, standing and repeated bending; both legs required; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors; hearing (aid permitted); and mental and emotional stability. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) Environmental Factors. Working conditions include exposure to radiant and electrical energy; constant noise (machinery/equipment); working around machinery with moving parts; working closely with others and alone; protracted or irregular hours of work; occasional odors; and may be required to wear a mask. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services) ["The duties of the Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography/Interventional Radiography) include, but are not limited to: Performs various assignments including support of interventional, vascular, neurosurgical, and orthopedic procedures using biplane imaging equipment in the operating room. Performs diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) and other complex radiographic procedures, including CT-guided biopsies and Interventional Radiography (IR) diagnostic/therapeutic procedures. Responsible for the coordination and performance of the CT/IR departments. Works closely with technologists, radiologists, clinicians and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction. Operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain exams of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Maintains 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 and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of CT/special procedure imaging including head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis extremities, 3D reconstructions of CT, multi-planar reformats CT, and angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs all aspects of CT/IR, including biopsies, RF ablations, abscess drainages, cyst aspirations, etc. Performs CT angiography of the circle of willis, carotids, abdominal aortas, run-offs, including CT cardiac imaging (cardiac trained technologists only) and CT myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. Performs interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. Ensures proper preparation of sterile trays, labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assures measures have been taken to prevent contamination. Works with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical/CT team. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT/special procedures, to include CT angiography/complex IR procedures and other exams. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Adheres to radiation safety guidelines, properly determines applying technical factors to ensure ALARA dose optimization, positioning, required views, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements for diagnostic imaging and CT/special procedures exam. Performs daily QC/QA on all equipment within the section, to include documentation. Ensures all rooms are cleaned and ready to be used. Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness, date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Reviews CT/IR orders to screen information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam. Completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, preop, urgent, and routine exams. Works with CT/IR schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique, the storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, proper attire, hand washing practices, and continuing education. Identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, correct amount and type of contrast administered, timelines for timed exams, patient position, and all other identifying markers for that view/scan. 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 that document the process/procedures for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and preparation of RME. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system, and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned into PACS. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May be required to work weekends, holidays, and on-call based on patient care needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 580-00092-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.