Details
Posted: 06-May-22
Location: San Diego, California
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 652604300
This position is located at Radiology Service with VA San Diego Healthcare System. Technologist receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional. Employee reviews pre-procedure laboratory test results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for receiving iodinated contrast material (BUN, Creatinine) and that blood coagulation levels (PT, INR) are within safe levels. 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. 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 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the grade requirements for 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-9. EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in Federal Service, directly related to the position being filled, that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems. Candidates must also demonstrate all of the following technical 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.vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: See VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements: DRT's work requires long periods of standing and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Employee performs as a fully functional diagnostic radiologic technologist at the journeyman level, with the added specializations of Angiography/Interventional Radiography (50%), Computed Tomography (50%). The technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action, including contacting the Radiologist, referring physician, nurse manager etc.Major Duties are below but not limited to: Explain exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Interview the patient to obtain additional clinical information, and if needed will contact the clinician and/or clinic that made the request for clarification and may recommend a more appropriate exam to order. Determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. Make an independent decision to take additional views or alter the technique to achieve the goal before the patient leaves the department. Use a wide variety of computerized equipment such as the Angiographic and CT equipment, Digital Fluoroscopy, Computer Acquisition and port-processing workstations, PACS viewing stations, WEBPACS desk top viewing software, and hospital computer systems such as VISTA and CPRS. Performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials including CT guided biopsy studies of muscular skeletal system, neuro systems, lung, liver, kidney and other soft tissue sampling, abscess drainages, microwave or cryoablation studies requiring localization of wand placement, cardiac, biopsy, interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined wall and collimation. Work Schedule: Most shifts are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. This can change based on need at time of hire. Variable Shifts, On-Call, Overtime, Holidays and weekends may be required.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Maybe Authorized to Highly Qualified Candidate.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]