The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI Lead). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI Lead) will function in Imaging Service. The Lead MRI Technologist functions are carried out at least 25% of the time. The DRT/MRI functions are balanced with those of the Lead and MRI Technologist.
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 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). English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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: GS-10: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide diagnostic radiologic technology services at that level which include: 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. In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work. Ability to resolve informal employee complaints. Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations. Preferred Experience: Current MRI Experience: currently scanning as a full time technologist 5 yrs or more Advanced Imaging: Cardiac, Breast, Prostate, Elastography, Perfusion, MR Angiography, and Spectroscopty Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Work requires walking, pushing, and lifting of patients and their respective transporting. devices, patient's records and MRI scans and inputting data into the VISTA computer system as well as laundry and other stocking items needed. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and various lifting devices. Work requires technologist to be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them along with the type of monitoring equipment they may have (ex; O2 tank, IVAC pump). Incumbent must pass pre-employment physical and designated drug testing.
Duties: Schedule exams in a manner that optimizes all of the MRI equipment capabilities while maintaining the flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritization of scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the extreme emergent patient who may need immediate attention. Determine optimal scanning parameters to optimize imaging technique. Coordinates with the Radiologist and Physicist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient procedure. Position the patient within the examining unit, monitors the patient during all phases of the MRI examination and removes the patient from the magnetic field upon completion of the acquisitions. Certified in starting IV's and administering MRI contrast to patients requiring such monitoring for allergic reactions. Understands thoroughly the use and administration of MRI contrast material. Coordinate with Anesthesia, MRI and patient to determine appropriate time to sedate or anesthetize patients for MRI if they are claustrophobic. Monitor MRI examinations by checking computations, performance and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic data and images. Performs clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer. Check on works-in-progress or spot checks work not requiring review (e.g. filing or direct services) and reviews completed work to see that supervisor's or staff Radiologists' instructions of work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met. Program technical factors to ensure the above have been met. Use PACS system for transmission of images to the Radiologist. Maintain records and files of exam performed on patients. This includes editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifier and assures the marking of proper laterality. The technologist must be certain that the patient's information and request are identical by check with the patient. Assure that MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Radiology Service policy. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done. The technologist should explain potential hazards that may exist while undergoing their MRI exam. Continually review new developments in MRI. The DRT/MRI improves quality of MRI examinations by utilizing new techniques that are available. The purpose of this is to provide the physicians and patients with the best possible MRI images for diagnostic purposes. Amend or reject work not meeting established standards. Refers to supervisor or staff Radiologist regarding questions or matters not covered by normal standards. Inform the same of problems in meeting performance standards. Assist in training for new MRI technologists, physicians in training and general clinical employees. Administer on-the-job trained to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies. Assure the scheduling of patients in a proper time frame. Monitor the status and progress of work and makes day-to-day adjustments in accordance with the established priorities, obtain assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise such as backlogs which cannot be disposed of promptly. Check on work in progress or spot check work not requiring review. Reviews completed work to see that the Supervisor or staff Radiologist's instructions on work sequence procedures methods and deadlines have been met. Perform daily quality assurance tests. Archive MRI images and exports them for permanent storage. Monitors performance of MRI and ancillary equipment. As Lead Quality Assurance MRI Technologist, she/he will maintain established Q/A procedures including those required for ACR (American College of Radiology) Accreditation. Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions in all equipment associated with the MRI unit. Perform safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with the Medical Center, OIG, VISN and ACR safety standards regarding ferrous objects, cardiac pacemakers, etc. to those persons entering the environment of the 5 gauss magnetic field. Observes and makes recommendations to the supervisor regarding working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94126-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized