The Diagnostic Radiology Technician (DRT) is located in the Cath Lab area Department at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System where the incumbent must possess knowledge and abilities to perform high quality interventional procedures in accordance with policies and procedure defining preparation of radiological equipment, physiological monitoring, defibrillator, pacemaker, and related equipment and devices used in this area.
Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) 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). 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CV-IT), GS-0647-09 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, (GS-08) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): a. * Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. b. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. c. * Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. d. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. e. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. f. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Preferred experience: CV interventional experience References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019. This position is above full performance level at the GS-9. Physical Requirements: Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. Long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, lifting, pulling, and pushing.
Duties for the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CV-IT) include: Works with other staff to assure each patient receives the proper contrast as well as keeping physicians alerted to the amount given. Practices radiation safety (ALARA) in order to reduce exposure to patients, employee, staff and others. Independently performs cardiovascular studies, angiography, and other related interventional and/or therapeutic imaging procedures with and without the use of contrast materials. Confers with Cardiologists and/or other healthcare professionals to determine requirements of nonstandard exams that do not conform to established standard protocols. Determines technical factors, positioning, etc., to produce high quality diagnostic and/or therapeutic studies. Performs removal of both arterial and venous sheaths by maintaining pressure until hemostasis is achieved. Performs advanced image manipulations and/or reconstructions on workstations as directed by the cardiologist, healthcare professional or standard operating protocol. Maintains accurate records and files of exams performed on patients. Properly identifies patient images Communicates with patient to make sure they understand the procedure and answers any questions they may have. Responsible for inventory of all radiographic supplies including but not limited to lead aprons worn by the staff as well as other healthcare professionals coming into the cath lab. Performs irregular hour emergency procedures on standby coverage. Continually reviews new developments int he field of general radiography, angiography, and other related areas. Performs and/or supervises routine housekeeping duties to assure area is clean and sanitary. Familiar with the hospital Compliance program (MCM 00-50) and understands their duty to report instances of waste, fraud, or abuse. Assists in the training of new radiology technologists, students, residents and other staff for the purpose of enhancing the personal and professional development of others within the medical service as directed by management. Work Schedule: Based on the needs of the service Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases 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) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 71142-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized