Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (ADRT) - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - is assigned to the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (RMRVAMC) - Imaging Service; MRI Section within the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) in Aurora - Colorado. RMRVAMC is a complex level 1A1 Medical Center which provides a full range of state-of-the-art patient care services to include a 182-bed hospital with a 30-bed spinal cord injury and disorders service.

Qualifications

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)
• Grade Determinations: GS-09 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently
• DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level - clinical instruction - and basic QM type duties within the program
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills - and abilities to perform at this level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*) *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
• Preferred Experience: General MRI experience in a medical center
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is 9
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is 9
• Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over
• moderate carrying - 15-44 pounds
• pushing up to 4 hours
• reaching above shoulder
• use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required)
• prolonged walking - prolonged standing
• repeated bending
• ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20
• ability to distinguish basic colors
• hearing (aid permitted)
• speed in working
• and emotional stability
• Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time
• English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d).

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf Duties & skills needed to be successful in this position include - but are not limited to: Operate a wide variety of imaging equipment in MRI to obtain examinations of acceptable quality while limiting the amount of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for diagnosis & localization purposes
• Perform MRI of the spine - head - neck - abdomen - pelvis - extremities - breast - & cardiac studies
• Perform MRI of the peripheral & visceral vessels through MR angiography of the abdominal systems & extremities to include renal - hepatic - mesenteric - aortic - femoral - & others according to current protocols
• Perform venipuncture & adhere to guidance regarding administration of contrast media - use of power injectors - & gadolinium
• Process studies through post processing software & the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS)
• Maintain electronic records of exams performed on patients
• Register & edit patient exams in the computerized information system
• Ensure all images & required paperwork are properly completed
• Scan patient related documents into PACS - on the correct patient
• Appropriately process orders through all imaging scheduling software & document
• Complete orders management & technologist approvals for scheduling parameters
• Prepare contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist
• Respond to patient reactions that may require immediate attention to prevent harm to the patient
• Must follow MRI safety guidance - report & document safety issues & incidents in the electronic health record - patient safety reporting tool & to the supervisor immediately upon occurrence
• Must adhere to all service - section & national policies & directives
• Assist with the appointment & scheduling system in Vista & special Imaging scheduling software
• Review & interpret all radiology study orders for accuracy & appropriateness
• review orders - protocols - screening information for accuracy - note & research all questionable information prior to tech approval & performance of the exam
• Complete imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat - pre-op - urgent & routine exams
• Coordinate examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability - maximizing exam room effectiveness
• Must optimize scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• Complete scheduled patients as well as accommodate the emergency patient in coordination with hospital staff
• Perform MR guided biopsy exams utilizing sterile technique
• Prepare sterile trays - properly label medications dispensed to sterile trays - gather required supplies - & ensure measures are taken to prevent contamination of the patient & equipment
• Maintain adequate supplies & pharmaceuticals used in the department
• Inventory & restock all supplies & monitoring expiration dates
• Notify the supervisor & supply chain management of supply issues
• Determine technical factors to produce optimal MRI studies
• Appropriately vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions & body habitus
• Consult with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams & document in the electronic health record
• Properly identify patients
• Verify correct MRI scan - correct amount & type of contrast administered - timelines for any timed examinations - patient position - & all other identifying markers
• Perform minor equipment adjustments - repairs & exercises care in the handling & safeguarding of all equipment
• Must participate in the afterhours call rotation
• Work Schedule: Various Tours Pay: Competitive salary & regular salary increases
• When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of 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) & 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 #: 554-52095-A