Summary

The Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) Diagnostic Radiology Technologist (DRT) assists with all Cardiac - Interventional Radiology (IR) - and Endovascular diagnostic and interventional procedures at VA Northern California Health Care System Mather VA.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• A
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• B
• English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d) C
• Certification Requirement: 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 D
• Education Requirement: 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)
• E
• Grandfathering Provision: 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
• F
• Grade Determination: In addition to the basic requirements above - applicants must meet the following grade requirements
• G
• References: VA Handbook 5005/119 - Part II - Appendix G25 - dated December 13 - 2019 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards - GS-0647.H
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

Duties

• This DRT position is at the full performance level
• Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues
• Assigned Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Position patients on the exam table and adjust equipment to obtain the optimal view of the particular body area as requested by the physician
• Explain procedures to the patient and observe patients to ensure patient care - safety - and comfort during the exam
• Coordinate exams to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients and accommodate emergency patients who may need immediate emergency surgery
• Operate highly technical radiation-producing equipment under the direction of Vascular Surgery - Cardiology - and IR providers
• This includes positioning imaging equipment and adjusting controls to set exposure time and distance according to exam specifications
• Perform cardiac catheterization and angiographic procedures under sterile conditions
• The DRT assists with the preparation of surgical trays - preparation of contrast - supply of catheters and guide wires - and sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may encounter the sterile field to ensure all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient
• Scrub-in\" with the providers - including cardiologists - vascular surgeons - and interventional radiologists as a care team member during angiographic procedures
• The DRT continuously observes the patient's condition - sterile field - and procedural equipment
• The incumbent's alertness is essential to prevent contamination - recognize patient reactions - anticipate technique factor difficulties
• Work with the Cath Lab nurses and assist with preparing the patient - obtaining and documenting vital signs - as needed
• Prepare contrast materials for various exams
• Perform quality control on the Cath Lab fluoroscopy system as required
• Maintain records and files of exams performed on patients using the hemodynamic documentation (Xper) system
• This includes maintaining the Cath Lab patient electronic logbooks and registering and editing patient exams in the Xper and Computerized Patient Records System (CPRS)
• The incumbent will record and calculate cardiovascular parameters such as cardiac pressures - shunts - valve areas - and cardiac output with appropriate diagnostic procedures
• Properly identify patient images Responsible for stocking and inventorying all Cardiac and Angiographical supplies and related materials
• Preferred experience but not required: CT license
• Scrub tech experience Work Schedule: 4/10's
• 0700-1730 Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive
• Contact susan.bringel@va.gov - the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
• Learn more Functional Statement #: 000000