This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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. The candidate must demonstrate all 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. Specialized Assignments. Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS. Preferred Experience: Certification ARRT(R)(VI) or (CV). References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8. The grade in which the candidate will be selected is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Work is physical and demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying items and transferring patients with use of moving implements ["The incumbent functions as an Interventional /Hybrid OR Technologist that functions in concert with the Interventional Radiology and Vascular Physician with advanced skills, knowledge, and experience to facilitate the daily operations of the Interventional and Diagnostic Imaging Department by interacting, coordinating, and collaborating with Radiologists, Physicians, and multidisciplinary teams at the Medical Center and referring institutions. It is anticipated that the incumbent will spend approximately 95% of their time in two locations (Interventional Radiology suite and the Hybrid Operating Room) preforming procedures in the most difficult and complex modality in the Imaging department, as well as providing general Diagnostic procedures in a therapeutic setting, Additionally, 5% of their time is spent assisting in Computerized Tomography (CT) guided procedures. Be competent and knowledgeable about all steps of all vascular interventional radiology and vascular hybrid procedures including - but not limited to - procedural preparations and direct intra-procedural assistance. Assist physicians with peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities; ie: renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. The exams involve the use of highly sophisticated x-ray equipment, such as computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, 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 system. Assist physicians with non-vascular procedures, ie: drainages, biopsies, aspirations, etc. These procedures could take place in the interventional suite or in computerized tomography (CT). Performs procedures utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires \"scrub-in technique,\" preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. Continuously on alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers. Independently carries out the requests made by physicians, adjusting and utilizing appropriate CPT codes for exams. Understands and carries out the requests made by physicians and only rarely seeks assistance of a higher graded technologist when a unique or new procedure is required. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields patients as appropriate. Prepares IR suite with sterile supplies, local anesthetics and any supplies required for given procedures. Maintains knowledge and proficiency in sterile techniques, isolation and reverse isolation procedures. Maintains knowledge of the procedures for handling adverse reactions including CPR certification, and preparing incident reports in CPRS. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead shields and collimation. Wears film badges in compliance with radiation regulations. Aware of and practices the safety policies/procedures of the Medical Center, and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Responsible for stocking and assisting with inventory needs for VIR/Hybrid OR supplies and related materials. This includes date checking for inventory in the suites. Participates in on-call rotation for off-tour procedures supporting 24/7 coverage. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and On-Call rotation Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 38179F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Carolyn.czekaj@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.