Summary

This Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) - Interventional Radiology (IR) - position is assigned to the Memphis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System - Medical Imaging Service in the IR section. The Memphis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System is a complex facility that provides services in specialized and complex areas of diagnostic imaging and a comprehensive interventional radiology program -

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
• 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)
• Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above - applicants must meet the following grade requirements for a GS-10 DRT: Preferred Experience: The Interventional Radiology (IR) Supervisor must have one to two years' experience in the IR Hybrid Surgical Equipment/Room and one to two years' experience in the vascular interventional radiology - pain management - and/or interventional technology - with experience using specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures
• The IR specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy
• The IR Supervisor must be knowledgeable in specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures
• The IR Supervisor must have excellent administrative skills as well as experience with Picture Archiving Systems (PACS) - Regulatory Readiness - and Joint Commission Accreditation - the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:- -Knowledge of radiation protection standards - devices and techniques - including concepts of accumulated dosage - dose monitoring - and genetic changes
• - Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures - and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures
• - Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy - electric power - magnetic fields - and properties of x-ray - to understand the operation of the equipment
• - Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT - MRI - IR - ultrasound - mammography) studies
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10
• Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work includes: 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.

Duties

• Duties include but not limited to: Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality - utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for screening and diagnostic purposes
• Possess expert specialization in complex areas of interventional radiology and provide after hours on-call coverage within the Memphis Veterans Affairs Healthcare System - Medical Imaging Service in the IR section
• maintain in depth knowledge of complex diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular equipment/supplies and be capable of assisting with their use during significantly complex imaging procedures
• Participate in the Interventional Radiology quality assessment and improvement programs - develop team dynamics and teamwork with both IR radiologist and the Nursing team
• Knowledge of all technical duties and responsibilities during each procedure to provide a timely well-organized exam and patient experience
• Performs complex imaging procedures which include - but are not limited to - biliary drain exchanges - tunnel catheter exchanges - portacathplacements - shuntograms with de-clotting and percutaneous nephrostomy tube placements
• Maintains knowledge of all department and section policies - acknowledging the receipt and understanding of these policies
• Performs daily maintenance as part of Quality Control as required by the Section Supervisor and regulatory bodies
• Receives and interprets examination requests for accuracy - appropriateness - date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS
• Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff - as mandated by the Medical Center and Medical Imaging Service Infection Control policies
• Applies safety procedures for self - patients and others as mandated by the Service Safety policies for all imaging modalities
• Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment - is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment
• Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus
• Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations - using protective equipment when required and provided Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm - On call is required for this position Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 50833 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized