Summary

General: The incumbent will function at the advanced performance level. The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of standard and specialized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations for both inpatient and outpatient populations at Durham VAMG. The purpose of the work is to provide diagnostically acceptable MRI studies for the healthcare team to use in the clinical diagnosis - therapeutic planning - and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases.

Qualifications

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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] 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
• Loss of Credential
• An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years - or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may also result in termination of employment
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS
• Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice
• To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice
• This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT
• (2) Quality of Experience
• Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements identified in paragraph 2b above
• Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination
• (3) Part-Time Experience
• Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek
• For example - a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work
• Specialized Assignments
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• Technologists must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enter
• The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• [This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties
• Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACS
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification.] GRADE DETERMINATIONS
• In addition to the basic requirements for appointments - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: [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 of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• 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-09
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09

Duties

• Functions: a
• The incumbent independently performs most routine - urgent - and emergent MRI studies with and without the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) - within the anatomical areas of the head - spine - musculoskeletal system - chest - extremities - and body that are performed at VAMC Durham - as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision
• b
• The incumbent performs all - advanced level/complex MRI imaging of the breast - cardiac - lower extremity arterial or venous - upper extremity MRA - functional brain imaging and interventional (procedural) exams such as biopsies that are performed at VAMC Durham - as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision
• c - Assists the radiologist when performing MR Guided Biopsies
• sets up equipment
• delivers specimens to the laboratory service
• coordinates with other departments as necessary
• d - Prepares and administers gadolinium-based contrast materials that are
• Indicated for selected MRI exams and procedures In accordance with manufacturer weight-based dosage volume charts to determine the appropriate Injection volume of the GBCA being used
• Technologists must possess a thorough understanding of the safety considerations and guidelines related to handling - storing - and administering contrast media to ensure a safe environment of care
• In addition - Technologists must adhere to departmental policies and procedures to Identify patient risk factors and obtain Informed consent as needed to avoid harm or injury to the patient - Technologists must also be continuously on the alert to monitor the patient's condition before - during - and after contrast injection to identify and appropriately respond to potential anaphylactic reactions
• Must demonstrate competency to perform Intravenous Therapy for the administration of contrast material as necessary
• Active CPR certification is required in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines
• e
• Maintains strict adherence to established MRI safety & screening policies and protocols to safeguard ' both the imaging environment and patient encounter
• Accurately and completely safety screens all patients - staff members - and visitors for MRI compatibility and ensures appropriate MRI clearance and
• resolution of potential MRI contraindications (potentially hazardous devices or at-risk medical conditions) is conducted before permitting entrance into Zones 2-4
• f - Ensures all MRI requisitions (orders) are appropriately processed (retrieved - screened - protocoled by Radiologist as needed) In a timely manner and submitted for follow-on scheduler action in accordance with VHA Radiology Scheduling Directive and departmental guidelines and procedures
• g
• Maintains adequate quantities of medical consumable supplies and/or devices are readily available to perform routine and emergent diagnostic imaging to include scheduled Interventional procedures through a systemized process of inventory monitoring and restocking activities - h
• 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 - I
• Appropriately uses the administrative menus - functions and tools applicable to the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture system (VISTA) - the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) application - and Radiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (RAGS) - and VetLink to accurately and effectively manage patient encounters - document treatment and care - archive diagnostic imaging and monitor patient check-in statuses
• j
• Adheres to established facility and departmental patient and exam identification policies and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients such that they are appropriately linked with their electronic medical record and the services and treatments intended for them
• k
• Responsible to facilitate a positive patient encounter by regularly monitoring patient arrival status - periodically communicating any schedule delays to patients - explaining basic Imaging indications/preparation requirements/contraindications/potential adverse effects (if any are possible) to consentable patients - and tactfully responding to challenging customer service situations as they present such as a dissatisfied patient and promptly escalating any complaints to appropriate supervisory levels or to the patient advocate
• l
• Maintains continuous technical and administrative proficiency as related to the position through completion of Initial and annual competency assessment checklists to ensure adherence to established imaging practice standards - departmental/facility policies and standard operating procedures and safety regulations - The above list is not all inclusive Work Schedule: 0800-1630