Diagnostic Radiologic Tech (Gen)

Veterans Health Administration • Asheville, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist operates general radiography and fluoroscopy equipment to acquire diagnostic radiographs of patients and support fluoroscopic exams and procedures to enable the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Exam requests are screened for appropriateness and reviewed with a radiologist as needed. The duties are performed in the Imaging Department, Emergency Department, OR, PACU and various other locations in the Medical Center.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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].
• 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.
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
• 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).
• Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice.
• Knowledge of basic technique standards for minimum radiographic exposure.
• Knowledge of anatomy and positioning.
• Knowledge of all patient safety procedures.
• Knowledge of radiographic producing equipment.
• Ability to learn basic computer functions.
• Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
• Knowledge of different contrast material required for the requested study.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, minimum radiographic exposure techniques, appropriate beam limitation to anatomical area, and employing lead shielding when performing standard radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures.
• Knowledge of computed radiography, CR readers and Digital Imaging systems.
• Knowledge of PACS and basic computer skills.
• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest.
• Frequent standing, walking, grasping, carrying, reaching, bending, stooping and speaking.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent use of computer keyboard and phone.
• Precise control of power-assisted equipment and devices.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum 3 year experience post graduation from accredited Radiography program.

Responsibilities

• Receive patients, confirm patient identification, obtain patient history, provide patient education, provide reassurance, and ensure patient comfort.
• Perform fall risk assessment and mobilize appropriate assistive lifting and transfer devices as needed.
• Apply strategies to reduce risk of falls - remove obstacles and tripping hazards.
• Continually assess the condition and needs of patients to ensure patient safety, comfort, privacy, and dignity.
• Coordinate care to provide service timely to the clinical need.
• Review exam requests for appropriateness before performing exams.
• Use appropriateness criteria, the clinical history provided on the request, patient interview, chart review or contact with the ordering clinician to clarify as needed.
• Screen for duplicate requests, repeat of a recent exam(either in house or at an outside facility), or redundant evaluation completed by another imaging modality (e.g., CT).
• Discontinue duplicate orders.
• Present unresolvable discrepancies or deficient indications to the Lead DRT(R), Supervisor DRT(R) or a radiologist.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of iodinated contrast materials, the appropriate concentration and types for various applications and the route of administration for various contrast imaging studies.
• Store and administer iodinated contrast media adhering to standards of medication management.
• Understand the risks, side effects and contraindications of contrast use, and the appropriate clinical applications, dosages, routes, and rates of administration.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contrast reactions, how to recognize them and levels of response.
• Document contrast administration, dose, route, and other related aspects of care in CPRS.
• Document adverse events in CPRS using approved reporting tools.
• Perform general maintenance operations on equipment such as warm-up and shutdown sequences, calibration, QC and basic troubleshooting.
• Maintain logs to document equipment performance history and malfunctions.
• Identify deviations from equipment specifications and initiate service or other corrective action.
• Provide assistance to service engineers, OI&T staff, and service support with basic troubleshooting on imaging devices, computer systems and PACS to help resolve issues.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree