Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Cleveland, OH

31d • Onsite

About The Position

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist will function in Imaging Service. This position supports the imaging needs of Surgical Services and Specialty Clinics at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System. This position provides high-quality diagnostic imaging to assist in the evaluation and treatment of Veterans receiving care across multiple clinical areas. Duties include performing radiographic examinations, maintaining imaging equipment, ensuring patient safety, and collaborating with interdisciplinary care teams to deliver efficient, accurate diagnostic services. The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist must be knowledgeable in digital radiography (DR) and picture archiving and communications systems (PACS).

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• 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).
• 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.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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).

Responsibilities

• Operates portable and fixed radiographic equipment including but not limited to hybrid rooms, mobile c-arms, mini c-arms, portable radiographic units, and injectors.
• Works with attending physicians to optimize fluoroscopic procedures including performing spot and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electrical power, and radiation physics as to understand the advanced operations of the fixed fluoroscopic units.
• Superuser for hybrid rooms serving as facility expert on the safe operation and troubleshooting of hybrid imaging equipment.
• Participates in a rotating on-call schedule to provide timely off-hour, weekend, and holiday OR imaging support.
• Determines action plan for specific procedure, including room configuration, customary and special supplies, and accessory equipment.
• Ensure that all equipment and supplies are available for the procedure.
• Requires knowledge and skill needed in positioning patients for the variety of complex studies.
• Performs DA, DSA, One-shot imaging as well as advanced imaging including Roadmap, all aspects of DSA stepping such as Panoramic view and split screen pixel shift, perform dynamic trace and all aspects of DSA and DA rotational imaging.
• Skill to recognize changes in technique and procedure that may lead to increase radiation doses.
• Advises surgeon on alternative techniques to decrease dosage.
• Ability to recognize changes in equipment that might result in increased exposure and how to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Performs QA according to manufacturer's specifications.
• Performs daily function checklist for each Hybrid x-ray unit.
• Maintains QA records as required by Service SOP.
• Educates and directs all visitors to proper Radiation Safety guidelines including nurses, residents, and fellows.
• Confers with surgeon regarding nonstandard or atypical examinations and determines technical factors, positioning, and protocol modification according to the surgeon's direction and guidance.
• Responsible for training new technologists in advanced imaging procedures and low dose protocols.
• Performs basic and advanced image acquisitions as well as post processing.
• Provides patient education regarding fluoroscopic x-ray procedures.
• Performs safe operation of fluoroscopic equipment including radiation safety of patients and personnel participating in fluoroscopic procedures.
• Works with supervisors and other technologists to provide efficient and timely support to surgeons.
• Schedules exams in a manner to optimize efficiency. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate surgery.
• Properly identifies patient images and adheres to patient identification protocols.
• Acquires images and coordinates the sending/receiving of Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) images to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

Benefits

• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting)
• Federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
• 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

What This Job Offers

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