Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Maintains effective control of the Decorah OPC Radiology area by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing the work potential to expedite workflow patterns within the departments. Schedules patient for exams and maintains daily log of patients and procedures to be incorporated into statistical management workload profiles. ***Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for a recruitment incentive up to $10,000*** 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. 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). 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. Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. English Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-7, that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. (b) Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. (c) Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. (d) Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. (e) Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. (f) Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["***Highly qualified candidates may be eligible for a recruitment incentive up to $10,000*** The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Duties include, but are not limited to: Keeps abreast of technological advances in the fields of Radiology and incorporates these advances in the fields of Radiology and incorporates these advances into in-service educational programs for the nursing and physician staff. Administrative accountability for departmental equipment and supplies. Anticipates needs for supplies and orders as needed. Liaison for complaints and requests from patients, physicians and other personnel concerning activities between the VAMC and the Decorah OPC Radiology/department such as: appointment schedules, examinations, policies and procedures. Works closely with the radiology staff at the VA Medical Center in coordinating and integrating all activities. Troubleshoots equipment used in diagnostic radiologic procedures and is able to make minor repairs and/or adjustments. Exercises extreme caution in the handling and safeguarding of all radiation producing equipment. Must recognize and report major equipment malfunctions within a timely manner to service representative. Coordinates incoming and outgoing x-ray movements with the Decorah OPC and the VAMC. Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards that may occur as a result of the exam. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Registers, requests, cancels and edits exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Compiles computer generated x-ray reports and distributes to appropriate clinics and physicians Properly identifies patient films using Image Readers and L & R markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. The radiographer must be certain patient identification and the requests are identical. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the radiographer to assure compliance to radiation regulations and guidelines of the state. Coordinates all activities of the Decorah OPC Radiology department with Iowa City Radiology department provide maximum patient care. Ability to vary tests or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Implements new ideas to obtain more diagnostic results with existing Radiology equipment. Interviews patient obtaining pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the cardiac system. Explains to competent patients the rationale of procedures and instructions on how to complete the procedure. Schedules patients for radiology exams at the Decorah OPC and the VAMC. Coordinates all activities of the Decorah OPC Radiology Department with the VAMC Radiology Department. Work Schedule: Full-time; 8:00am-4:00pm. Tour of duty will be discussed during interview. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.