Summary

The Cardiac Cath Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) position at this level is fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently with specialized advanced knowledge and assignments. DRTs at this level functions proficiently in all aspects of the Cardiac Cath Lab (CCL) and other interventional areas including but not limited to interventional radiology and interventional pain.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Education
• Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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]
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: Experience
• GS-9 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
• Preferred Experience: Current or within 1year recent cardiac catheterization laboratory experience
• ACLS required
• 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-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional a
• Assists cardiologists during fluoroscopic examinations
• Employs knowledge of anatomy - physiology and cross-sectional anatomy to ensure quality and accuracy of the procedure
• b
• Assist the cardiologist in fluoroscopic examinations to include functions of scrub - circulate and monitor procedures to include diagnostic and interventional cardiac cath diagnostic and interventional peripheral procedures and temporary pacemaker insertions
• c
• The DRT will discuss any case that deviates from normal protocol with the cardiologist d
• Prepares and administers contrast materials under the direction of the cardiologist e
• Responsible to the cardiologist for the quality and quantity of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs
• f
• Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patient - staff and self
• This is achieved using lead aprons - lead gloves - lead shields - lead-lined walls and collimation
• The technologist is to assure compliance to radiation regulations and is to wear film badges
• The technologist must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the medical center and participate in quality assurance activities as directed
• g
• Documents patients in the XPER/ WITT system and or the electronic health record
• h
• Knowledge of Joint Commission and regulatory requirements
• i
• Responsible for cleanliness and stocking adequate levels of supplies in assigned areas
• Monitors PAR levels and weekly checks expiration dates
• Must report equipment malfunction in a timely manner to the supervisor/equipment specialist
• j
• Knowledge and understanding of waveforms from the great vessels and all chambers of the extremities and heart including the ability to recognize and distinguish normal from abnormal - artifact from abnormality - and forewarn the physician of an impending life-threatening situations
• k
• Knowledge of equipment - medications - and supplies used in the procedure lab and the ability to set-up - calibrate - operate - and troubleshoot this equipment
• l
• Explains and educates procedures to patients - so the patient has a clear understanding of procedure - hazards (if any) and instructions to follow (if applicable)
• May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs - recognize allergic reactions or changes in mental status and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• m
• Supports - identifies and/or initiates performance improvement plans that utilize the facility model for quality improvement
• Participates in identifying key aspects of care - developing strategies for improvement - and collection and analyzing data
• n
• Knowledge of equipment failures - troubleshooting and fixes - daily QA/QC and direct contact with providers for emergent add-ons
• o
• Pursues continuing education activities to stay current in techniques and maintain competency
• Disseminates information of general interest
• p
• The DRT must be professional - cooperative - and able to work with other employees
• Displays skills in using tact diplomacy and courtesy in dealing with customer base - patients - staff - family - visitors and volunteers
• q
• They assist the Nurse Manager with quality control and performance improvement activities
• r
• Other duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: M-F 8:00am-4:30pm Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay - a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade)
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement