This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application 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: Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: Applicants must have 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. 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. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-0647-9 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): - *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. Preferred Experience: Prefer candidates with hospital based experience and/or independent assignment experience (night or weekend shift work). References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), moderate carrying (15-44 pounds), straight pulling, pushing, reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking, standing, repeated bending, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, specific visual requirement (20/50 or better in 1 eye), ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), specific hearing requirements (hear conversational voice, aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, abillity to read printed material without strain (glasses permitted). (See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services). ["Current, permanent VA employees or Federal employees from another agency should apply under CBST-11806409-23-AK. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until June 30, 2023. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 10, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. The duties of the Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Computed Tomography (CT), in Diagnostic Imaging Service include but are not limited to: Shows expertise in balancing the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. Gathers relevant information from the medical record, significant others and health care providers to ensure the correct procedure is ordered and protocoled appropriately while also assessing factors that may contraindicate the procedure Maintains competence in Venipuncture and refers to the Radiology Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media and use of Contrast Media, all while ensuring proper physical assessment of patient and while using aseptic techniques. The DRT (CT) also applies universal, standard and transmission-based precautions as appropriate. Applies the appropriate pre-procedural, procedural and postprocedural care during examinations. Performs daily quality management (QM) inspections of radiographic units to ensure proper mechanical functionality and ensures the daily functionality of CR readers. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is maintained on a bi-annual basis and is in compliance at all times. The Advanced DRT (CT) also maintains knowledge of first aid as it specifically relates to radiography. Accurately operates a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality, utilizing the least amount of radiation to obtain quality imaging for diagnosis and localization purposes. Works in rotation in X-ray and CT at the Fort Smith CBOC, as assigned by the Lead DRT (CT). He/she works independently but confers with Radiologists and the Lead DRT, DRT Supervisor and Chief Technologist on more difficult problems. Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs special procedures such as CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, and Run-Off's, utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient. Performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Incumbent will work with the radiologist/physician as a member of the surgical/CT team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/physician and performance of the exam. They must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition and sterile field Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 3:30pm-Midnight Telework: Not eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00320-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact Jennifer Isbell-Gross, jennifer.isbell-gross@va.gov the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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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.