This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures for the patients of the Gainesville Primary Care Outpatient clinic in Gainesville, Florida. Employees at this grade level are to be qualified to provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services. 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. 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). 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.] 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).] Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: 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). Must have advanced ARRT Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) certification. Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (GS-09) 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. Assignments. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: [Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist]. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties within the program. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i. *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. ii. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. iii. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. iv. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. v. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. vi. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part ll, Appendix G25, date December 13, 2019. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Qualification Standard GS-0647. http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf this can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; pushing up to 4 hours; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking, prolonged standing; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid permitted); speed in working; and emotional stability. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time. Work is performed in a health care setting. Work may involve exposure to infection and possible contagious diseases. Standard precautions and isolation techniques will be employed as indicated. There is occasion where response to physical and/or verbal abuse by patients requires knowledge gained from ongoing violence in the workplace training. Working conditions include: outside and inside work, exposure to radiant energy, constant noise (machinery/equipment), working around hazardous machinery with moving parts, working closely with others. ["The technologist interprets requests or instructions from the radiologist or clinicians. Performs a spectrum of simple and advanced MRI exams following prescribed protocols required to perform procedures of the: Brain, Abdominal, Cardiac. MSK. Breast, Extremity, Urological, interventional planning and procedures with and without the use of contrast materials as directed by the radiologist. Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events. The technologist reconciles the patients current medications then prepares and administers contrast material, and medication under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols. assuring that current lab results and patient allergies have been checked. Ensures the renal function of the patient is adequate for the given protocol and type of contrast as prescribed by the radiologist. ln the event of a contrast reaction must know how to safely move the patient from the MRI scanner table into zone 2 for emergency intervention in accordance with MRI safety policy. The technologist will be required to operate all MRl equipment. including a variety of super conductive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners, highly complex computerized imaging device which employs the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to acquire images. The employee will have knowledge of the required MR safety factors as outlined by the ACR and site specific MR SOP. The technologist receives the patient, will positively identify each patient by asking for two (2) forms of identification not limited to, full name, full social security number, or date of birth. Properly selects patient's information from the worklist on the work stations and verifies the patient information prior to the start of the imaging exam. The technologist will explain procedures to patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Transfer patients from their stretcher/wheelchair to an MRI stretcher/wheelchair to the Magnet's imaging table. Will also assist in the transporting of patients, via wheel chair, stretcher, or with walking assistance when appropriate, to different locations throughout the facility. Maximize patient throughput by contacts with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel. etc. He/she will perform adequate MRI safety screening, explain the exam procedure and choses the best imaging coil for the part of the patient's body being scanned. Position the patient within the MRI imaging coils/scanner with appropriate hearing protection as well as as padding to reduce heating, choose and execute the correct protocol while appropriately monitoring the patient during all phases of the examination. If a patient cannot be prescreened for MRI safety, the incumbent will contact the next of kin (if available) to perform the prescreening with, or appropriately communicate and note to the ordering physician, that he/she will need to follow the MRI safety policy for obtunded patients found in the site specific MR SOP. The technologist will observe patient safety, guidelines as set forth in department and Medical Center policies and procedures: and the Reference Manual for MRI Safety Implants and Devices, and ACR guidelines for MR safety. The employee must at all times ensure that the patient to be scanned does not have internal or external ferrous objects that could cause injury when the patient is brought into the proximity of the magnet. For contraindications the technologist will generate radiology requests for radiography screening, check CPRS for implant documentation and review with the manufacture the safety of the implant or device. The incumbent must be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the facility, as well as follow the recommended safety guidelines from implant manufactures and the MRI safety website/book for any soft tissue implants. Heishe must know how to adjust sequence parameters in order to keep SAR values to a minimum for each patient. Accurately utilizes Vista and CPRS to look up pertinent patient information that relates to patient examinations; including pertinent laboratory reports, nursing notes, radiology orders consults, physician notes, allergies, and radiology reports. The employee's relationships with supervisors, co-workers. and others within the organization arc consistently courteous and cooperative in nature, and overall contribute positively to the effective operation. The technologist provides customer service in accordance with I.C.A.R.E. standards. Work Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact VISN8CCOE@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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