The Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System is recruiting for a full-time Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography) for the Diagnostic Imaging Service Line. 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 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. 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). English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS-9 Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level, which is defined as: Checking system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines; Working knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed; Working knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results; Monitoring patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed; Using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers; Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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. All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package. References: December 13, 2019 VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a clinical setting. Walking, standing, light lifting, typing, carrying, and bending may be required. ["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. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computed Tomography): Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Duties include, but are not limited to: a. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. b. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. c. Performs all procedures relative to all general C.T. exams and more complex exams such as CTA coronary, abdominal and neuro, exams. d. Performs some exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. e. Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT. 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, 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. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. f. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians in compliance with radiation regulations. g. Performs reconstructions of CT and angiographic studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. Along with reprocessing data on 3D workstation. I.E. MIP's, Volume h. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of patient logbooks registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. i. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. j. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible, and obtaining informed consent for invasive procedures. k. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all CT supplies and related materials. l. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24hours per day, coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 30 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. May be required to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations. m. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes. Work Schedule: Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. & 2 days a week from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. The VA Martinsburg Healthcare System offers a wide range of health, support, and facility services for Veterans at 8 locations serving western Maryland, south-central Pennsylvania, northwest Virginia, and West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. Primary Care services are offered at the following locations. Martinsburg WV, Hagerstown MD, Cumberland MD, Franklin WV, Harrisonburg VA, Petersburg WV and Winchester VA.
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans.
Physicians interested in caring for our America's Veterans and their families, email Nicole.Carey@va.gov or call 304-620-4354.