Summary

The Hampton VA Medical Center is looking for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist to join the team! Technologist operates the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in the Diagnostic Imaging Service in order to complete MRI examinations necessary for the diagnosis of medical conditions. MRI studies are patient-dependent and may utilize standard or nonstandard scan protocols or pulse sequences.

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
• 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
• 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)
• NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description
• Credentialing Standards: Public Law 97-35 - the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981 - requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75 - Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel
• Essentially - they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: GS-09 In addition to the basic requirements for appointment - the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-8) level - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• 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
• 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 the following assignment: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enter
• The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties
• Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACS
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification
• 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
• Preferred Experience: At least 1 year MRI experience 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-09
• Physical Requirements: Position requires moderate lifting - 15-44 pounds
• light carrying - under 15 pounds
• bending - stooping - and standing up to 6 hours a day
• Requires long periods of standing - walking - and sitting Involves constant bending - lifting - twisting - and carrying moderately heavy items such as cassettes
• The use MRI scanners requires twisting - turning and repeated bending - lifting of coils - moderate carrying - reaching above shoulder - and ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.

Duties

• As a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) - you will be responsible for performing the following radiologic examination procedures using diagnostic equipment: Perform daily MRI scanner start-up and shutdown - assist patient with proper positioning on scanner table - select and position appropriate coils on patient - and perform technical operation of scanner
• Monitor scan parameters selected for each pulse sequence by continuously analyzing image data on MRI console to obtain high quality diagnostic images
• Monitor each examination during scanning for artifacts - and in case of patient motion or other artifacts - repeat necessary sequences
• Case-edit each study in Vista immediately after completion to facilitate timely exam interpretation and reporting
• Receive daily MRI requests and obtain Radiologist approval and protocol requirements prior to performance of each study
• For non-standard scan protocols - consult with Radiologist to determine appropriate protocol and pulse sequences for the examination and enter appropriate scan parameters into scanner console
• Assist scheduling clerk as needed to schedule patients for examinations in person or by phone
• Technologist must be familiar with benefits and risks of intravenous gadolinium contrast - including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) guidelines and risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)
• Prior to each MRI examination - complete patient screening questionnaire by conducting patient interview to obtain relevant medical history - and scan questionnaire into electronic medical record
• Monitor all patients - employees and visitors entering the MRI suite for compliance with all published MRI safety standards regarding ferrous objects and medical devices prior to entry into the environment of the scanner magnetic field
• Schedules patients for examinations
• Calls patients to coordinate their arrival for the examination and relay necessary preparations
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate them
• Check each patient's chart in electronic medical record (CPRS) to ensure that all necessary laboratory studies - orbit x-rays - or other screening x-rays have been completed prior to arrival of patient for MRI study
• Prepares contrast materials that are used in MRI and other exams
• Maintain appropriate clinical monitoring for inpatients and outpatients by checking IV catheters - monitors - oxygen supply - or other medical devices throughout the patient's stay in the MRI suite
• Monitor patients for evidence of claustrophobia or discomfort and provide early detection of potential complications
• Work Schedule: Full Time - Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized 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) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized