Position is assigned to the Northern Arizona VA Medical Center (NAVAHCS) Radiology Department. NAVAHCS is a Joint Commission-accredited and serves 26,000 Veterans across Northern Arizona. NAVAHCS provides a continuum of primary and secondary level medical, rehabilitative and long-term care to Veterans. Acute medical care consists of primary and secondary inpatient medicine and ambulatory care including general medicine, ambulatory procedures, and specialized medical clinics. 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. 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). Preferred Experience/Qualifications: Dual imaging license in Computed Tomography and Radiography Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, candidates must meet the following grade requirements. GS-9 Diagnostics Radiologic Technologist 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. 2. Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. 3. Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. 4. Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. 5. Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions.6. Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. Assignment. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 ["The Emergency Department is open 24 hours/7 days a week. This VHA Medical Center is located at Prescott, Arizona with Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Anthem, Flagstaff, Cottonwood, Kingman and Lake Havasu City, AZ. NAVAHCS has four Outreach (Telehealth) Clinics; Holbrook, Page, Tuba City and Polacca, AZ, along with a Primary Care Outreach Clinic in the Indian Health Service Health Care Center located in Chinle, AZ and a mobile clinic located in Chinle, AZ serving outlying Navajo Veterans at Pinon and Kayenta, AZ. NAVAHCS catchment area covers over 60,000 square miles. DRT independently performs routine to moderately complex radiographic and CT procedures. These exams are achieved by using diagnostic x-ray equipment such as fluoroscopic units, direct digital units, general diagnostic units, and computed tomography scanner. Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, and body. Performs special CT angiographic and interventional examinations. 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. DRT (CT) technologist duties will be split between General Radiography/Fluoroscopy studies and CT (50 percent General Radiography and 50 percent CT) as mission requirements/needs dictate. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: 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. Technologist works under the supervision of Radiology Manager/Supervisor and rotates all responsibilities within the CT section. He/she works independently on most exams but confers with Radiologists and supervisor on more difficult exams. Work is spot-checked for achievement of objectives. Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include but are not limited to CT examinations of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, neck, as well as CT Angiographic studies of the head, chest, abdomen and lower extremities. Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas and Run-Offs. 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. Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT to include CT Angiography and other exams. Technologist must utilize lead aprons, lead gloves, and lead shields when exposed to radiation. Technologist receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Technologist works with CT schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Maintains adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals/contrast (IV and oral) used in the department. Responsible for stocking and inventory of all supplies, notifying supervisor when supplies are not available and monitoring expiration dates to ensure all items are within compliance. Use independent judgment and possess the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, correct amount and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that view/scan. Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Responsible to adhering to the RME policies and procedures within the Radiology Service. Complies with all safety/fire prevention rules/regulations and using protective equipment when required and provided. Continually reviews new developments in the field of CT, which may require mandatory off-site training for new equipment training. Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. Technologist uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail through Microsoft Outlook. Work Schedule: Various Shifts-Evenings, Nights, and Weekends, to include on call rotation that includes weeknights, weekends, and holidays. Required response time of 30 minutes to the hospital when on call. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.