The Primary Purpose of the Position is: The ORT Cardiovascular-lnterventional (CV), use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. BASIC REQUIREMENTS Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (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). 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 Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d). Grade Determinations: GS 9 DRT (Above Full Performance): 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: Interventional Radiography (IR). Technologists working in this special assignment may function as vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists which use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic angiographic procedures and complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. This specialty requires additional knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. The technologist must be knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements regarding contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. IR technologist must be knowledgeable in digital imagining and PACS. 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: Specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body PACS-Ensures completion of examination by following proper procedures to transmit images to PACS immediately after the exam. Demonstrates safe radiation work practice appropriate for the position. Demonstrate and verbalize proper procedures. Infection Control. Understands , demonstrates appropriate hygiene methods and infection control. Administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. Knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy. References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard, GS-647. December 13, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 pounds and over); Heavy Carrying (45 pounds and over); Pulling hand over hand (1 hour); Pushing (2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (3 hours); Standing (3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted) ["A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file for 90 days. The first cut-off date for referral of eligible applicants will be February 13, 2023. The technologist administers contrast media under the supervision of the staff radiologist and confers with the radiologist to establish requirements with reference to contrast agents, vital signs, medications, and physiologic monitoring to perform procedures. CV technologists must be knowledgeable in Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). Functions/Duties include but not limited to: Prepare patient for interventional / angio exam, to include the following tasks: Correctly identify patient Assist patient dressing Ensure patients questions are to their understanding Explain exam to patient Perform patient allergy questionnaire Ensure patient has iv access Ensure patient consent is signed and witnessed Ensure patient education form is properly completed Ensure patient chart has accompanied patient to IR suite Ensure patients belongings are secure and returned at end of IR exam Assure patient comfort to reduce patient motion and ensure optimum image quality Has knowledge of proper use and administration of various contrast agents (positive and negative) used in interventional suite to include the following tasks: Knowledge of various indications and contraindications for contrast medias Knowledge of contrast reactions and treatments Knowledge of location and use of emergency medical equipment to treat contrast media reactions Knowledge of various methods of administering various contrast agents Detailed knowledge of setup and safe use of power injector to obtain optimum imaging of anatomical structures of interest. Maintain proper case and patient records as follows: Maintaining security of patient information Ensuring proper request has been submitted for exam requested Ensure all codes have been properly applied and cased out Ensure patient and exam information has been added to list of exams done for that day Ensure that exam time, radiation dose, and contrast amount has been recorded Demonstrate knowledge of medical and surgical asepsis to include the following: Demonstrated in proper sterile preparation of exam site Demonstrated in proper preparation of IR medical staff Demonstrated in sterile setup of exam table Demonstrate accurate knowledge of vascular system, angio I interventional exams and nomenclature commonly used in modern angio I interventional suite. Demonstrate proper knowledge of all equipment and supplies used in a modern angio I interventional suite, to include the following: Knowledge of use and function of all guidewires, angiographic catheters, balloon catheters. Knowledge of use and function of all interventional supplies (i.e., thrombectomy devices, balloon catheters, stents, filters and embolization devices) Knowledge of use and function of all accessory devices used in angio / interventional suite (i.e. drains, caps, pressure lines, various stopcocks, manifolds, sheaths, catheter securement devices and drapes) Ability to properly mix and prepare heparinized flush solutions Knowledge of the complex functions and abilities of modern angiographic single plane equipment Ability to interpret gross radiological findings to accurately predict supply needs of interventional radiologist Work independently of radiologist to perform minor patient procedures to include the following: Obtaining hemostasis on patients post angio / interventional exam Gastric tube checks Instructing new residents in minor angio / interventional procedures (i.e. fistulograms, venograms and peripherally inserted central catheters) in the absence of radiology staff The securement of various drainage and / or connecting tubes In absence of staff radiologist, the technologist recommends to the resident angiographic equipment and supplies that would / could expedite exam Work Schedule: 7:30am to 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Rotating on-call and holiday schedules. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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