Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Hiring for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) at Providence, Rhode Island Full Time

Summary The employee performs both diagnostic radiologic technologist and MRI technologist duties in the Diagnostic Imaging Service. This employee performs MRI technologist duties as least 50% of the time and will be assigned their work duties by supervisory staff. Responsibilities Performs imaging using DR and CR. All examinations are processed digitally. This work includes computer manipulation (window/level), correct orientation of the images, patient image acquisition through work list and releasing images to the PACS storage system, and burning of images to CD. Knowledge of procedures results in accurate and properly processed radiographs. Duties include but not limited to: Assists radiologist during fluoroscopic examinations. Prepares oral contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for oral exams of the GI tract. These procedures may require the use of barium suspension, gastrografin, and sodium bicarbonate crystals. Responsible to the radiologist and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient radiation dose. Advises radiologist, participating providers or referring physicians of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. The technologist assures compliance with radiation regulations for all staff including the wearing of film badges. The technologist must also be aware of and practice the safety policies/procedures of the facility and participate in quality assurance activities as directed. Documents all fluoroscopy doses after completion of the examination according to PVAMC policy. Performs other imaging related duties as assigned including but not limited to PICC line insertion, lumbar puncture, PCN tube changes and other fluoroscopic procedures. Employees at the GS 10 level are responsible for performing complex procedures including but not limited to MRA of the chest, abdomen, head, neck and extremity, MRI spectroscopy, prostate, and functional imaging for research studies of the brain and anesthesia cases. Prepares magnet for daily operation, brings system up, and checks all self-calibrating parameters. Employee maintains the cleanliness of his/her assigned work area, maintains necessary supplies. The employee reports all shortages to the supervisor including any equipment failures. In the absence of the supervisor, the employee contacts Clinical Engineering to arrange for service. The employee has a responsibility to recognize and exhibit good safety practices to include; compliance with published and communicated safety procedures and reporting observed safety infractions and unsafe working conditions to the MRI Safety Officer, a supervisor and Clinical Engineering as well as work related illnesses and injuries. The employee observes patient safety guidelines as set forth within DIS and PVAMC policies and procedures. Monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI compatible and never permits unauthorized personnel inside the gauss line of the magnet. The employee advises the radiologist of those examinations which require immediate attention while the patient is still undergoing the examination. The incumbent practices sterile technique to prevent contamination. The technologist performs IV insertion, prepares IV contrast material and administers contrast material agents under the guidance of a radiologist. The incumbent is responsible for setting up and positioning patients, providing immobilization devices, selecting proper technical factors on an individual patient basis, and operating the equipment. The employee reviews patient safety/history forms and interviews patient for potential ferrous objects, implants or work related metallic injuries. When operating the MRI equipment, the employee communicates with the radiologist and physicist as needed to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination. Work Schedule: Intermittent; Monday-Friday rotating day/evening availability. Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized. Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F01906. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not require. Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans’ preference for this job announcement. This position is a LIUNA Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by a special rate. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. 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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 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). 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). Grade Determinations: GS-10: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. In addition to this experience, you must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instructions are issued and enforced. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety. Preferred Experience: 3+ years experience as an MRI Technologist References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: Lift, move or push heavy equipment, specifically cassettes, mobile x-ray equipment, stretchers and/or wheelchairs with patients in them. Assist in lifting patients who may be paralyzed, comatose or otherwise incapacitated, from stretchers or wheelchairs to x-ray tables and back. Provide physical assistance and care for patients in a timely manner in all circumstances. Reach overhead in order to manipulate an x-ray tube. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.