Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MR)

Indianapolis, IN

Duties:

This position is located in Radiology Service at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. Incumbent in this role will be expected to perform work of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at this level. They will perform Magnetic Resonance imaging procedures for the patients of this medical center. Examinations include, but are not limited to, MRI examinations of the head and neck chest (including heart), abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremities.

Specific functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Prepares Magnet for daily operation, brings system up, and checks all self-calibrating parameters

and quality control checks.

• Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control

guidelines and equipment manufacture instructions.

• Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines.

• Reviews patient safety and screening history form. In addition, interviews patients for potential

ferrous objects, implants, or work related metallic injuries.

• Alleviates patient anxiety by informing the patient about what the MRI examination entails and

what the patient can expect.

• Coordinates with radiologist for the appropriate protocol for each exam prior to scanning the

patient.

• Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI

compatible.

• Positions patient within the MRI unit and monitors patient during all phases of the examination

through direct observation and video surveillance monitoring.

• Provides since and sometime double hearing protection to patients including sound system

headphones when appropriate.

• Positions ECG electrodes when necessary for ECG or PPG gating and or physiological monitoring.

• Programs technical factors for pulse sequences slice profiles etc for each scan in accordance with

protocol set forth by radiologist and selects appropriate MRI coil for selected anatomy.

Work Schedule: 20 hours every other weekend

Functional Statement Title/#: Functional Statement, Diagnostic Radiological Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MR), GS-647

• Summary

• Indianapolis VAMC has a state of the art Radiology service with (4) new, fully digital Diagnostic X-Ray Systems, (3) digital Fluoroscopic Rooms; a 24/7 Computed Tomography section with (3) CT scanners, (2) 640 slice diagnostic scanners and a dedicated 64 slice scanner for CT guided procedures; (2) MRI scanners, a 1.5T large bore and a 3T for neuro imaging studies (a 3rd MRI scanner will be added in 2018); A Nuclear Medicine imaging section with (2) SPECT/CT scanners, an E Cam and a mobile DigiRad system, as well as a PET/CT scanner and separate Reading Room. Advanced services that Indianapolis currently provides are Cardiac CTA and Prostate MR. Services slated to be added on this year are CT Colonography and MSK Ultrasound. Our service utilizes Philips Intellispace PACS and Nuance/Powerscribe 360 to efficiently display and interpret exams.

Indianapolis Radiology is a dynamic service that is always seeking ways to improve its service to our nation's heroes, either through advanced clinical offerings or greater and more flexible scheduling of appointments to meet the ever changing demands of our Veterans. Indianapolis is looking for Radiologists who want to be part of a program that is dedicated to excellence and is always seeking ways to improve service through our LEAN management efforts.

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.

• Qualifications & Evaluations

• Basic Requirements:

U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens may 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). Advanced certification indicates that the technologist has demonstrated specific. MUST PROVIDE COPY OF CERTIFICATION IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET.

Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. MUST PROVIDE COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

Physical Requirement. Must undergo pre-employment physical.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of super conducting 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 into. The practitioner must have specific 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. The technologist requires knowledge of image acquisition in Computerized Radiography (CR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).

GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENT:

Enable to qualify for the GS-9 grade level, incumbent must have at least 1 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. Incumbent at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and are able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. DRTs at this level may have varying assignments including special and complex radiographic procedures. 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. The candidate must demonstrate 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;

• Skill to demonstrate appropriate techniques to gather 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; and

• Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Grade Determinations: Grade determination is set forth by the professional standards board. Final approval authority is granted by the Medical Center Director.

References: VA Handbook 5005/77, Part II, Appendix G25. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidates education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.

• Benefits & Other Info

• VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.

Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

*