Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Summary

This position is assigned to Fredericksburg VA Health Care System in Fredericksburg - VA and report directly to the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Service. Employees at this level are fully functional as a DRT - in both General Diagnostic X-ray - and MRI sections; and can carry out their assigned tasks independently.

Qualifications

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.) English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d). 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).] 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.] 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. 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. 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. Knowledge of Current Radiologic Technology Practice. To be creditable - experience must have demonstrated possession of the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics (also referred to as clinical competencies) associated with current radiologic technology practice. This may have been evidenced by the equivalent of one year of active practice - which is paid or non-paid employment as a DRT as defined by ARRT. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR). 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 full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9 Physical Requirements: The physical demands of the work include: Heavy lifting - 45 pounds or over; moderate carrying 15-45 pounds; pushing - pulling - and reaching above shoulders up to 4 hours; use of fingers - good dexterity (both hands required); prolonged walking - standing - and/or sitting; repeated bending; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing (aid not permitted in Zone 4); and speed in working. Must have the ability to stand and work while wearing a lead apron for possibly long periods of time.

Duties

• Performs magnetic resonance imaging of the head and body including - but not limited to: brain - face - larynx - nasopharynx - neck - orbits - paranasal sinus - parotid glands - tongue and oropharynx - TMJ - chest - cardiac - cervical spine - thoracic spine - lumbo-sacral spine - brachia! plexus - abdomen - (adrenal - kidney - liver - pancreas - elastography - and POFF) - pelvis (bladder - prostate - scrotum - rectum) - shoulder - elbow - wrist/hand - hip - knee - and foot/ankle
• Complex procedures including - but not limited to: MRA chest - abdomen - pelvis - aorta - carotid bifurcations - circle of willis - vertebral/basilar arteries - liver - renal - spinal canal - MRV superior sagittal sinus - MR iliac veins - MR spectroscopy - MRCP - runoffs - prostate - cardiac - breast - biopsies - defecography - and MRI research exams
• Allays patient anxiety by informing the patient about what the MRI examination entails and what the patient can expect
• Constantly monitors all equipment brought into the MRI environment to ensure it is MRI safe or MRI conditional
• Instruct patients to remove all metal objects from pockets or body
• watches - chains - earrings - belts - hearing aids - dentures - prosthetic devices - and wallets and place them in the provided locker
• Ensures patient then changes into a gown for their safety
• Uses patient safety devices as necessary to ensure patient's safety during preparation and examination
• Monitors special equipment such as pulse oximeter - ECG - infusion pumps - oxygen equipment - and respirators
• Properly labels - secures - prepares IV contrast as necessary and injects patients with contrast media under supervision of a Radiology physician to enhance tissue - lesions - etc
• Also monitors patients during and after injection for any reaction and informs the Radiologist and/or Radiology nurse when a reaction occurs
• Monitors patients that have been medicated for discomfort and provide early detection of potential complications
• Assists the physician to treat and manage adverse contrast reactions
• Assists the code team if necessary
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality
• Modesty and comfort will be observed for each patient
• When performing examinations - safety for the patient will always be observed
• Maintains good patient care by checking IV's - catheter - monitors and oxygen set-up throughout the patient's stay in the department
• Always provides hearing protection to patient - and explanation of best use and insertion
• Performs all assigned procedures in a timely and courteous manner
• Because of the high incident of claustrophobia - causing patient fear and incomplete examinations - the employee must be compassionate and understanding with patients having magnetic scans
• The employee should spend time encouraging the patient to complete the examination or contact the patient's practitioner for assistance
• At no time does the MRI technologist insist or force a patient to complete an exam
• For uncontrollable patients - the employee must understand and utilize different ways to change the parameters to obtain an optimum image
• Coordinate with radiologists and physicists to determine the appropriate pulse sequences for each individualized patient examination
• Follows established protocols and does not make permanent changes to established protocol unless directed by their Supervisor or a Radiologist
• Any permanent change must be communicated to the MRI Supervisor and subsequently all MRI staff and Radiologists
• Perform clinical analysis of data recorded by the computer
• Performs image capture - retrieval - and archiving functions
• Records computer data on disc - if needed
• Technician sends studies to a long-term storage by Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS)
• Verifies patient study is in PACS
• Prepares magnet for daily operation - brings system up - checks all self calibrating parameters
• Cleans and prepares equipment surfaces in accordance with established infection control guidelines
• Performs routine archiving status checks and deletes data according to established guidelines
• Inform supervisor and Engineering (Bio-Medical Section) of problems with equipment
• Assist manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions in all equipment associated with the MRI unit
• Registers patients and answers telephones
• Performs reception duties by greeting patients - visitors - and employees in person and by telephone - and gathers and relays information
• Enters the correct information to register patients upon arrival for all exams performed in Radiology Service
• Determines the need of patients for escorts
• Performs other directly related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 8am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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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.

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