Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to U.S. Public citizens. Current, permanent employees of Veterans Health Administration should apply to: CBSU-12183736-24-JMS This is an open continuous announcement. We accept applications for this occupation on an ongoing basis; Applicants will be referred to selecting official on a continual basis until all vacancies are filled OR until the closing date of this announcement.

Videos

Performs special procedure radiographic exams for the patients of this medical center. Examinations include, but are not limited to: cardiac catheterizations, percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary stent placement, coronary atherectomy, coronary flow evaluation, valvuloplasty, fluoroscopic imaging, intravascular coronary ultrasound, ventriculography, electrophysiology testing, radio frequency ablation, endomyocardial biopsy, temporary and permanent pacemaker implantation, automated cardiovertor-defibrillator implantation, swan ganz catheter placement, pericardiocentesis, tilt table testing, renal, carotid, iliac, visceral and peripheral angiography, and venograms interventional radiography.

This position requires the Radiologic Technologist to work in a multifaceted X-Ray suite, utilizing specialized equipment to perform a variety of diagnostic and interventional angiographic procedures, complex vascular and nonvascular interventional and therapeutic procedures. The focus of care is on the treatment and primary prevention of cardiac events. The Radiologic Technologist must be knowledgeable diagnostic X-ray imaging and in systems that involve radiological archiving and communication. The Radiologic Technologist must be skilled in sterile technique and operative standards.
The incumbent will also:

• Perform duties of those of a Radiologic Technologist in the Cardiac Catheterization Suite during procedures such as diagnostic cardiac catheterizations, balloon angioplasties, Electrophysiology Studies and valvuloplasties.
• The incumbent is specially trained in the performance of advanced invasive testing and radiological imaging in an all-encompassing cardiac testing laboratory.
• Set up of cath tray, manifold, preparation of patients, operation and maintenance and recording of hemodynamic data using a specialized multichannel, multifunctional electronic recorder.
• The duty of this position includes coordinating, supervising, as well as operating and monitoring diagnostic/interventional instruments and equipment associated with cardiac testing.
• Advance preparation and operation of various other equipment using in obtaining physiologic measurements in the Cardiac Catheterization Suite such as cardiac pressure transducers, thermodilution cardiac output computers, blood gas oximetry and oxygen consumption computers.
• The incumbent is specially trained in the performance of advanced invasive testing and radiological imaging in an all-encompassing cardiac testing laboratory. The incumbent must be able to perform the following cardiac testing procedures
• Operate fluoroscopic equipment used in angiographic testing.
• Measurement and analysis of cardiac electrocardiogram waveforms
• Identification and analysis of electrocardiogram intervals, segments, and complexes
• Application of oxygen therapy and analysis of pulse oximetric measurement
• Data input, editing and analysis of the Hemodynamic Monitoring Unit
• Data input, troubleshooting, and analysis of the digital X-ray Unit
• Performance of non-invasive blood pressure measurements with the identification of normal/abnormal values and initiation of the treatment plan
• Operation of a variety of medical equipment including video equipment, CD archiving system, MERGE archiving system, contrast media injectors, EKG recorders, pressure transducers, intra-aortic balloon pumps, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) machine, flow wires (FFR), Rotoblator unit, portable monitors, oxygen equipment, suction equipment, CD recording units, defibrillators, Electrosurgical unit cautery unit, and power injectors.
• The incumbent will be able to transfer patients from stretcher of wheelchair to
• radiographic table.
• Prepare room, equipment and material needed for patient procedures.
• Follow prescribed protocols required to perform procedures.

The incumbent is responsible for providing care 24 hours a day/7 day a week/365 days a year as a member of the Cardiac Catheterization On-Call Team. A 30-minute response time is required as member of the On-Call Team. The incumbent will participate in all in-service programs, and complete 24 CEU's within the biennium reporting period to maintain the RT(R) Licensure as mandated by the ARRT.

Work Schedule: M-F 9:00AM - 4:30 PM
Functional Statement #: 586200
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: may be offered to highly qualified candidates
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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.
• 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:

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.)
Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
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).
NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.

English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(d).

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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9

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 applicant at least 25% of the time.
DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. 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.
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: Highly qualified candidates will have experience in Cardiology Interventional DRT work.

References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25

The vacancy is being announced above the full performance level as a GS-09.

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and physical exertion. The incumbent will lift and bend frequently to position patients for testing. Reaching and stretching is required to set up equipment; pushing and pulling ambulato1y equipment is necessary between patient care areas. He/she will also be required to walk long distances between testing areas. Dexterity is required. All the above physical demands must be performed while wearing approved radiation safety equipment.

Work Environment: Performs his/her work in a setting which regularly and recurrently involves exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, radiation risks and other risks that require special health and safety precautions such as gloves, protective clothing, and the use of radiation safety badges. Expose to radioactivity occurs on a daily basis and special care in monitoring the incumbents is required. Also, radiation training is mandatory in this work arena.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.