Summary The incumbent is a member of a cardiac catheterization team and independently carries out a variety of complex physiological and radiological procedures. Performs highly specialized invasive radiological, cardiovascular, intracoronary ultrasound and electrophysiology procedures in collaboration with the cardiologist. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent is responsible for other duties including the operation of non-radiographic equipment such as hemodynamic monitoring and recording systems, and computer aided programs for ventriculography and coronary anatomy. Incumbent also alternates with other team members prepping patients for angiographic, angioplasty, swan ganz and Intra-aortic balloon pump placement, electrophysiology procedures, permanent and temporary pacemaker placement procedures, and preparation of arterial and venous monitoring setups adhering to prescribed aseptic and sterile technique. Primary duties encompass a full range of cardiovascular radiological examinations. Required to have full knowledge of radiation techniques and protection standards for the· proper use, quality control and preventative maintenance of single and biplane x-ray imaging systems, contrast injectors, image management systems, recording, duplicating, analysis and playback equipment for electrophysiology, angiography and angioplasty procedures. Receives patients, explains the procedure, positions the patient and makes necessary equipment adjustment Determines the critical isocenter value necessary for accurate exams. Confers with cardiologists to establish requirements of non-standard examinations and determine technical factors, positioning and proper angulation to achieve optimum views of specific vessels and/or lesions. Makes adjustments to equipment such as frame rates, exposure time, kV, mAs settings, shutter openings, cardiac shielding, magnification factors, source-intensifier distance, etc. Makes multiple, simultaneous adjustments in the operation of equipment to ensure the best images possible., Performs preventative maintenance and determines when repair is needed. Performs proper calibrations on pressure transducer to maintain the accuracy of arterial and venous pressure tracings. Prepares radiological, ultrasound and specialized equipment used in electrophysiology, angiographic and angioplasty procedures. Recognizes changes in patient's condition, including emergencies. Takes appropriate action in response to these changes and accurately documents information for inclusion in the patient's plan of care. Calculates ventricular function, coronary sizing and percent stenosis, and provides calculations for physicians as needed. Maintains records of patients and examinations, digital disc archives, and radiographic film badge exposure reco ds and radiation safety equipment Advises team members and visiting professionals on radiation protection measures. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. Instructs new technologists on the various disciplines and basics of cardiovascular imaging, single and biplane, and on complete anatomical advanced cardiovascular imaging. Responds to requests for copies of patient examinations from in-house or outside facilities. Instructs new personnel on the 'use of the hemodynamic recording and event log monitoring system, equipment preparation and operation such as IVUS, rotablator and coronary flow reserve equipment. Responds to requests for copies of patient examinations from in-house or outside facilities. Keeps current on continuing education and CPR. Reviews new developments in the field and makes recommendations to supervisor on changes that would improve the operation of the section. Is current on the practices for removal of indwelling arterial and venous sheaths, and the achievement of hemostasis post procedure. Supervises and trains x-ray students rotating through the department. Work Schedule: 730am- 4:00pm or 8:30am - 5:00pm on call days. On call is required for position. On call is typically 1 night a week and every 4th weekend. When called back, must report within 30 minutes. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Relocation Incentive May Be Authorized to Highly Qualified Candidates Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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 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). 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 U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment, the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 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. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8), directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Examples of experience include: ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines, knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed, knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results, ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed, skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. [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.]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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.