Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Special Procedures)

Summary

This position is located at Radiology Service with VA San Diego Healthcare System. Technologist receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures in both CT and Angio/Interventional. Employee reviews pre-procedure laboratory test results and determines if results fall within the established safety limits for receiving iodinated contrast material (BUN, Creatinine) and that blood coagulation levels (PT, INR) are within safe levels.

Duties

• VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major duties include but are not limited to: The Technologist independently reviews each requisition to assure that the patient history and area of complaint is consistent with the exam requested. If a discrepancy exists, the Technologist will make an independent determination and take the appropriate corrective action, including contacting the Referring Physician, Nurse Manager etc. The Technologist may need to interview the patient to obtain additional clinical information, and if needed will contact the clinician and/or clinic that made the request for clarification and may recommend a more appropriate exam to order. The Technologist will determine what views and technique to use based on this information for maximum diagnostic effectiveness. If the diagnostic goal is not met initially, the Technologist will make an independent decision to take additional views or alter the technique to achieve the goal before the patient leaves the department. The Technologist verifies the patient's identity using the JCAHO recommended three (3) patient identifiers, full name, Date of Birth and full social security number. The Technologist verifies the patient's demographic information to be sure it is correct and compatible with the DICOM format that is needed to validate patient and exam information so it can be viewed on PACS and electronically stored in the archive system. The Technologist may be part of the Informed Consent process, and will routinely be part of the JCAHO required "Time-out" procedure in Angio and CT when an invasive procedure is performed. The Technologist may be part of a Moderate Sedation team, when patients require sedation. The Technologist must use a wide variety of computerized equipment such as the Angiographic and CT equipment, Digital Fluoroscopy, iStat blood analyzer, Computer Acquisition and postprocessing workstations, PACS viewing stations, and the hospital computer systems. The Technologist performs computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body with and without the use of contrast materials including biopsy, interventional procedures and peripheral vascular examinations. Performs CT guided biopsy studies of muscular skeletal system, neuro systems, lung, liver, kidney and other soft tissue sampling, abscess drainages, microwave or cyroablation studies requiring localization of wand placement. The Technologist performs neuroangiography, including spine, head and neck studies utilizing highly sophisticated x-ray equipment such as rotational imaging, computerized fluoroscopy, pressure injectors, biplane imaging, patient monitors, etc. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies of the spinal canal. Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room. Performs myelography of the complete spine utilizing conventional x-ray units, patient immobilizers, etc., when required. Performs hysterosalpingograms, arthrograms and joint injections as needed to support the service. Performs pre-procedural, procedural and post-procedural care of patients, including basic first aid and life support practices in radiography. Technologist will use ultrasound imaging techniques during interventional or angiographic procedures under the direction of a Radiologist for access to blood vessels, visulization of masses, organs and other areas as specified. The Technologist must make continuous assessments of the image quality and equipment performance for optimum performance and image quality. The Technologist will determine if the image quality problem can be corrected independently or if the problem needs to be reported to the Supervisor, Biomedical Engineering and/or the appropriate vendor for repair. The Technologist must be able to work in a surgical type environment where a sterile field must be maintained. The Technologist must maintain the assigned room with proper medical and Emergency supplies needed for optimal patient care and efficiency. The Technologist is required to wear a lead apron and be on their feet for extended periods of time. The Technologist maintains all record keeping that is required and takes an active role in the hospital and Radiology QM and safety programs. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Saturday - Sunday 12:00am - 10:00am, Wednesday - Thursday, 7:30am - 6:00pm (Subject to change based upon the needs of the agency.) Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized for a highly qualified applicant relocating to the San Diego, CA commuting area. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Requirements

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 trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (OR "2-year trial period") during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period ( "trial period"), your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.