U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27703
General
The incumbent will function at the advanced performance level. The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of standard and specialized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations for both inpatient and outpatient populations at Durham VAMG. The purpose of the work is to provide diagnostically acceptable MRI studies for the healthcare team to use in the clinical diagnosis, therapeutic planning, and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases. Duties
Functions
a. The incumbent independently performs most routine, urgent, and emergent MRI studies with and without the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA), within the anatomical areas of the head, spine, musculoskeletal system, chest, extremities, and body that are performed at VAMC Durham, as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision. b. The incumbent performs all, advanced level/complex MRI imaging of the breast, cardiac, lower extremity arterial or venous, upper extremity MRA, functional brain imaging and interventional (procedural) exams such as biopsies that are performed at VAMC Durham, as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision. c. Assists the radiologist when performing MR Guided Biopsies; sets up equipment; delivers specimens to the laboratory service; coordinates with other departments as necessary. d. Prepares and administers gadolinium-based contrast materials that are indicated for selected MRI exams and procedures in accordance with manufacturer weight-based dosage volume charts to determine the appropriate injection volume of the GBCA being used. Technologists must possess a thorough understanding of the safety considerations and guidelines related to handling, storing, and administering contrast media to ensure a safe environment of care. In addition, Technologists must adhere to departmental policies and procedures to identify patient risk factors and obtain informed consent as needed to avoid harm or injury to the patient. Technologists must also be continuously on the alert to monitor the patient's condition before, during, and after contrast injection to identify and appropriately respond to potential anaphylactic reactions. Must demonstrate competency to perform intravenous therapy for the administration of contrast material as necessary. Active CPR certification is required in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines. e. Maintains strict adherence to established MRI safety & screening policies and protocols to safeguard both the imaging environment and patient encounter. Accurately and completely safety screens all patients, staff members, and visitors for MRI compatibility and ensures appropriate MRI clearance and resolution of potential MRI contraindications (potentially hazardous devices or at-risk medical conditions) is conducted before permitting entrance into Zones 2-4. f. Ensures all MRI requisitions (orders) are appropriately processed (retrieved, screened, protocoled by radiologist as needed) in a timely manner and submitted for follow-on scheduler action in accordance with VHA Radiology Scheduling Directive and departmental guidelines and procedures. g. Maintains adequate quantities of medical consumable supplies and/or devices that are readily available to perform routine and emergent diagnostic imaging to include scheduled interventional procedures through a systemized process of inventory monitoring and restocking activities. h. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. i. Appropriately uses the administrative menus, functions and tools applicable to the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture system (VISTA), the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) application, and Radiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (RAGS), and VetLink to accurately and effectively manage patient encounters, document treatment and care, archive diagnostic imaging and monitor patient check-in statuses. j. Adheres to established facility and departmental patient and exam identification policies and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients such that they are appropriately linked with their electronic medical record and the services and treatments intended for them. k. Responsible to facilitate a positive patient encounter by regularly monitoring patient arrival status, periodically communicating any schedule delays to patients, explaining basic imaging indications/preparation requirements/contraindications/potential adverse effects (if any are possible) to consenting patients, and tactfully responding to challenging customer service situations as they present such as a dissatisfied patient and promptly escalating any complaints to appropriate supervisory levels or to the patient advocate. l. Maintains continuous technical and administrative proficiency as related to the position through completion of initial and annual competency assessment checklists to ensure adherence to established imaging practice standards, departmental/facility policies and standard operating procedures and safety regulations. The above list is not all inclusive. Work Schedule
0800-1630 Requirements #J-18808-Ljbffr
The incumbent will function at the advanced performance level. The incumbent's primary responsibilities are in the performance of standard and specialized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations for both inpatient and outpatient populations at Durham VAMG. The purpose of the work is to provide diagnostically acceptable MRI studies for the healthcare team to use in the clinical diagnosis, therapeutic planning, and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases. Duties
Functions
a. The incumbent independently performs most routine, urgent, and emergent MRI studies with and without the administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA), within the anatomical areas of the head, spine, musculoskeletal system, chest, extremities, and body that are performed at VAMC Durham, as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision. b. The incumbent performs all, advanced level/complex MRI imaging of the breast, cardiac, lower extremity arterial or venous, upper extremity MRA, functional brain imaging and interventional (procedural) exams such as biopsies that are performed at VAMC Durham, as determined by demonstrated competency with each exam protocol under general supervision. c. Assists the radiologist when performing MR Guided Biopsies; sets up equipment; delivers specimens to the laboratory service; coordinates with other departments as necessary. d. Prepares and administers gadolinium-based contrast materials that are indicated for selected MRI exams and procedures in accordance with manufacturer weight-based dosage volume charts to determine the appropriate injection volume of the GBCA being used. Technologists must possess a thorough understanding of the safety considerations and guidelines related to handling, storing, and administering contrast media to ensure a safe environment of care. In addition, Technologists must adhere to departmental policies and procedures to identify patient risk factors and obtain informed consent as needed to avoid harm or injury to the patient. Technologists must also be continuously on the alert to monitor the patient's condition before, during, and after contrast injection to identify and appropriately respond to potential anaphylactic reactions. Must demonstrate competency to perform intravenous therapy for the administration of contrast material as necessary. Active CPR certification is required in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines. e. Maintains strict adherence to established MRI safety & screening policies and protocols to safeguard both the imaging environment and patient encounter. Accurately and completely safety screens all patients, staff members, and visitors for MRI compatibility and ensures appropriate MRI clearance and resolution of potential MRI contraindications (potentially hazardous devices or at-risk medical conditions) is conducted before permitting entrance into Zones 2-4. f. Ensures all MRI requisitions (orders) are appropriately processed (retrieved, screened, protocoled by radiologist as needed) in a timely manner and submitted for follow-on scheduler action in accordance with VHA Radiology Scheduling Directive and departmental guidelines and procedures. g. Maintains adequate quantities of medical consumable supplies and/or devices that are readily available to perform routine and emergent diagnostic imaging to include scheduled interventional procedures through a systemized process of inventory monitoring and restocking activities. h. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. i. Appropriately uses the administrative menus, functions and tools applicable to the Veterans Health Information System and Technology Architecture system (VISTA), the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) application, and Radiology Picture Archiving and Communication System (RAGS), and VetLink to accurately and effectively manage patient encounters, document treatment and care, archive diagnostic imaging and monitor patient check-in statuses. j. Adheres to established facility and departmental patient and exam identification policies and procedures to ensure correct identification of all patients such that they are appropriately linked with their electronic medical record and the services and treatments intended for them. k. Responsible to facilitate a positive patient encounter by regularly monitoring patient arrival status, periodically communicating any schedule delays to patients, explaining basic imaging indications/preparation requirements/contraindications/potential adverse effects (if any are possible) to consenting patients, and tactfully responding to challenging customer service situations as they present such as a dissatisfied patient and promptly escalating any complaints to appropriate supervisory levels or to the patient advocate. l. Maintains continuous technical and administrative proficiency as related to the position through completion of initial and annual competency assessment checklists to ensure adherence to established imaging practice standards, departmental/facility policies and standard operating procedures and safety regulations. The above list is not all inclusive. Work Schedule
0800-1630 Requirements #J-18808-Ljbffr