Nuclear Medicine Technologists have responsibility for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radio-assay, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling, evaluating abnormal results; using and maintaining equipment; setting up and monitoring quality control, working within guidelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Health Physics Program, and OSHA. 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: 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 nuclear medicine technology by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (N). NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification eligibility requirements are normally satisfied by one of the following: Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program, OR Completion of a nuclear medicine technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT), or other accrediting agencies as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), culminating in a certificate, associate, baccalaureate, or master's degree. Educational programs must have structured clinical training sufficient to provide clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, clinical procedures, and radio-pharmacy, as deemed acceptable by the NMTCB. (PLEASE UPLOAD CERTIFICATION). English Language Proficiency. [NMTs] must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of this part. 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: GS 11- Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) Experience. For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. Practical knowledge and skill in the use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome. Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings. Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters. Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors References: APPENDIX G19. VA Handbook 5005/125, Part II. NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST Qualification Standards. December 10, 2019. GS-0601 Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. ["CLINICAL Assures that all Radiology/Nuclear Medicine, Medical Center, VISN, and Radiation Safety polices are effectively followed. Obtain pertinent clinical data from the electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family. Receive patients, explain procedure, answer questions relating to the procedure, position patient for all necessary views and assure their comfort for the duration of the procedure. Ensure intravenous catheters are patent prior to administration of radiopharmaceuticals and/or medications. Correctly administer radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients. Utilize necessary quality management methods of patient identification such as using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification. Be knowledgeable regarding possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals and other medications, such as Lasix, LexiScan, and intravenous Iodine to be administered. Take immediate action to remedy any noted effects. Operate nuclear medicine gamma imaging systems and radiation safety equipment including planar-single-photon, single-photon-emission-computed-tomography (SPECT), integrated hybrid scanners such as SPECT/CT, PET/CT, well counters, Geiger-Mueller survey meters, thyroid uptake system, dose calibrators and Nuclear Medicine Information System (NMIS). Perform a full range of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging, non-imaging, in-vivo, and therapeutic procedures, including highly specialized computer processing assisted studies such as gated, tomographic, and quantitative procedures. Demonstrate and complete all procedural competencies. Be knowledgeable in three dimensional anatomies. Perform radionuclide therapy in collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Physician. Including but not limited to Ra-223, I-131, and I-123. Receive and assay prescribed therapeutic doses. Fill out appropriate forms and administer dose with Nuclear Medicine Physician's authorization. Instruct patient, family, and nursing staff in radiation safety precautions. Perform radiation surveys, post appropriate caution signs, properly monitor, and store any radioactive waste for disposal. Adjust, maintain, and calibrate instruments including Nuclear Medicine imaging systems, thyroid uptake system, dose calibrators, well counter, radiation detectors, survey meters, and verify correct operation using established quality control standards. Identify and record the cause of problems when they occur. Troubleshoot issues and make simple repairs when possible. Otherwise create a Bio/Med work order and assist in scheduling repairs and/or maintenance as needed keeping the Supervisor informed. Analyze procedure images for quality. Obtain additional images when necessary. Evaluate study for technical abnormalities (artifacts) and take the proper steps to correct the problem. Evaluate the validity of date in the relation to results needed and determine if additional information is needed for clarification of test results or to establish a definite diagnosis and confers with physicians on additional tests as necessary. Identify positive results and notify the Nuclear Medicine Physician immediately. Prepare studies for Nuclear Medicine Physician's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure. Record appropriate data and related information on the proper patient worksheet, images, and electronically send to the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Move wheelchair and litter patients safely using ergonomic methods of patient transfer. Instruct Nuclear Medicine students, new technologists, residents and others on techniques, procedures and equipment use. Help other technologists, when necessary, i.e., difficult, or uncooperative patient, heavy workload, etc. Maintain and encourage an environment of teamwork and positive workplace. Interact with representatives from outside agencies such as JCAHO, NRC, NHPP, VISH, and VHA when necessary. Perform other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 0700-1530 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
