Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior-level Nuclear Medicine Technologist for Diagnostic Imaging Service at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center located in Spokane - Washington. Qualifications To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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 Loss of Credential: Once certified - NMTs must maintain a full - valid - and unrestricted certification Loss of credential will result in removal from the GS-0601 NMT occupation and may result in termination of employment English Language Proficiency: NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - of this part Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist - GS-11 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 Assignments: For all assignments above the journey level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity (difficulty) - range of variety - and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time NMTs at this level are fully functional as an advanced NMT and carry out their assigned tasks independently NMTs at this level serve in advanced assignments and will have varying assignments - including special and complex imaging procedures - advanced therapies - clinical instruction - and quality management duties within the program Advanced therapies may include - but are not limited to - yttrium-90 - radium - and palliative bone pain therapy 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: Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results Knowledge and skill in 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 Ability to obtain - assess - and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions Preferred Experience: At least 2 years of general and cardiac nuclear medicine exams Familiarity with QC/QA testing - ordering of radiopharmaceuticals Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11 Physical Requirements: This work requires moderate lifting (15-44lbs) - light carrying (under 15lbs) - reaching above shoulder - use of fingers - both hands required - walking - standing - kneeling - repeated bending - depth perception - ability to distinguish basic colors - hearing (aid may be permitted) Environmental factors are working with radiant energy - electrical energy - working around machinery with moving parts - and working in a "hot lab" with radiopharmaceuticals. Duties Develop and maintain written/electronic procedure manuals for technical guidance Develop new protocols for imaging procedures Serve as liaison between the supervisor of Diagnostic Imaging Service - and Puget Sound VAMC Nuclear Medicine Service Co-ordinate quarterly surveys with VISN 20 Radiation Safety Officer Analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions Calculate exposure rates Properly document excessive radiation exposure - analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels - and recommend measures to reduce Report - investigate and take appropriate action for misadministration of radiopharmaceuticals Ensure that Nuclear Medicine Section is in full compliance with the regulations - standards and licensure proscriptions of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (Joint Commission) Perform and monitor the full range of specialized tests or studies per established methods and protocols - reviewing and analyzing conventional testing problems and recommending or implementing solutions to overcome them Order the appropriate radiopharmaceuticals and other supplies required by the Nuclear Medicine Department to accomplish the daily studies Maintain appropriate records When requested by supervisor - meet with sales representatives of various supply companies to investigate new and more cost-effective suppliers of necessary supplies and radio pharmaceuticals Maintain an organized file of current sources of supplies Assist in coordinating Radiation Safety Committee activities Work with the Radiation Safety officer - for the Nuclear Medicine Service and will be responsible for compliance with the provisions of the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) Broad Medical License Use established radiation procedures - such as use of proper shielding - syringe shields and wearing exposure badges Plan study or test such as routine and non-routine imaging and functioning studies Make decisions on data and methodology to obtain necessary results in conformance with standard practices Analyze computer generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures Evaluate study or test quality using quality control criteria Prepare radiopharmaceuticals for patient administration Perform quality control procedures of equipment and radiopharmaceuticals Troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems Prepare supply of radiopharmaceutical by use of various radioactive materials - pharmaceutical reagents - dilutions and chemical manipulations such as heating or tagging in an appropriate medium Critique patient studies for the necessity of additional images and review clinical data during the study to ascertain any considerations that may make different images necessary of an individual case Coordinate the daily work schedules with cardiology nurse (Nuclear Cardiology studies) Perform required room surveys or swipes Participate in the development - monitoring - reporting - and action components of the Nuclear Medicine quality assurance program and perform procedures associated with quality assurance protocols Participate in the annual VA Nuclear Medicine QA project Document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm OR Tuesday - Friday 6:30am-5:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized #J-18808-Ljbffr