The Albany VA Medical Center's Diagnostic Imaging Department is currently recruiting for one Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The incumbent performs a wide variety of functional imaging and non-imaging radionuclide studies, requiring the administration of radiopharmaceuticals and the use of specialized equipment. The work requires a professional knowledge of the field of Nuclear Medicine technology and various aspects that relate to Nuclear Medicine and radiation safety.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: A. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. B. 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 :(1) Completion of a NMTCB-recognized nuclear medicine technology program, OR (2) 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. Individual Occupational Requirements Basic Requirements Education Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained. Grade Determinations: Nuclear Medicine Technologist GS-11 (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: i. Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. ii. Knowledge and skill in use of ancillary equipment with an understanding of how the results will affect the study outcome. iii. Knowledge of physiologic processes as they relate to altered radiopharmaceutical uptake and/or artefactual findings. iv. Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose. v. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. vi. Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce. vii. Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of this part. References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II Appendix G19The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
Duties and Responsibilities Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, and SPECT scans. Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, by inhalation, or orally, taking into account precautions relative to radiation hazard, sterility, and radiochemical purity. Calculates volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Nuclear Medicine. Has working knowledge of the procedure manual protocols but can independently create new or modify existing imaging protocols as required by the clinical presentation and request of the nuclear physician. Receives patients, appropriately verifies patient identity, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and tends to their comfort for the duration of the procedure. Obtains pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and patient interview for choosing appropriate imaging protocol for all procedures; determines blood glucose level for PET exams. Administers F-18, Ga-68 and operates PET-CT scanner for acquisition of PET scans and CT for anatomic localization and attenuation correction. Understands and applies calculation of exposures from both X-Ray and photons emitted from Fluorine-18 and the many other isotopes used in nuclear medicine. Determines if additional information is needed for clarification of test results. Identifies positive results and notifies the Nuclear Medicine Radiologist immediately. The technologist ensures that informed consent and written directive are properly obtained and dose accurately assayed. Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved using shielding and appropriate PPE, with understanding and practice of ALARA principles. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination. Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides for nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and research labs as mandated by the NHPP and NRC. Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. Registers and edits patients in the computerized Radiology Information System (VISTA) as well as the work list management portion of the PACS interface. Performs physiologic and pharmacologic stress testing under the supervision of cardiology staff. Explains exams to patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Calibrates and performs quality control on gamma cameras and a variety of non-imaging instruments, including well and liquid scintillation counters, thyroid uptake probe, surgical probe for intraoperative procedures, and various survey meters. Performs prescribed dose calibrator linearity and accuracy checks and provides radiation safety training for new hospital employees. Radiation Safety: Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of shielding and appropriate PPE, with understanding and practice of ALARA principles. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys to verify absence of radioactive contamination. Maintains records associated with receipt, administration, and disposal of radionuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC. Immediately reports to RSO any packages not compliant with regulations. Understands consequences of improper packaging. Understands and applies calculation of exposures from both X-Ray and photons emitted from the wide variety of isotopes used in nuclear medicine. Calculates exposure rates based on administered dose and published physiologic distribution of pharmaceuticals. Performs therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures and understands the significance of post therapy exposure levels and restrictions on patient release from the service commensurate with the home environment. Assists the RSO in establishing routine monitoring of rooms associated with the Nuclear Medicine service area to document excessive exposure rates. Performs other duties as required within the scope of a Nuclear medicine Technologist. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm and on-call rotation Functional Statement #: 21V92-A