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.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./
• 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.

• 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…