Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist)

Summary The incumbent of this position works in the Nuclear Medicine section of the Portland ,

Or Va

Healthcare System a level 1A facility. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (MultiModality Technologist) has responsibility for performing a wide range of specialized clinical procedures using radioactive materials at a higher level of duties which consists of significant scope and complexity, ranging in a wide variety. Duties The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: PET-CT Specific: a. Serves as a technologist for the PET/CT modality, performing daily and periodic quality control testing of PET/CT scanner (and other supporting equipment), organizing workflow, and performing patient studies. b. Receives patient, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort. c. Obtains clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol. d. Qualified to obtain patient blood glucose level prior to injecting imaging tracer to determine if scan is appropriate based on that level. Routinely passes quality control testing to stay current on operating glucometer. Performs daily quality control test to check glucometer accuracy. e. Prepares, assays, and administers F-18 FDG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals, recording, patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan. f. Under radiologist supervision, administers IV contrast to enhance CT images after reviewing patient chart for contraindications and renal lab values (impaired renal function or hypersensitivity). g. Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA, kVp, pitch, FOV, etc). h. Documents on the use of CT contrast, including any allergic reactions, on all paperwork and in the computerized patient data system (i.e. CPRS). i. Prepares studies for nuclear medicine physician's and general radiologist's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure, processing, and transmitting images to fusion workstation/PACS. j. Troubleshoot clinical and/or instrumentation problems with the PET-CT modality, interfacing with biomedical engineering as necessary. Nuclear Medicine Specific: a. Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, and SPECT-CT scans. Examples include but are not limited to bone, lung, thyroid, renal, and cardiovascular imaging and image processing. b. Receives all nuclear medicine procedure requests and schedules according to preferred date, taking into consideration other appointments, preparation criteria, and convenience for veterans. c. Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, inhalation, or orally, taking into account precautions relative to radiation hazard, sterility, and radiochemical purity. Calculating volume and amount of activity following protocols approved by Chief of Imaging Services or Designee d. Properly identifies patients with at least 2 patient identifiers in accordance with VAPORHCS policy, confirms identity on order and properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of images to patients does not occur. e. 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 medical emergencies (e.g. allergic reactions, diabetic hypoglycemia), and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Radiation Safety: a. Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff, and self. This achieved by the use of shielding and appropriate PPE, with thorough understanding and practice of "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA) principles. b. Capable of performing complex therapies and other duties that relate to treatments (Ra-223 Xofigo®, I-131 thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism treatments). c. Performs in-vitro cell labeling for various procedures while carefully following appropriate blood labeling measures and record keeping. d. Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys and wipes tests to verify absence of radioactive contamination. Enters these records into the computerized radioactive material tracking system Syntrac, which is then audited by Cardinal Health quarterly to guarantee regulations are being followed and records maintained. e. Assists the National Health Physics Program (NHPP) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in audits and inspections ensuring regulatory compliance. f. Understands what is classified as a medical event and knows what necessary steps must be taken if one should occur, including appropriate documentation and communication with radiation safety officer (RSO). Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday, 7:30am
• 4:00pm, with rotating on call Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Qualifications 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. 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.] For occupations which require an active certification at all grade levels, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies if a placement opportunity exists. For occupations which require an active credential (licensure/certification/registration) in assignments above the journey level only, at the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may remain at an appropriate lower grade level in the occupation when both of the following apply: the credential is not a requirement and a placement opportunity exists. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist), GS-11 Experience. For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equi