Details
Posted: 04-Aug-22
Location: Portland, Oregon
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: 669363400
This position is located within the Imaging Department of the VA Portland Healthcare System located in Portland, OR. 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: (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. English Language Proficiency: NMTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. 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, GS-5: None beyond the basic requirements. Nuclear Medicine Technologist, GS-7: Certification, as described in the basic requirements in paragraph [3.b.] above, [and for the developmental level assignment,] completion of 1 year of [creditable experience] equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) is required. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations that pertain to nuclear medicine technology practices. Knowledge of the medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and physics and how they relate to the cardiovascular, skeletal, endocrine, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems of the human body. Knowledge of radioactive package types, package surveys, and radioactive materials record management. Ability to independently use and interpret Geiger-Mueller meter. Nuclear Medicine Technologist, GS-9: Completion of 1 year of [creditable] experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position to be filled (i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide nuclear medicine technology services at that level) is required. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment. Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO). Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine-131 therapy radiation safety precautions. Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems. Ability to analyze computer generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures. Preferred Experience: At least 5 years experience required, PET/CT experience highly desired, Advanced CT credential highly desired. References: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G19, Nuclear Medicine Technologist Qualification Standards The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above the shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking (3+ hours); Standing (3+ hours); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Mental & emotional stability. Environmental Factors: Working closely with other; Working alone; Prorated or irregular hours of work (On-call hours); Exposure to body fluids; Exposure to ionizing radiation; Radiation sources. ["Nuclear Medicine Technologists have responsibility for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radioassay, 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, Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) among others. Major duties will include, but will not be limited to: Prepare, assay, and administer radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation or ingestion as prescribed. Be proficient in introducing intravenous catheters in patients for administration of radiopharmaceuticals and/or medications. Performs routine administrative procedures for the purpose of maintaining accurate imaging records. Receives and interprets all radiology requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer. Schedules appointments, processes exam requests, and registers patient exams, cancels and case edits exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Properly identifies patient 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. Knowledgeable regarding possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals and other medications, such as lasix and captopril, to be administered. Take immediate action to remedy any noted effects. Interviews patient and/or family, obtaining current health issues, pertinent medical history and precise medication usage as it pertains to the examination being performed. Accurately utilizes PACS for acquisition, transmission, storage, and review of images, performs QC of all completed studies to ensure timely and accurate interpretation by the radiologist. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients and staff while applying elements of the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) Principle. This is includes appropriate use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, collimation and distance management. Film badges are worn by the technologist to assure compliance to radiation regulation. Explains examinations to be performed to patients so they understand the purpose of the study as well as any requirements of the patients so they are thoroughly understood. May be required to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Work Schedule: M-F, 8:00AM to 4:30PM with on call\nTelework: Not available\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]