Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Multi-Modality

United States Department of Veterans Affairs•Omaha, NE

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Nuclear Medicine 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. This Multi-Modality Technologist must hold appropriate specific certification in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)) - as well as CT (NMTCB(CT) or ARRT(CT)) and/or MR (ARRT(MR)) applicable to independently perform the assignment duties

Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
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
Multi-modality technologists must hold appropriate specific certifications in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)) - as well as CT (NMTCB(CT)) or ARRT (CT)) - and/or MR (ARRT (MR))
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)
For assignments above the journey level - the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) - directly related to the position being filled - and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
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
Knowledge of contrast media - side effects - medication allergic reactions - drug interactions - and extravasation assessment
Skill to differentiate multi-modality protocols and adjust protocols according to patient needs - body mass index - or area of interest
Knowledge of unique scanning and processing parameters required of multi- modality imaging
Ability to troubleshoot and make simple repairs to PET/CT and/or PET/MR imaging systems
Ability to care for patients during all stages of the procedure and provide emergency response care when necessary
Knowledge of all contraindications for performing CT and/or MR scans

Nice To Haves

NMTCB Certification

Responsibilities

Performs fusion imaging such as complex PET/CT procedures
Performs diagnostic imaging in general Nuclear Medicine
Performs stress testing and SPECT/CT imaging in Nuclear Cardiology
Performs radionuclide therapy for various cancers
Operation and required quality assurance of various gamma cameras
Operation and required quality assurance of PET/CT scanner
Operation and required quality assurance of monitoring instrumentation
Works within radiation safety guidelines of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission - Department of Transportation - National Health Physics Program - Occupational Safety and Health Association - Joint Commission - among others
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
Receives patient - explains procedure - answers questions relating to the procedure - positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort
Obtains clinical data from the patient - electronic chart - requisition - and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol
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
Prepares - assays - and administers F-18 FOG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals - recording - patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan
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)
Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of T scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA - kVp - pitch - FOV - etc)
Documents the use of CT contrast - including any allergic reactions - on all paperwork and in the computerized patient data system
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
Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static - dynamic - and SPECT/CT scans
Receives all nuclear medicine procedure requests and schedules according to preferred date - taking into consideration other appointments - preparation criteria - and convenience for veterans
Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection - inhalation - or orally
Explains exams to patient so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards if any
Prepares patient for exams by achieving intravenous access and placing IV catheter when needed utilizing aseptic technique and standard precautions for infection control
Ensures correct study is being performed on the specified patient by reviewing appropriateness of indication and patient's medical history
Works with cardiology staff physicians - fellows - and other personnel to screen all patients and determine which nuclear medicine cardiac test is appropriate taking into consideration lung diseases - weight - ability to exercise - medications - etc
Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient - staff - and self
Achieves this by using shielding and appropriate PPE - with thorough understanding and practice of "As Low As Reasonable Achievable" (ALARA) principles
Capable of performing complex therapies and other duties that relate to treatments
Performs in-vitro cell labeling for various procedures while carefully following appropriate blood labeling measures and record keeping
Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys and wipes tests to verify absence of radioactive contamination
Assists the National Health Physics Program (NHPP) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in audits and inspections ensuring regulatory compliance
Maintains records associated with incoming diagnostic doses - DOT wipes - departmental surveys - administration - and disposal of radionuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC
Fields all orders while screening them for urgency - appropriateness - and contraindications
Completes a full history that's applicable to scan such as: Medications that interfere with exam and notes the length of discontinuation to avoid inaccurate results
Obtains physician approval before any medications stopped
Works with patient and other clinics to schedule and coordinate exam(s) in accordance with VA scheduling mandates
Explains test and extensive prep that patient must follow to complete exam