Nuclear Med Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • Cincinnati, OH

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs functional studies of organs and systems using static and dynamic imaging, radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical injections, specialized equipment such as integrated computer/imaging systems, SPECT and PET, and in vitro laboratory procedures at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The position works independently and provides nuclear medicine imaging and non-imaging services, radioactive-material handling, equipment quality control, and patient care. The full performance level is GS-9; selection may be at GS-5 through GS-9.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with rotating on-call coverage during off tours and weekends. Compressed or flexible scheduling is not authorized, and telework is not available. The position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Certification in nuclear medicine technology by the NMTCB or ARRT (N), unless eligible for the stated temporary graduate-technologist appointment exception.
• Completion of an NMTCB-recognized or appropriately accredited nuclear medicine technology program with structured clinical training, or eligibility for the stated certification exception.
• For GS-7 developmental-level placement, certification and one year of directly related creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or qualification for advanced entry-level placement.
• For GS-9 placement, one year of directly related creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Ability to handle radioactive materials and perform quality control and patient care appropriate to the grade level.
• Knowledge of NRC regulations; relevant medical sciences and human anatomy and physiology; radioactive package types, surveys, and records; and, for the stated GS-9 criteria, radiation exposure and medical-event documentation, post-I-131 therapy precautions, equipment troubleshooting, and image/data quality.
• Pass required pre-employment evaluation and drug screening; complete background/security investigation, onboarding, and application requirements.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve the required one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine nuclear medicine imaging and non-imaging procedures.
• Follow ALARA practices and receive, survey, document, store, prepare for transport, monitor, and dispose of radioactive materials in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Perform and document quality control for hot-lab equipment, imaging cameras, and auxiliary equipment; evaluate results and take corrective action as appropriate.
• Prepare instruments, computers, and auxiliary equipment and acquire studies according to protocol and standard operating procedures.
• Prepare and perform cardiac monitoring and assist with stress testing, including starting IVs and ensuring monitoring equipment functions properly.
• Troubleshoot equipment and determine whether it is performing acceptably before beginning a study.
• Archive studies and raw data, provide CDs when requested, and assess image transfer to PACS.
• Perform radioactive blood labeling and in-vitro and in-vivo procedures with appropriate documentation; follow USP 825 standards for blood-product labeling and radiolabeled food preparation.
• Maintain records of quality-control procedures, administered doses, and required daily checks.
• Schedule studies in the appropriate sequence and coordinate examination preparation with hospital staff.
• Receive and prepare patients, obtain histories, check contraindications, select and administer radiopharmaceuticals by the proper route, and provide appropriate care during procedures.
• Transfer patients using approved methods, recognize emergencies, and act appropriately.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff; provide clinical instruction to technologists, physicians, students, patients, staff, and administrators when required.
• Maintain safe and sanitary working conditions and perform other tasks assigned by nuclear medicine leadership.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; benefit eligibility depends on position type. Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree