Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist) position is assigned to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - Radiology Service; Nuclear Medicine section within the Cincinnati VA Medical Center. The Cincinnati VAMC is a 1B facility. This is an open continuous announcement. We will be accepting applications and will refer applicants on a weekly basis until the position is filled. The first cut-off will be 3/7/2025.

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
• English Language Proficiency
• Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Certification - You 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
• 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: GS-11 Experience: You must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level directly related to the position to be filled - and must fully meet the KSAs at that level
• In addition to the basic requirements - the candidate must demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities: Ability to produce and assess high quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results
• Practical knowledge and skill in the 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
• Knowledge of CT and/or MR radiographic techniques utilized in quality control and acquisition parameters
• Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors
• Preferred Experience: N/A Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The physical requirements of this position include lifting - prolonged standing and sitting - frequent bending - walking (distance) - climbing (steps - ladder - etc - reaching (overhead - extensive/repetitive) - repetitive motion and stooping
• The mental/sensory requirements include recall - reasoning - problem-solving - hearing - speaking clearly - writing legibly - keyboarding - reading and logical thinking
• The environment's pace can vary from steady to a fast pace requiring handling of multiple priorities - frequent - sometimes intense customer interactions - and the ability to adapt to frequent changes in a calm and quiet to noisy environment
• There may be the need to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to disease - illness and hazardous materials
• The use of safe patient handling equipment is required when appropriate to prevent potential injury to both patients and staff
• There will be heavy lifting - 45 pounds and over - and moderate carrying 15-44 pounds
• Environmental factors: inside work - constant noise - solvents - fumes - working around machinery with moving parts
• Working closely with others or working alone
• The hours of the work can vary.

Duties

• VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio - Indiana - and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• Major Duties: Work independently Adheres to all ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable) practices regarding radioactive material Receives packages into the Hotlab Reviews packages to determine if it is properly packaged and takes appropriate actions Performs package wipes and surveys of incoming/outgoing packages Documents receipt/disposal of packaging Properly documents the receipt of radioactive material for patient or research use
• Properly performs HOTLAB quality control to include: dose calibrators - well counters - uptake probes - GM meters - and ion chambers on a daily - quarterly - annually basis when applicable
• Perform daily/weekly surveys and wipes for radioactive contamination monitoring
• Perform spill clean-up and document the actions taken in accordance with NRC/NHPP regulations
• Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive material
• Monitors and disposes of radioactive material in accordance with NRC/NHPP regulations
• Prepares radioactive material for transportation
• Analyzes circumstances contributing to radiation exposure and recommends procedures to minimize exposure
• Perform all routine nuclear medicine imaging procedures
• Perform all routine non imaging nuclear medicine procedures
• Perform all daily - monthly - quarterly - and annual nuclear medicine camera quality control to include daily floods and center of rotation validations and calibrations when needed
• Evaluate the results of camera quality control to ensure reliable images
• Prepares proper instruments - computers and auxiliary equipment and acquires the study as indicated by the protocol/SOP Makes new SOP's independently for new procedure when needed
• Prepares and performs cardiac monitoring and assists with stress testing by starting IV's and ensuring all monitoring equipment is functional
• Troubleshoots equipment and makes a judgement on the acceptable performance of the equipment prior to initiating a study
• Assesses the performance and transfer of images to PACS (Picture Archiving System) Perform radioactive blood labeling - in-vitro and in-vivo - with proper documentation
• Adhere to USP 825 standards for labeling blood products and food preparation for radiolabeled eggs/food
• Maintains records of quality control procedures - administered doses and other daily checks as required by NHPP - NRC - THE JC - OSHA - VA Regulations and other licensing agencies
• Schedules patient studies in the appropriate sequence for single /multiple procedures and interact with hospital staff regarding exam preparation
• Receives the patient and provides proper nursing care during Nuclear medicine procedures
• Performs patient transfers using approved methods such as - but not limited to - patient lifts and roller boards Recognize emergency conditions pertaining to the patient or hospital environment and acts appropriately to resolve the condition
• Effectively communicates with the patient - family members - and staff
• Provides safe and sanitary working conditions
• Prepares the patient for the procedure
• Obtains patient history and checks procedural contraindications
• Selects and administers the appropriate radiopharmaceutical by the proper route
• Performs any other assigned tasks required by the nuclear medicine leadership
• Work Schedule: Tour of Duty to be discussed during interview process
• Multiple tours may be available
• Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 91137-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized