AddressSummary The Syracuse VAMC is hiring a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The incumbent is responsible for performing a full range of routine and non-routine radionuclide studies to aid in the diagnosis of various organ functional disorders. The primary responsibility is to perform Nuclear imaging scan duties, and radionuclide therapy to patient in accordance to the NHPP recommendations. Work is performed in the Nuclear Medicine section of the Imaging Department. Responsibilities Major Duties: The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs the majority of procedures including complex patient examinations under the direction of radiologist, other medical officers, and senior staff members. The incumbent may be called upon to assist in performing procedures in DEXA scanning. The incumbent must be knowledgeable in preparing radiopharmaceutical kits, performing quality control, and evaluating the results. The Technologist prepares and dispenses diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical dosages. Schedules patient studies, ensuring appropriate sequence of multiple procedures and interact with staff regarding exam preparation. Receives patient and provides proper care during Nuclear Medicine procedures. Communicates effectively with patient, family, and staff. Provides safe and sanitary conditions. Recognizes and responds to emergency conditions. The technologist performs radiation safety duties associated with the radiopharmacy/hot lab. Surveys, inspects and inventories incoming radioactive materials. Reviews radioactive materials packages to determine if it is properly packaged and takes appropriate actions. Utilizes proper methods for the use and storage of radioactive materials. Monitors and disposes of radioactive waste. Prepares & packages radioactive materials for transportation. Performs wipe tests and area radiation surveys. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00am-3:30pm, + rotating call for Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 24666-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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: The basic requirements for employment as a NMT are prescribed in 38 U.S.C. § 7402(b)(14). To qualify for appointment as a NMT, all applicants must possess the following: 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) (CT) 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. NOTE: Technologists functioning as multi-modality technologists require additional specific certifications as stated in assignment descriptions below. 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: Experience. 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.] Assignments. Candidates at this grade level serve as staff NMTs [at the journey level. NMTs at this level have a full understanding of proper methods of receipt, use, storage, and disposal of radioactive material; properly and independently handle unusual circumstances; perform and evaluate daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality control on all imaging and non-imaging instrumentation and auxiliary equipment, provide basic patient care, and can recognize and respond to emergency conditions. It is expected that they routinely and independently perform the full scope and complexity of these responsibilities and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients.] Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. i. Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment. ii. Knowledge of medical events requiring documentation and the ability to properly document them and make recommendations to the radiation safety officer (RSO). iii. Ability to communicate orally and in writing post iodine-131 therapy radiation safety precautions. iv. Ability to troubleshoot gamma camera and auxiliary equipment problems. v. Ability to analyze computer generated data for technical quality and artifacts and initiate corrective measures. Preferred Experience: Applicant must have Board Certification in ARRT [N] or CNMT Board and be in good standing. References: VA Handbook 5005/125 Part II Appendix G19 dated December 10, 2019 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
