The incumbent will provide a wide range of image processing routines in the Nuclear Medicine Network. Provides a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, including both diagnostic imaging and therapy with unsealed radioactive materials. This technologist will be responsible for performing and evaluating all quality control procedures, maintaining equipment, setting up imaging protocols and processing all nuclear medicine data and imaging sets.

Duties

Kansas City Veterans Affairs is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans. Duties of the position include but are not limited to: Performs General Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Cardiology, SPECT/CT and PET/CT examinations utilizing radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, special imaging and scintillation counting instruments and computers with defined software consisting of imaging studies on organs and systems to define anatomy and structure, quantitative studies for the analysis of organ function and in-vivo studies to determine the status of biochemical and metabolic processes. Verifies uniformity and spatial resolution of photomultiplier tubes with a radioactive flood source and bar phantoms. Maintains voltage checks on all instruments ensuring proper function. Performs accuracy and linearity checks verifying dose calibrator response to absolute quantities of radioactivity. "Peaks" the camera for proper energy emission of specific radionuclides. Prepares, assays, and administers radiopharmaceuticals, as prescribed, from radionuclides and pharmaceutical kits and conduct and analyze results of quality control procedures on the radiopharmaceuticals while maintaining aseptic technique. Schedules and receives patients and request transportation of patients taking into account the type of study requested and the physical condition of the patients, previous nuclear medicine and radiology examinations, and prerequisites for exams. Explains procedure to patients to help allay anxieties and enhance patient cooperation. Maintains and assesses patients' needs during a study such as physical pain, IV's, and oxygen. Recognizes emergency conditions, vital signs and the need for CPR. Performs radionuclide therapies in collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Physician. Receives and assays prescribed therapeutic doses. Fills out the appropriate forms and administer the dose as prescribed by the Nuclear medicine Physician. Instruct patient, family and nursing staff in radiation safety precautions according to ALARA. Performs radiation surveys and distribute personnel monitoring devices as required. Monitors and stores any radioactive waste according to the appropriate regulatory guidelines. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8 hour Day shift start between 8a-4:30p Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. 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. 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. The candidate must have one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high quality scans and quality control images using independent judgement to recognize abnormal or unacceptable results. Knowledge and skill in 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. Ability to obtain, assess, and document pre-therapy patient preparation information and provide post-therapy patient education following proper administration of advanced therapy dose. Ability to develop new protocols for imaging procedures. Ability to analyze instances of increased radiation exposure levels and recommend measures to reduce. Ability to analyze consequences of improper packaging of radioactive material and take appropriate actions. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G19 Physical Requirements: The incumbent will be required to stoop and bend to lift patients. The incumbent will spend a great deal of time on their feet. Occasionally there will be the necessity to move heavy equipment to various rooms. Technologist handle radiopharmaceuticals carries that is shielded with heavy barriers. The technologist will receive and handle shipments of radiopharmaceuticals with large amounts of shielding which will require significant physical effort to receive and store in a proper manner.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Kansas City VA Medical Center 4801 Linwood Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64128 US
• Name: Tiffany Williams
• Phone: 202-855-2134
• Email: [email protected]