Summary
The Supervisory Nuclear Medicine Technologist has responsibility for supervision of Nuclear Medicine Technologists and are responsible for providing a wide range of specialized nuclear medicine procedures, diagnostic imaging, therapy with unsealed radioactive materials, radioassay, in-vivo or in-vitro cell labeling; evaluating abnormal results; using & maintaining equipment; quality control; working within guidelines from NRC, DOT, National Health Physics Program, OSHA among others.
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This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This is announcement is open to current permanent facility employees, current permanent VA employees, current permanent Federal Employee and to all US Citizens.
Duties
Major Duties:
- Administer radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation, or ingestion as prescribed.
- Introduce intravenous catheters in patients for administration of radiopharmaceuticals & medications.
- Knowledgeable of possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals & other medications, such as Lasix & captopril, to be administered.
- Receive patients, explain procedure, answer questions relating to the procedure, position patient for all necessary views & tend to their comfort.
- Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, & interviewing the patient & family.
- Move wheelchair & litter patients safely of patient transfer.
- Operate nuclear medicine equipment.
- Perform exposure rate calculations.
- Perform nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging, non-imaging, invitro & therapeutic procedures & highly specialized computer assisted studies.
- Keep up to date with new imaging agents, procedures & methods.
- Write imaging protocols for use in department.
- Analyze procedure images for quality.
- Administer radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients.
- Utilizes necessary methods of patient identification such as using two unique identifiers & using active identification.
- Perform radionuclide therapy in collaboration with the Nuclear Medicine Physician.
- Assay prescribed therapeutic doses.
- Complete forms & administer dose with the nuclear medicine physician.
- Instruct patient, family & nursing staff in radiation safety precautions.
- Perform radiation surveys, post appropriate caution signs & distribute personnel monitoring devices.
- Monitor & store any radioactive waste for disposal.
- Determine exposure patterns & recommend actions to reduce exposure levels to the public, radiation workers & self.
- Prepare studies for nuclear medicine physician's interpretation by insuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure.
- Record appropriate data & related information on the proper patient worksheet & images.
- Schedule patient procedures, with consideration of multiple factors: available equipment, scan length, patient condition, studies, other patient appointments, contraindications for the test & urgency of the request.
- Inform patient of all pertinent preparations for their scan, i.e. NPO, follow certain diet, bowel prep, etc.
- Perform required technical procedures for safe receipt, handling, transport, usage, & disposal of radioactive materials, assuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), National Health Physics Program (NHPP), Department of Transportation (DOT) & license conditions.
- Recognize potential radiation contamination by visual & mechanical methods.
- Take necessary actions to minimize contamination & exposure including contacting the Radio-pharmacy & radiation safety officer.
- Practice the concepts of ALARA principal.
- Analyze dosimetry reports & institute additional radiation safety precautions to reduce exposure levels.
- Assures that all Nuclear Medicine, Medical Center, VISN & Radiation Safety policies are followed.
- Calibrate thyroid uptake system, gamma cameras, dose calibrators & well counter.
- Participate in research projects involving Nuclear Medicine studies, products, equipment &/ or radiopharmaceuticals.
- Perform daily laboratory surveys, wipe tests & bioassays.
- Identify appropriate waiting time between administration of radiopharmaceutical & imaging according to protocol.
- Evaluate the validity of data in relation to results needed to determine if additional information is needed for clarification of test results or to establish a definite diagnosis & confers with physicians on additional tests as necessary.
- Identify positive results & notify the Nuclear Medicine Physician immediately.
- Ensure that imaging, computer, hot lab, & injection areas are properly supplied & operational before each use.
- Interact with representatives from JCAHO, NRC, VISN, & VHA when necessary.
- Respond to staffing shortages so that patient care is not compromised.
- Responsible for collecting & reporting of quality management data.
- Provide annual performance appraisals & semiannual progress reports for Nuclear Medicine staff.
- Interview candidates for positions in the service & recommend appointments.
- Recommend replacement & additional nuclear medicine equipment.
- Research & review new nuclear medicine protocols.
- Write & maintain functional statements for all subordinate nuclear medicine technologists.
- Complete CA-1 & CA-2 forms for any nuclear medicine employee illness/injury.
- Respond to patient safety & equipment & material recalls involving nuclear medicine service.
- Serve as primary COR for nuclear medicine radiopharmaceutical contracts.
- Resolve customer & employee complaints.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Telework: As determined by the Agency, 1 day a week per pay period
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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.
- 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
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.
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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
- Experience: For assignments above the journey level, the candidate must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs as designated by an asterisk (*):
- *Ability to assign and evaluate work of subordinate staff as well as resolve problems that may interfere with the delivery of nuclear medicine services by staff members.
- Skill in providing complex nuclear medicine patient procedures.
- *Ability to develop and initiate new protocols which apply to current research findings.
- *Skill in providing administrative reports both orally and in writing [with higher level authorities (i.e., NHPP, TJC, NRC, Inspector General, executive leadership).
- *Ability to interview candidates for positions in the section; recommend appointments, advancements, or, when appropriate, disciplinary actions; evaluate performance; and identify continuing education and training needs.
Preferred Experience:
- 3 years of experience as staff Nuclear Medicine Technologist or higher.
- Currently proficient in nuclear medicine.
- Experience in supervising Nuclear Medicine Section, physicians, technologists.
- Experience in successfully completing accreditation or inspection surveys.
- Experience in conflict resolution.
Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G19, effective 12/10/2019. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.
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/.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Professional Certification
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/09/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12563117.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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