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Summary The Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, CA is looking for one (1) Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PET/ CT). Responsibilities Receives and understands Nuclear Medicine exam requests or instructions for procedures from radiologist or medical officers for accuracy and appropriateness. The incumbent reviews each requisition for proper clinical history, and the area of interest is consistent with the exam requested. Consult with radiologist if discrepancy is noted. Analyzes and documents, in writing, consequences of improper packaging of radioactive materials. Determines who needs special monitoring, how to establish a monitoring program for radiation safety, or performance of procedures. Ability to recognize, gather data, supporting data for, and to properly document excessive radiation exposures, or other unsafe working conditions. Assists in or performs Nuclear Medicine therapeutic procedures with strict adherence to written directives, radiation safety, federal regulatory guidelines, policies, and procedures. Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performances of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Documents (writes up) problems, data, and solutions. Performs and monitors special studies including liver, brain, bone, lung, cardiovascular, and endocrine studies, and assists physician with therapies (I-131, Xofigo radium Ra 223 dichloride, Lutetium-177, Y-90 TheraSphere, Zevalin). Studies include planar-single-photon imaging, and single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT), and PET/CT scanners, which are integrated SPECT gamma cameras or PET scan studies. Additional CT training and credentialing will be expected. The Technologist must be able to make and independent patient assessment and plan the study or test ahead of time with this in mind, whether it is as routine, rare/specialized or research imaging and a physiological function study. Secures patient's confidence and cooperation. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, computers, products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Ability to develop and write up new imaging and diagnostic testing protocols with the supervisor. Implements and manages protocols for new procedures, both research and clinical, in conjunction with physicians. Operates, maintains, calibrates, standardizes, and adjusts instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures, quality control checks, and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems via troubleshooting and makes simple adjustment as necessary. Implements or assists in implementing a Radiation Safety Program that is tasked with ensuring radiation safety activities are being performed in accordance with approved and required NRC procedures and principles of ALARA. Ability to calculate exposure rates. Keeps records and documentation of the Radiation Safety Program on file and readily accessible for inspections. Evaluates the validity of the data in relation to the ordered procedure and accepted procedural protocols. Correlates image and quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history and medications) to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the imaging PACS computer system, and for the editing and verification of the results recorded. Ability to handle the decrease in staffing or increase in workload. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties common to Nuclear Medicine Section as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): 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. 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: 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). (PLEASE UPLOAD CERTIFICATION) 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. (PLEASE UPLOAD CERTIFICATION) English Language Proficiency. [NMTs] must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, of this part. Grade Determinations: GS 11- Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PET/ CT) Experience. 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 of the following technical KSAs: Ability to produce and assess high-quality fusion and quality control images using independent judgment 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. Ability to recognize and correct fusion imaging system errors Preferred Experience: The work requires a professional knowledge of the field of Nuclear Medicine Technology and those aspects of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and the biomedical sciences that relate to Nuclear Medicine. The following are the requirements for appointment as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs) perform a wide variety of functional studies of organs and/or systems involving static and dynamic imaging procedures, injection of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals, and the use of such specialized equipment as integrated computer/imaging systems, Single photon Emission Tomography (SPECT), Positron Emission Tomography- Computed Tomography (PET and PET/CT). In combination with a variety of radioimmunoassays (in vivo and in vitro procedures) such as Pyrophosphate, Ultra tag Red Blood Cell labeling, and others. Other functions performed include Radiation Safety procedures, assistance with Radionuclide Therapies, database management which includes management of images with the Hospital Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), Veteran Health Information system, and Technology Architecture (VISTA) Radiology Package Systems. The technologist rotates with other technologists on a regular basis through the above-mentioned areas. References: APPENDIX G19. VA Handbook 5005/125, Part II. NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST Qualification Standards. December 10, 2019. GS-0601 Physical Requirements: This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations or operative/invasive procedures. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. 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. 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.