Nuclear Medicine Lead Technologist

The incumbent in this position is responsible for providing leadership to the Nuclear Medicine Technologists, assisting and supporting the leadership team in coordinating the day-to-day operational activities for nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology and PET/CT services. Leadership duties include but are not limited to orienting and training staff, including the documentation of competencies, providing exposure in the field of Nuclear Medicine to the Radiologic Technologist program students, assisting in the scheduling of staff, and acting as a resource to staff responding to questions and assisting with problem resolution. The Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist provides input and feedback into the interviewing and performance appraisal processes and will be primarily responsible for pursuing and maintaining accreditation programs. The incumbent in this position is also responsible for performing diagnostic imaging services in the specialties of nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology, and PET/CT as an advanced application and will anticipate and evaluate new technologies as they emerge in the specialty. The Lead is responsible for the operation of a variety of equipment to facilitate the performance, interpretation and appropriate charge capture of the examination. Interviews patients, explains procedures, and assists in positioning the patient for procedures. Reviews test results with referring physicians.

This position may be eligible for a $10,000.00 sign on incentive, tuition loan repayment, and relocation.

Essential Job Functions

GENERAL

• Supports and models behaviors consistent with the mission and philosophy of Billings Clinic and department/service.
• Follows NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) guidelines to limit patient and staff exposures.
• Monitors equipment performance and if needed notifies service personnel.
• Prepares radiopharmaceutical and checks their purity.
• Performs clinical assessment and nuclear medicine exams as ordered by the physician. Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of all patients in the nuclear medicine area. •Interviews patient, explains examination and administers pre-medication or radiopharmaceuticals as appropriate.
• Uses cognitive nuclear medicine skills to identify, record and adapt procedures as appropriate to the anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images. Selects proper technical factors to perform scan. Coordinates with other staff to ensure appropriate patient care is provided.
• Analyzes nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology and PET/CT information, medical history, and utilizes independent judgment during the exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
• Utilizes computer to process acquired data, access clinical and/or financial information.
• Follows the Quality Management Program for administration of therapeutic radiopharmaceutical.
• Maintains patient examination records in accordance with Billings Clinic policies, procedures and standards.
• Coordinates scheduling, transportation and scanning of patients.
• Follows Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines for proper storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency safety standards relevant to job performance. Complies with general training required by Billings Clinic as well as specific training requirements of the position.

Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.

Lead Responsibilities

• Assists and supports the Supervisor and Director in coordinating the day-to-day operational activities associated with providing nuclear medicine, nuclear cardiology and PET/CT services.
• Assigns the work of the Nuclear Medicine Technologists engaged in the day-to-day operations, taking into consideration the priority of the work and the skills of the employee, and workflow of the department.
• Acts as a resource to staff responding to procedural questions and assisting with problem resolution.
• Participates in and provides feedback into the interviewing and performance appraisal processes.
• Coordinates department orientation for new technologists, provides on-going training/education for existing staff, monitors staff annual education requirements, and conducts/participates in regular staff meetings.
• Investigates and responds to interdepartmental and intradepartmental and patient complaints.
• Works with the Radiation Safety Officer to see that NRC guidelines are being followed.
• Contributes to the effective management of the department by gathering data regarding personnel, supplies and equipment needs in order to provide input into the development of radiology policies, procedures, short and long term goals and objectives for departmental planning.
• Assigns staff to maintain quality assurance records; performing quality assurance monitors by reviewing randomly selected charts for documentation requirements.
• Evaluates equipment and repair orders when needed.
• Evaluates new equipment being considered for purchase.