Nuclear Medicine Technologist

General Summary of Position

Performs a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving the use of radioactive materials in accordance with department policies and procedures and mandated regulatory agency requirements.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Orders prepares measures calculates and administers radiopharmaceuticals in therapeutic diagnostic and tracer studies as prescribed by the Nuclear Medicine physician.
• Selects proper kit and performs independent in-house preparation of radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and hospital policy. Performs proper quality control of preparation and maintains documentation of radiopharmaceutical records.
• Interviews patients regarding medical background and if necessary obtains appropriate consent. Reviews patient's electronic chart along with physician's order and performs appropriate study. Recognizes inadequate orders and takes appropriate action.
• Prepares and positions patients transfers patients in a safe manner according to department policy. Obtains pertinent and good quality images recognizes artifact and other imaging issues and takes appropriate action. Measures glandular activity and reviews images to ensure that the required information has been acquired and that the images have been processed properly and are of the highest obtainable quality.
• Coordinates assigned section efficiently in order to maintain smooth patient flow minimizes waiting time and expedites patient discharge while avoiding delaying studies after own shifts ends in conjunction with Floor Coordinator and Advanced Nuclear medicine technologist.
• Surveys and calibrates camera equipment and instrumentation as necessary. Maintains clean imaging rooms and equipment. Takes appropriate action when equipment fails and reports equipment malfunction to supervisory personnel.
• Correctly places connects and tests 12 lead EKG monitoring cables; and initiates EGK strips during cardiologist monitored Nuclear stress tests.
• Handles radioactive material safely according to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rules and regulations. Identifies stores and disposes of decaying material in accordance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies.
• Practices good hand monitoring completes room surveys daily and complies with radiation safety bio-assay policy. Returns film badge in a timely manner.
• Orders and cancels radiopharmaceuticals appropriately and maintains computerized records in order to maintain optimal flow and decrease waste. Ensures that documentation of study cancelation or rescheduling is appropriately documented and patients' folders are discarded or filed as appropriate. Utilize all department information systems to complete billing appropriately.
• Adhere to Joint commission guidelines by following policies regarding record keeping aseptic technique equipment maintenance and cleaning isolation technique and signage. Follows infection control practices to provide a safe and sanitary working environment for patients and the general public.
• Works in a safe and timely manner following ALARA guidelines minimizing radiation exposure to self and patient. Adheres to department personal monitoring policy and turns in film badge in accordance with.
• Takes call on a rotating basis for after hours/weekend and holiday coverage.
• May be asked to participate in students training by assisting teaching and testing students.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• Associate's degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from an A.M.A approved school required

Experience

• At least three months of PRN or on the job experience required

Licenses and Certifications

• Health Services\NMTCB - Nuclear Medicine Tech registration required or
• ARRT registration as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist required