Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Responsibilities:

• Radiology Procedures: Performs those duties directly related to patient care in a radiology setting in a professional manner.
• Performs nuclear medicine procedures according to the manual and written order.
• Utilizes equipment safely and according to manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Consistently produces quality exams.
• Performs quality control on the gamma camera and other equipment as required.
• Ensures that all equipment is appropriately maintained, calibrated, and working properly at all times.
• Report equipment problems to supervisor or service personnel as required and discontinue use of equipment until repairs have been completed when the equipment problem causes image quality degradation or safety issues.
• Upon receiving each new requisition or order, immediately orders the necessary isotope from the pharmacy; always reviews the physician’s orders to determine the proper isotope required for each type of test ordered.
• Always checks the label of the isotope to be injected and assays it while observing all radiation safety regulations.
• Records all information, such as date, amount of isotope and patient’s name in the unit dose manager.
• Ensures security of radioactive materials.
• Does not leave radioactive materials unattended in unsecured areas.
• Always lock hot lab door when leaving the area.
• Always keep sources, syringes, waste, and other radioactive material in shielded containers when not in use.
• Promptly disposes of used isotope syringe according to outlined regulations; regularly demonstrates a safety conscious attitude.
• Dispose of radioactive waste only in designated, labeled, and properly shielded receptacles.
• Wear disposable gloves at all times while handling unsealed radioactive materials.
• Monitors self for contamination with a survey meter or scintillation camera. Wears personnel monitoring devices at all times while in areas where radioactive materials are stored, used or disposed.
• Promptly exchanges monitors each month.
• Reviews prep information with the patient in layman’s terms.
• Provides written material when necessary.
• Follows the appropriate procedure preparation protocol unless directed otherwise.
• Prior to the start of any procedure, carefully explains the procedures to the patient, parent, or legal guardian, using easily understood terms and obtains verbal permission to perform the exam.
• Obtains written consent for all invasive procedures from the patient, parent, or legal guardian prior to the exam.
• Completes site identification procedure prior to start of invasive procedure.
• Utilizes appropriate skills in accurately and descriptively documenting patient’s pertinent clinical information, medical history, allergies, and other pertinent information.
• Consults with radiologist or referring physician regarding contraindications to ordered exam.
• Utilizes appropriate skills in accurately and descriptively documenting patient’s pertinent clinical information, medical history, allergies, and other pertinent information.
• Consults with radiologist or referring physician regarding contraindications to ordered exam.
• Always makes the patient comfortable and recognizes the needs of a patient during the procedure.
• Always provides privacy for the patient.
• Always keeps the patient informed when additional time is needed to complete an exam or when circumstances require delays in the procedure start time.
• Responds to emergency situations, i.e., contrast reactions and medical emergencies according to departmental, clinic, and hospital policy.
• Makes sound clinical judgments in emergency situations.
• General Transportation Requirements: Always transports patients to the department and back to their rooms when workload warrants or as directed by supervisors.
• Prior to transporting a patient who is connected to O2, a cardiac monitor, or any other device, the employee will always contact a nurse.
• Recognizes the role of a transporter in relation to the overall function of the Radiology Department and ultimately in view of total patient care.
• Technologist/Nursing Interaction: Always assists Nursing with the correct requisition, exam, preps, and length of time a patient will be in the department.
• Always advises the nurse in charge of the patient of any unusual occurrence which happened to the patient while in Imaging Department.
• Advise Nursing of any signed consent forms needed prior to a procedure.
• Always interacts with supervisor or Nursing on any error observed on the exam requisition.
• Supports the technical and medical staff of the hospital and radiology department in all functions necessary to the completion of radiology functions.
• General Responsibilities: Always checks the written order of the physician prior to beginning the procedure and documents in chart or on the order upon completion of procedures.
• Maintains work area with appropriate supplies to perform job.
• At the beginning of the shift, supplies area with the items necessary to perform daily tasks and functions.
• At the end of the shift, returns all supplies to the appropriate area. Always advise your supervisor of any items needed from the storeroom or vendor.
• Does not overstock.
• Operates the required digital equipment effectively in the production, storage, and transmission of images.
• Performs computer functions accurately and completely. Immediately following an exam performs the patient/billing function.
• Reports any equipment problems, safety issues, or patient complaints to your supervisor immediately.
• Submits ideas for improvements or changes needed to improve department operations.
• Answers the telephone, stating name and department, speaking in clear and moderate voice, answers questions and refers and transfers if needed.
• Orients new personnel and assists in their transition to the work environment as assigned.
• Provides backup assistance to other associates in the department upon completion of duties or as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by regulations that apply to State and National licenses. Provides current documentation showing continuing medical education, certification, and license as required.
• Maintains BLS provider card. Works in a cooperative manner to ensure the completion of all nuclear medicine procedures and related tasks.
• Takes call willingly and responsibly as required and responds in a positive manner to changes in work schedule.
• Attends and participates in monthly department meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nuclear Medicine Technology, certified and State of Florida Licensure.

Languages:

Certifications:

• American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT)(N) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification (CNMT) registered.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
• State Florida Licensure.

Complexity of Work:

• All employees are expected to meet the standards of performance outlined in the Organizational-Wide Competencies listed below as applied to the position:
• World Class Service Orientation: Includes attitude, behavior, interpersonal skill, and problem solving that enable an employee to respond to internal and external customer needs and expectations in a positive manner.
• Adaptability: Includes teamwork and flexibility needed to fulfill job responsibilities including adapting to changes in work environment and accepting supervisory feedback.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Includes quantity and quality of desired work, as well as organization skills necessary to perform successfully.
• Essential Job Requirements: Includes adherence to all relevant policies, procedures, and guidelines affecting the work environment, including maintenance of required competencies and communication skills.
• Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable): Includes overall accountability for assigned work group relative to operational goals, personnel requirements, and budgetary constraints.
• Note: The above stated duties are intended to outline those functions typically performed by individuals assigned to this classification.
• This description of duties is not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit the discretionary authority of supervisors to assign other tasks of similar nature or level of responsibility.

Work Experience:

• Two years experience as an Imaging Technologist in an acute care imaging setting is recommended.
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulatories.

Physical Requirements:

• Special Demands: Needs minimal sustained direction in assessing needs, carrying out departmental and professional responsibilities; self-starting and self-motivating; working hours may exceed eight (8) hours per day and is based on what is needed to accomplish work at hand.
• Mental Demands: Ability to work at a fast pace and to prioritize multiple assignments/projects and respond to numerous requests and to work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team; ability to ensure operational efficiency; ability to problem solve and make decisions; ability to exercise self-control and tolerate stress when dealing with multiple requests and/or conflicting demands from multiple customers.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.