Nuclear Medicine Technologist

OVERVIEW

Performs Nuclear Medicine procedures, including patient preparation, radiopharmaceutical administration, imaging, and image processing, while maintaining strict safety and quality standards. Operates specialized equipment, documents procedures and patient information, and collaborates with physicians and other departments, including assisting with PET services as needed.

SCHEDULE: PRN

SHIFT: Days

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Performs Nuclear Medicine procedures and related techniques to produce diagnostic images for physician interpretation.  

• Prepares patients for procedures insuring patient's meets requirements.  

• Provides instruction to obtain desired results, gain cooperation and minimize anxiety.  

• Applies principles of Nuclear Medicine safety to minimize risk to patient, self and others.  

• Operates nuclear medicine equipment and other associated equipment to achieve desired results.  

• Positions the patient and equipment to best demonstrate the anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability, safety and comfort. Immobilizes patients as required for appropriate examination.  

• Selects appropriate parameters with consideration given to established protocols and other factors influencing data acquisition parameters.  

• Performs venipuncture, starts and maintains venous access. Prepares and administers radioactive isotopes, ensuring that the correct isotope and dose is used.  

• Assists with medical record/image sharing as necessary  

• Evaluates images and data for technical quality.  

• Reports and documents Nuclear Medicine safety incidents/ adverse events per protocol.  

• Manipulates and processes digital data for display, ensuring proper identification is evident.  

• Uses radiology information systems including PACS, completes all required records and reports, archives and submits images for physician review and interpretation.  

• Utilizes appropriate scripting, barriers, and patient identifiers.  

• Documents all information pertinent to nuclear medicine procedure in electronic medical record to include medication reconciliation.  

• Ensures patient receives discharge information regarding their exam  

• Order radiopharmaceutical through vendor specific protocol  

• Assist PET services as needed  

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: 

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.  

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.  

Partnering - Shows commitment to the  Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals. 

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE   

• Graduate of an accredited nuclear medicine program  
• Minimum One (1) to Three (3) years experience preferred but will consider new graduates  

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE                     

• CNMT or ARRT(N) required 
•  IEMA-DNS Nuclear Medicine accreditation required if working in Illinois Approved  
• CPR or BLS certification within 90 days of hire  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Passing the Driver’s License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring). 
• Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check. 
• Must be able to follow written/oral instructions. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES  

 Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Interpersonal Skills- Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things. 

Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings. 

Written Communication- Wriest clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information.  

Professionalism- Approaches other in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.  

Adaptability- Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Occupational Exposure: Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure. 

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED  

Neonate (birth – 28 days) 

Infant (29 days – less than 1 year) 

Pediatric (1 year – 12 years) 

Adolescents (13 years – 17 years) 

Adult (18 years – 64 years) 

Geriatric (65 years and older) 

INFORMATION ACCESS  

Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties.  

WORK CONTACT GROUP     

Partners, physicians, patients/family, visitors, vendors               

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. The employee must frequently lift and/or move patients using appropriate patient transfer equipment; gait belts, Hoyer lift, hovermat, slider boards, etc. Moving (pushing, pulling) patients in wheelchairs and patient carts. Equipment- moving (pushing and pulling) portable imaging equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION 

Works independently with limited direct supervision.   

SUPERVISES 

Provides clinical supervision of allied health students and radiology aides.  

PAY RANGE:

$36.56 - $54.85

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and benefits, including retirement, time off, on-demand pay, access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more. Click here for more details.

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

• #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

• One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

• A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women