Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Variable (United States of America)Nuclear Medicine TechnologistProvide patient care and follow up appropriate to more than one area as assigned, while producing high quality images utilizing all gamma cameras. Conduct patient assessment and monitoring to include administering adenosine stress test and proper monitoring of patient vitals during procedure, and all monitoring of vitals required for general Nuclear Medicine procedures. Provide radiopharmaceutical administration with patient assessment and follow up. Oversee patient scheduling, obtain and disseminate appropriate medical information. Demonstrate all necessary skills and knowledge of computers and/or equipment technology in Nuclear Medicine including but not limited to acquisition and processing, thyroid probe, dose calibrator, dosing computer, PACS, Quinton stress lab computer, and HIS (Meditech). Provide backup supervision (coordination) and direction to all radiology sections in the absence of a Coordinator. Directly supervise students. Complete student competency and performance evaluations as well as organize student labs as required. Maintain certification according to State, National and hospital regulations. Knowledge of State and JCAHO regulations are a must and you are expected to be familiar with the current Patient Safety Goals and the hospitals current core measures.

EDUCATION:

Must be a graduate of a Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (AMA) approved School of Radiologic Technology.

EXPERIENCE:

Experience in Nuclear Medicine technology, CT, and advanced competencies in exercise treadmill stress testing.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Ability to make independent decisions; accurate and timely assessment of patient condition, EKG, and vital signs. Ability to determine if appropriate test has been ordered based on the EKG rhythm, medical history, and current medications, Recognizing and responding to EKG changes, recognizing EKG patterns that are appropriate for image gating, and being able to recognize the parameters that indicate termination of a cardiac stress study.  Skills in supervision through formal or informal education are preferred. Knowledgeable in oral and written communication skills; computer fundamentals; anatomy/physiology; cross-sectional anatomy; radiographic pathology; patient monitoring and equipment; defibrillation; and other special recording/imaging equipment.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Must be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and in CT. Must be licensed by the State of Florida in Nuclear Medicine Technology, CT, and have a current license. HMC must have one original current copy of your license in order to work.  This must be turned in prior to the previous expiration date to keep job continuity.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

Patient Care Evaluation and Assessment:

Complete medical history and/or assessment of general condition is performed and documented prior to examination.

Patient Scheduling:

Answers patient’s questions and assists with patient scheduling as required. Assures efficient throughput and productivity while assuring quality patient care.

Pre-Examination

Screening/Injection

Pre-procedure patient screening is completed.  IV is started and/or radio-pharmaceutical injected in accordance to the parameters established by the Department and Radiologists. Examination room is set up properly according to physician, radiologist, or procedure requirements. Proper screening prior to administering adenosine for stress test imaging.

Procedure Performance

Procedure is executed with proper patient positioning, proper marker placement, patient safety and comfort is maintained. Employment of radiation safety technique is conducted at all times. Radiologist or physician is assisted; knowledge and skill of semi-special procedures, adenosine administration, EKG interpretation, sterile techniques, and special instrumentation is demonstrated. Injection of patient at bedside if contraindicated to transport patient, in an effective and efficient manner. Assists with patient transit as needed.

Student Supervision

Conducts clinical teaching/image critique and observation of student technologists in clinical education. Provides direct and indirect supervision to students and personnel.

Imaging/Processing

Procedure documentation is produced utilizing all imaging equipment and is appropriately placed/retrieved for the Radiologist’s inter­pretation.

Equipment Operation

Equipment set up for procedure is accurate and timely. Computer knowledge and skill is demonstrated. Acquisition and processing of images is effective and efficient. Maintains adequate stock of supplies and equipment in assigned room or area.

Records and Documentation

Completes radiology requisition with appropriate information and initials. Performs required PACS and office/clerical duties and procedure documentation.

Quality Assurance

Performs QA testing as requested. Provides quality care with appro­priate documentation.

Continuing Education/Meetings

Attends departmental meetings as required and participates in develop­mental/continuing education meetings to maintain and improve skills.

Continually updates education as required for National, State and professional certification.

Continually updates education as required by HMC/JCAHO/OSHA etc. standards.

Maintains specialty certification such as ARRT, NMTCB, BLS, Emergency Preparedness, etc.

Pursues ongoing continuing education in professional practice and licensing. Active participation in off-site professional seminars, etc.

Special Modality Skills

Performance of specialized modality examinations showing mastery skills in technique, computer operation, patient handling, safety and/or sterile procedure.

Performance of cardiac treadmill stress test.

Cross Training:                                                        

Conducts cross training of personnel.