Nuclear Technologist

Summary: 

Under the direction of the Nuclear Medicine Physician and in accordance with established NRC and state guidelines, policies, and procedures, performs a wide variety of general nuclear medicine, cardiac, and therapeutic procedures according to the policies set forth by the Clinical/Medical Director of the nuclear medicine department.  Proficiently performs, understands, and processes all nuclear medicine procedures including, but not limited to, patient scans, of all age groups and demographic (neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, special needs and disabilities) and quality control (cameras, uptake probes, and hot lab equipment). Demonstrates the ability to identify potential problems and is able to direct these issues to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.  Performs all hot lab duties, including kit preparation in accordance with the package insert, wipe testing, dosage assaying, room surveying, receiving and logging radioactive materials, waste monitoring and disposing. Mentors and guides enrolled students in accordance with departmental guidelines in a professional manner. Displays effective communication skills and conveys relative information to pertinent personnel including fellow technologists, radiologists, cardiologists, patient nursing staff, ordering physicians and their offices. Portrays a compassionate and professional demeanor to all patients and their families, as well as, fellow health care providers. Works well as part of a team, and adheres to system and department compliance, all applicable laws and regulations, and performs other duties as deemed appropriate or assigned.

 Job Responsibilities: 

1)  Consistently performs all nuclear medicine and cardiology procedures independently, and accurately, including general nuclear medicine, cardiac, and therapeutic exams to the specifications provided by the clinical director of the nuclear medicine department. Processes and labels post acquisition data thus providing the interpreting physician with a high quality diagnostic study. Responsible for accurately documenting data into the computer information systems e.g. RIS, CVIS, PACS systems, etc.

2)  Explains stress test procedure to patient, obtains full medical history, provides documentation of patient history to medical staff to determine if procedure is appropriate and prepares patient for electrocardiogram. Once patient is cleared initiate procedure via department protocol, monitors and documents necessary findings.Collaborates with additional nuclear medicine staff for appropriate injection time for cardiac perfusion studies.Determines appropriate time to discontinue exercise stress test.Records pertinent information on electrocardiogram and communicate abnormal finding to appropriate medical staff.Initiates emergency procedures according to established hospital policy. Prepares patient charts according to procedures, documents pertinent information, records stress test information on charge sheets. (Demonstrated by monthly review of charts).

3)  Performs all appropriate quality control tests on cameras, uptake probes, and all hotlab equipment to the specification provided by the radiation safety department, equipment manufacturers, NRC and the State, respectively.

4)  Performs all hotlab duties such as aseptic radiopharmaceutical kit preparation according to the package insert, generator elution (assaying for Mo99 and aluminum breakthrough), receiving, logging, and shipping of materials according to the DOTs guidelines, monitoring, storing, and disposing of radioactive waste. Maintains a neat and safe environment.

5)  Aseptically draws up and administers the correct radiopharmaceutical to the correct patient identified by two methods of identification following National Patient Safety Goals standards and ARRT/NMTCB Code of Ethics Standards. Proficient in all administration techniques such as straight venous and subcutaneous injections, intravenous catheter and urethral french catheter feeding tube insertions, as well as phlebotomy. Maintains ALARA principal at all times.

6) Statuses and charges patient studies as appropriate and in a timely manner. Takes a thorough and accurate patient history both prior to and during the examination to ensure the most accurate diagnosis by the interpreting radiologist.

7)  Communicate effectively, respectfully, and timely to all patients and fellow healthcare providers. Explains nature of the exam completely and in laymens terms to the patients so as to allay apprehension and elicit cooperation. Validates patients understanding of procedure, e.g. asking the patient to repeat the instructions back to you, etc.

8)  Works well as part of a team or independently (on call). Maintains a positive, professional, compassionate attitude towards patients and fellow healthcare providers

9)  Functions as a preceptor/mentor for students, residents, and peers. Demonstrates enthusiasm and patience and provides honest constructive feedback. Actively seeks and is receptive to honest feedback from the healthcare team in a way to improve quality and performance.

10)  Illustrates initiative, reliability, and flexibility while performing duties, and seeks educational resources for professional improvement. Maintains CEUs by ARRT, NMTCB, and/or State criteria. Attends and participates in in-service meetings and other designated training events that will enhance clinical skills. Reports to leadership team any suggestions for postive changes or recommendations on new procedures. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new procedures and accept new responsibilities.

Required Education/Work Experience: 

Graduate of Accredited School in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Preferred Education/ Work Experience: 

1 year post degree nuclear medicine

Skills and Competencies: 

Effective communication skills. Works as part of an interdisciplinary team. Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply all federal and state nuclear medicine regulations. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care and medical ethics. Knowledge of safety, infection control and quality improvement practices, ability to explain technical procedures to patients in a user-friendly manner, ability to use correct body mechanics to assist patients appropriately and ability to read/understand documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, policies and procedure manuals. Builds effective relationships with customers, both internal and external,and seeks to provide an experience of excellence with each patient encounter. Is able to make decisions and conducts self consistently with the the organization's mission.

Certifications:

American Registry of Rad Tech - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (NMTCB) OR American Registry of Rad Tech - American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (AART) - Required

BLS CPR - Basic Life Support - American Heart Association - Required

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$43.08 - $49.52 - $58.56

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.