Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Description

Job Title: Nuclear Medicine Technologist PRN

Supervised by: Radiology Manager

Job Summary: Prepares, measures and administers radiopharmaceuticals for use in diagnostic and therapeutic studies. Performs and assists with nuclear medicine studies. Is responsible for patient safety protocols. Maintains all federal, state, local and regulatory agency requirements. Participates in CQI activities.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

Prepares stock solutions of radiopharmaceuticals and materials; calculates and administers doses under the direct supervision of a Radiologist.

Responsible for the care and safety of patients undergoing treatment and use of equipment to minimize hazards of electric shock, burns and extraneous radiation to patients.

Responsible for safe handling of equipment.

Instructs and prepares patients for Nuclear Medicine examinations

Selects appropriate equipment to use for procedure.

Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.

Calibrates equipment.

Performs diagnostic exams on patients as prescribed by physician.

Uses scanners or scintillation cameras for detection of radiation emitted to produce image of an organ.

Measures radioactivity using Geiger counters, scalers and scintillation detectors.

Follows radiation safety techniques and policies in the use and disposal of radioactive materials.

Able to assess patient pain interfering with imaging procedure; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.

Responsible for the care and safety of patients undergoing exams.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Maintains department stock and orders supplies as needed.

Positions and shields patients accordingly.

Follows the principle of ALARA.

Keeps procedure room clean and neat, makes minor equipment adjustments as needed.

Practices medical and surgical aseptic procedures.

Assists in maintaining basic records and reports.

Assists in maintaining files.

Assists in training of students and ancillary staff.

Takes calls, after regular department hours.

Compiles and maintains quality assurance information.

Interacts professionally with patient/family.

Has knowledge of facility policies and the functions of other departments.

Completes all work before clocking   out and leaving. This includes checking with nurses’ stations.

Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient, including pediatric, geriatric and general population.

Performs other duties as requested.

Professional Requirements:

Meets dress code standards; appearance is neat and clean.

Completes annual educational requirements.

Maintains regulatory requirements.

Reports to work on time and as scheduled; completes work within designated time.

Consistently completes and maintains assigned duties; maintains PAR levels.

Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.

Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.

Attends 12 staff meetings; or reads and returns all staff meeting minutes.

Maintains hospital requirements, policies and standards on confidentiality.

Knowledgeable of local fire and safety regulations

Represents the organization in a positive and professional matter.

Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the Hospital, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Requirements

 Regulatory Requirements:

· High School graduate; BS degree preferred.

· Graduation from approved school of Radiology Sciences with certification in nuclear medicine. Licensed in Diagnostic Radiology   and Nuclear Medicine.

· Certified by the State of Arkansas to practice and administer radiopharmaceuticals.

· Current BLS Certification.

Language Skills:

· Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

· Additional languages preferred.

Skills:

· Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands:

· Exposure to radiological hazard-occupational levels. Normal hospital environment. Close visual/acuity. Hearing within normal range. Oral communication. Operates Nuclear Medicine machines, injectors, computer, telephone, stretchers, wheelchairs, IV poles and patient monitoring devices. Lifting up to 50 pounds. Carrying up to 25 pounds. Pushing/pulling up to 400 pounds. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending.

· This position is a safety sensitive position pursuant to Amendment 98 to the Arkansas Constitution § 2(25). A safety sensitive position means any position in which a person performing the position while under the influence of marijuana may constitute a threat to health or safety. This position is therefore “safety sensitive” due to the fact it requires the following: performing life-threatening procedures; working with hazardous or flammable materials, controlled substances, food, or medicine; and a lapse of attention while working in this position could result in injury, illness, or death.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.