Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Med Technologist3500 Nuclear Medicine and PET Scan

Schedule: 40 hours weekly. Monday - Friday. 6:30 am-3 pm with alternating call ending at 8:00 pm.  Weekend call rotating.  Weekend call hours 6 am - 8 pm.

General Summary

The nuclear medicine technologist administers radiopharmaceuticals to patients per physicians' orders and according to Radiology Department policies and procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.

The technologist demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and competency necessary to administer radiopharmaceuticals for

diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and provide care appropriate to the age-specific needs of the patients served including pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.

The technologist works cooperatively with other Radiology and health care team members. The technologist assists in the clinical instruction of students.

Essential Responsibilities:

PATIENT CARE:

1. Accurately evaluates requests for nuclear medicine procedures.

2. Obtains patient history and symptoms, as appropriate.

3. Administers radiopharmaceuticals per physicians' orders in accordance with Radiology Department policies and procedures.

4. Provides care appropriate to the age-specific needs of the patients served.

5. Provides explanation and instruction to patients regarding nuclear medicine procedures.

6. Demonstrates CARE Principles at all times in interactions with patients.

7. Demonstrates effective communication with patients and families.

8. Performs patient transportation as necessary.

9. Initiates emergency measures as necessary.

10. Accurately performs appropriate documentation.

11. Considers the whole patient including safety, comfort,

    age of patient, spiritual, cultural and religious

    practices, emotional needs/barriers, desire and

    motivation, physical and or cognitive limitations and

    language barriers in the implementation of care

EQUIPMENT/PROCEDURES:

1. Competently operates the gamma camera systems.

2. Competently operates thyroid probe.

3. Competently operates xenon ventilation unit.

4. Competently performs all diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures.

5. Competently performs therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures.

6. Follows proper procedures for the ordering, receipt, storage, and handling of radioactive materials.

7. Competently performs Nuclear Medicine quality control activities.

8. Adheres to Quality Management Program (QMP).

9. Follows Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Follows radiation safety policies and guidelines.

2. Takes responsibility for personal radiation safety and exposure monitoring.

3. Appropriately uses radiation protection devices.

4. Demonstrates understanding of Code Decon responsibilities.

5. Follows hot lab safety and security requirements.

6. Demonstrates understanding of Code Red responsibilities.

7. Follows infection control policies and procedures.

8. Demonstrates awareness of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and their significance.

9. Follows Radiology Department safety policies and procedures.

10. Operates equipment in a safe manner to prevent injuries to personnel and patients.

Education Required: 

Current registration in nuclear medicine by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). 

Current Indiana Nuclear Medicine Technologist license. 

Current Basic Life Support certification.

Successful completion of Reid Health orientation.

Successful completion of Radiology department orientation.

Competency based skills appropriate for the job.

Experience Required:  English competency, legible hand writing, good telephone skills, and the ability to multi-task are required.