Employment Type:
Full timeShift:
Day Shift

Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY AND PURPOSE:

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for reviewing the Physician Order, reason for exam, preparing the patient, preparing and administering the radiopharmaceutical, positioning, and performing NM imaging of patients. The NM Technologist works closely with NM leadership and the Radiologist to produce the most diagnostic images possible in accordance with the department protocols. The NM Technologist operates a variety of Hot Lab equipment, as well diagnostic NM imaging equipment, to obtain images of the anatomy of interest for interpretation by Radiologists, with attention to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concepts. The NM Technologist processes the images as required per specific diagnostic protocols. The NM Technologist may also assist the physician with the administration of therapeutic radionuclides. The NM Technologist performs a variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment, with integrity and initiative and is able to perform exams with minimum supervision.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of an accredited Nuclear Medicine Technologist program, or Associate in Applied Science degree and registered as a Nuclear Medicine Technologists by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

• Maintain Continuing Education credits (24 CEU in two period) and other requirements to maintain NMTCB or ARRT certification.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

• One year NM experience preferred

• Must have good working knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy

• Must be proficient in venipuncture

• Must be proficient in quality control procedures and operation Hot Lab and NM imaging equipment.

• Must maintain an emphasis on reduction in patient radiation dose (ALARA - As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

• Must be very conscientious and detail oriented person with excellent communication skills and demonstrate excellent customer service skills to deal effectively with patients, and various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers, and community groups

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Receives patients and explains procedures prior to and throughout the exam. Observes patient condition for additional pertinent information relative to the ordered test, such as, coherence, ability to comply with exam specifications, pregnancy, physical contraindications, physical status, etc.

Consults with staff professionals to obtain appropriate information concerning the patient's physical condition, preliminary diagnosis, and care/intervention necessary to perform specified diagnostic procedures.

Calculates radionuclide activity to be administered in accordance with protocols for ordered procedures. Prepares appropriate dosage and volume of radiopharmaceuticals.

Performs quality control procedures to ensure pharmaceutical quality of agents before administering to patients. Maintains sterility and integrity of prepared radiopharmaceutical compounds.

Prepares imaging devices for studies in accordance with protocols for ordered exam.

Assists patient in assuming the correct anatomical position for imaging.

Administers the dose of radiopharmaceuticals to patients undergoing Nuclear Medicine procedures; intravenously, orally or by inhalation.

Performs standard Nuclear Medicine dynamic, static and/or SPECT and SEPCT-CT imaging procedures on patients, which include adjusting equipment to encompass the area of study.

Adjusts controls on equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures to produce information of required diagnostic quality.

Monitors and maintains patient's ancillary equipment, such as, supplemental oxygen and IV lines.

Observes patient for change-in-status and follows prescribed protocols for intervention or notifies appropriate staff, as needed.

Evaluates and performs special imaging positioning or examination techniques, as needed or requested by the Nuclear Medicine physician.

Prepares specialized radiopharmaceuticals for either in-vitro or in-vivo labelling method. Prepares patient blood samples for transport to outside vendors for radiolabeling.

Practices sterile, isolation and aseptic techniques and maintains documentation of infection control activities.

Coordinates patient schedules and examinations with other diagnostic sections within the department and other services throughout the health center and outpatient satellite facilities.

Facilitates communication with other physicians and other health care personnel regarding exam protocols, scheduling and coordination of the study, and results of procedures performed within the Nuclear Medicine section.

Monitors personnel, work areas, and patient rooms, when applicable, using appropriate instrumentation or other devices to ensure radiation exposure does not exceed levels defined by regulation.

Reports all excessive radiation exposure to the Authorized User, NM Manager, and Radiation Safety Officer.

Performs various tasks associated with receiving, processing, distributing and storing radioactive materials.

Receives and checks all radionuclide shipments for contamination according to radiation safety procedures and regulations.

Disposes of radioactive material and radioactive waste in accordance with departmental policy and state/federal regulation.

Assists in maintaining current inventory of routine laboratory and medical supplies. Maintains supply of ventilation mouthpieces; cleans, packages, and transports to hospital sterilization unit.

Maintains clean and orderly work areas. Ensures Nuclear Medicine rooms are properly supplied, equipped, and operational before each examination.

Performs quality control procedures on all instruments, including voltage and linearity checks and tests of uniformity and resolution, to ensure the proper working of equipment.

Performs minor routine preventative maintenance on specified instrumentation. Initiates vendor service calls for machine repair and downtime events.

Attends and participates in department meetings, in-services, educational and developmental activities within the institution, local and national Nuclear Medicine associations and seminars.

Rotates through on-call/standby schedule, as assigned.

Participates in the educational activities and clinical training of Nuclear Medicine technology students.

Maintains good rapport and cooperative working relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

Maintains confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health System. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in private places.

Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph Mercy Health System.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.