Nuclear Med & PET/CT Staff Technologist

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient-centered care by helping diagnose and treat certain diseases and other metabolic processes using nuclear medicine and Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography (PET/CT). The technologist interviews patients, explains exams, administers radiopharmaceuticals, positions patients, operates imaging equipment, and prepares images and related data for radiologist review. The role also includes quality assurance, radioactive-material safety and documentation, infection control, equipment troubleshooting, and compliance with established protocols and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Education sufficient to obtain the required licensure or certification.
Currently certified by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Nuclear Medicine.
Iowa Department of Public Health Iowa Permit to Practice Nuclear Medicine.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Complete Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training and submit certification before the start or transfer date.
Ability to operate Molecular Imaging equipment.
Competence with Computed Tomography scanning, the department information system, and the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS).

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of Nuclear Medicine experience in a full range of nuclear medicine imaging procedures, including PET/CT and/or SPECT/CT.

Responsibilities

Communicate accurate and clinically relevant information to patients, families, and coworkers during handoffs and as needed, ensuring involved parties have the information needed to support patient outcomes.
Interview patients to obtain a history appropriate to the ordered examination, explain the nuclear medicine exam, and answer patient questions.
Establish intravenous access using sterile technique to inject radiopharmaceuticals.
Position and immobilize patients on the scanning table using supportive devices to achieve precise positioning.
Enter technical data into imaging and processing computers and adjust scan parameters for circumstances that may arise.
Operate imaging equipment in accordance with prescribed safety standards.
Evaluate digital images and computer-generated information for technical quality and prepare data for radiologist review on the PACS system according to guidelines.
Perform and document quality assurance procedures according to departmental guidelines.
Follow guidelines and maintain required documentation for safe handling and dispensing of radioactive materials, and use appropriate infection-control precautions.
Maintain cleanliness of the department and associated equipment in accordance with infection-control policies and procedures.
Follow established nuclear medicine protocols and procedures.
Perform and document surveys and wipe tests of incoming and outgoing radioactive shipments according to departmental policies.
Troubleshoot basic problems with imaging and processing equipment.
Operate the nuclear medicine information system used to maintain records for regulatory compliance.
Follow Mercy safety guidelines, carry out job-specific safety duties, and promptly report unsafe conditions, situations, incidents, and injuries.