Nuclear Medicine Tech

About the position

The nuclear medicine technologist uses radiopharmaceutical, gamma cameras, PET scanners, and computers safely, effectively and cost consciously to produce physiologic functional images and quantitative data as well as cross sectional images, or may perform theranostic procedures, that assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's disease. Must be willing to rotate as staffing needs require.

Responsibilities

• Uses gamma cameras, PET scanners and uptake probes to produce physiological functional images and quantitative data to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's disease.
• Selects and operates a wide variety of imaging equipment in an efficient manner and coordinates examinations in the most efficient order and perform exams in a sequence which minimizes the patient's stay in the hospital.
• Maintains working order of the equipment and performs equipment calibrations for the assigned service. Reports equipment malfunctions to the divisional leadership in a timely manner.
• Performs the best diagnostic examination possible, including proper patient identification and correct patient positioning of each and every exam; performs daily work assignments in an efficient, organized manner. Introduces self to the patient and explains the procedure to be performed.
• Attends to patient's comfort during procedures. Identifies nursing needs by observing patients and their IVs, oxygen apparatus, catheters, intake and output, vital signs and notifies nursing or physician personnel if assistance is needed.
• Injects radiopharmaceuticals intravenously and/or administers them orally to patients in order to perform Nuclear Medicine examinations.
• Works assigned shift and in addition to regular weekly duty hours and responsibilities, must be readily available to perform on-call clinical services when emergency patient or staffing needs require evening, weekend and holiday coverage; responsible for all aspects of the division when at the hospital on emergency call-back, including independent decision making regarding patient care and interaction with the medical staff to provide appropriate study results; available within 30 minutes of emergency call-back when assigned; checks beeping periodically to assure it is operational.
• Obtains properly completed examination consultation requests, patient's clinical history, previous diagnosis reports, images and/or records for the radiologist to use for interpretation and diagnostic purposes; checks examination preparation, chart orders; assists the divisional leadership in authorizing and rescheduling of on-call or emergency patients; reports organizational problems to the divisional leadership.
• Interacts with physicians and other technical staff to provide quality, safe and efficient care for the patient.
• Maintains appearance of all rotational areas including hallways and any other area of the Department being used. Maintains and stocks supplies within the Division on a routine basis and ensures no trash or linen left about in any area of the division.
• Provides instruction to technology students, medical students and residents about exams and equipment when appropriate; does not allow students to assume tasks beyond their ability; coordinates with ancillary personnel such as transporters.
• Assists divisional leadership with divisional paperwork as assigned.
• Responsible for completion of mandatory educational assignments as provided by divisional leadership.
• Ensures accuracy of patient demographic information, report distribution, patient image archiving, retrieval and network data transfer and tracking of outside images.
• Must have an excellent working knowledge of contrast reactions and response and be available to patient needs.
• Responsible for performing routine CT procedures at a very high standard with an increasing knowledge.
• Must be able to set equipment parameters, provide patient assessment and education, and provide accurate patient preparation and venous access for contrast material.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.

Requirements

• A graduate of an AMA-approved Nuclear Medicine Technology Training Program
• Positron Emission Technology Certification (PET) - Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) new graduates must become registered within 3 months and will not be recognized as technologist until registered
• Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) - Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
• Nuclear Medicine Technology (N) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Licensed Radiologic Technologist (LRT) - Kansas Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA) within 1 Year

Nice-to-haves

• High School Graduate
• Bachelors Degree With meaning related to technical or managerial performance requirements
• 1 or more years experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Documented PET and CT experience