Nuclear Medicine Tech

American Addiction Centers•Park Ridge, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is a part-time role with 10-hour day shifts. This position is responsible for accurately performing diagnostic procedures as requested by referring physicians, which includes preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals and procedural adjunctive medication, performing venipuncture, and operating digital imaging systems. Key aspects of the role involve maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient work environment, ensuring patient and associate safety, complying with radiation safety standards, and performing quality controls as dictated by state regulations. The technologist will also handle clerical duties such as scheduling, charge capture, and maintaining accurate records of pharmaceutical doses and waste disposal. Interaction with physicians, nurses, and other interdepartmental personnel is crucial for coordinating patient procedures. Additionally, the role involves providing training to new employees, students, and technical assistance to medical staff, while maintaining professional competence through continuous education and staff meetings.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited 4-year Bachelor Degree or a 2-year Nuclear Medicine program.
Knowledge of nature of radioactivity, rules and regulations dictating the use and handling thereof.
Ability to perform with direct supervision.
Ability to understand team concept.
Ability to operate radiation detection equipment with direct supervision.
Ability to use computers and a variety of computer programs to perform procedures, record disposition of radiopharmaceuticals, schedule patients, and capture charges.
Ability to perform direct IV venopuncture.
IEMA Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and procedural adjunctive medication by proper route per clinician prescription and according to approved exam parameters.
Competently performs venipuncture and placement of peripheral IV catheters for medication administration.
Accesses other vascular access devices, as determined by department training and need.
Follows correct procedures for handling radioactive materials.
Understands and implements ALARA measures.
Maintains accurate records of pharmaceutical doses.
Confirms appropriateness of exam and obtains a written order prior to start.
Educates and explains procedure to the patient and/or primary caregiver as part of patient preparation.
Obtains relevant patient history.
Operates digital imaging systems to acquire graphic data.
Responds to pre-scheduled, STAT, on-call (after appropriate screening by Nuclear Medicine physician) within prescribed intervals as dictated by protocol.
Assesses patient condition and implements appropriate patient care guidelines and procedures, as well as noting special armbands or doctors orders.
Insures patient and blood identification in studies where tagged blood cells or other blood products are used by having a coworker double-check patients’ ID.
Insures patient and fellow associate safety by maintaining department orderliness and cleanliness per regulations and infection control policies.
Complies with established radiation safety standards, OSHA safety standards, and IEMA regulations.
Controls exposure from radioactive sources by using appropriate shielding and storing materials in a limited access controlled area.
Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions and initiate course of repairs in a timely manner by either notifying a charge technologist or the supervisor.
Report inventory depletion to the supervisor in a timely manner.
Performs quality controls as indicated by the state (IEMA) maintaining current calibration records of the dose calibrators, imaging equipment, counting equipment, and gamma survey meters.
Performs daily survey and weekly wipe tests to identify and remove contamination, if any.
Logs in all inventory on receipt including wipe tests and meter survey results.
Dispenses doses, records the amount administered including time and patient name.
Records disposal of administered doses and returns to vendor after holding the remainder of doses in storage, if necessary.
Records disposition of radioactive waste material.
Makes entries into computerized Nuclear Medicine management system which includes scheduling patient procedures, ordering doses, allocation and disposition of radiopharmaceuticals, surveys, wipe tests, calibrations, and other pertinent information.
Tracks all correct and pertinent charge codes into the Radiology Information System.
Documents patient procedure, date, time and dose of radiopharmaceuticals administered, pertinent history and assessment by correctly filling out the patient history sheet and using hospital acceptable abbreviations.
Communicates with nurses to insure appropriate patient preparation and special requirements for patient care while in the department.
Cooperate with other units such as CT, Ultrasound, MRI, PT, X-Ray, Vascular Lab, Heart Station, etc. to expedite completion of all procedures.
Document completion of procedures.
Provides training to new employees, students, and technical assistance to physicians, residents, and fellows.
Documents continuing education credits necessary for maintenance of license and files a copy with the supervisor.
Attends 50% of all scheduled staff meetings or documents receipt of minutes.

Benefits

Compensation Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program