Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Advocate Health•Elgin, IL

13d•$41 - $62•Onsite

About The Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for determining the appropriate image scan technique and patient positioning, preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals, performing venipuncture and IV catheter placement, and handling radioactive materials safely according to ALARA measures. This role involves operating sophisticated nuclear medicine equipment, assisting radiologists with procedures, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring quality control for camera systems. The technologist also manages patient schedules, orders radiopharmaceuticals, surveys radiation levels, and ensures patient identification and safety protocols are followed. Additionally, the role includes clerical duties, patient flow coordination, and maintaining departmental supplies and equipment. The technologist is expected to provide instruction to new technologists, participate in problem-solving, and maintain a professional demeanor and appearance.

Requirements

Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine
Knowledge of HIS/RIS systems and PACS
IEMA accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registered (ARRT)
Certified in nuclear medicine (NM) or Certified by Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (CNMT)
CPR certified
Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week.
Ability to participate in the "on-call" rotation.
Must be able to make independent professional decisions pertaining to high quality patient care
Must have a high degree of technical skills
Must be able to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities
Must be conscientious in practicing high quality patient care
Ability to lift and/or move patients. Heavy lifting: lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints.
May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening disease.
Radiation exposure.
Must be able to deal with extremely ill patients.
This position can recognize needs and behaviors of the following age groups: pediatric (newborn, toddler, school-age), adolescent, adult, older adult. Evidence of this can be shown by recognizing levels of development and modifying approach and exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Nice To Haves

PET scan department rotations to be determined and scheduled by the Nuclear Medicine Supervisor.

Responsibilities

Determination of appropriate image scan technique and position for patient using immobilization and support devices.
Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.
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.
Responsible for capturing appropriate exam charges, updates to procedure files, reimbursement codes, etc., with the HIS/RIS Computer System, and checks daily log to see that day's exams have been appropriately completed.
Ensures that the Physician orders, procedures & scanned documents sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure. STAT reports should also be scanned into the study folder.
Quality Control responsibility for each N.M. camera system. Next day scan room and camera QC setup. Update the maintenance log for Daily, Weekly & Monthly QC. as required by IEMA.
Updates patient schedules for the following day and orders the radiopharmaceuticals (Main dept.& PET)for the corresponding proceedures.
Surveys and records the amount of radiation given off by radioactive materials shipped to the department. Measures and records the radioactive dosage prescribed for a patient with a dose calibrator.
Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to perform procedures.
Identifies each patient correctly prior to an exam proceedure being performed, using two forms of identification, and if necessary established Time Out protocol. Provides explanation of delay for testing to patients who are waiting past their scheduled test times.
Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality images to provide to the radiologists.
Operation of more advanced and sophisticated nuclear medicine equipment.
Assists radiologists with N.M. procedures to include specialty procedures (i.e.cardiac, sentinel node and breast imaging etc.) requiring additional images and knowledge.
Maintains current ARRT(N) or CNMT certification, CPR, and IEMA accreditation.
Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.
Maintains compliance with established safety standards to protect patients and staff at all times.
Assures accuracy of exam performed with the physicians order.
Performs clerical duties such as maintaining adequate patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patient in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services.
Operates N.M. equipment safely as required.
Maintains necessary records for compliance with governing regulations.
Coordination of quality control areas (checking N.M. images to ensure optimal quality, disseminating exams to N.M. Technologist, etc.).
Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures. Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.
Checks images to assure optimal quality is attained and correct image labeling is provided.
Performs quality control activities, responds to inquiries, coordinates patient flow, and communicates with staff radiologists and other hospital personnel to ensure exams are completed in a timely fashion.
Prepares N.M. suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies as required.
Monitors inventory of supplies and linen to ensure an adequate level is available for overall departmental usage.
Labels N.M. images according to department quality assurance standards and criteria.
Provision of instruction and orientation to new technologists to effectively participate in the assessment of their performance reviews.
Provides direction and instruction to new N.M. technologists.
Technologists in need of assistance with specific procedures.
Demonstrates a willingness to assist, when needed, all guests of the hospital.
Participation in problem-solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships and employee morale.
Presenting and maintaining a professional standard.
Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.
Presents a consistently pleasant and cooperative demeanor to fellow associates and supervisor.
Observes hospital/department guidelines concerning dress, display of name badge, radiation badge, presenting a professional appearance appropriate to the work environment.
Avoids excessive absenteeism/tardiness so that attendance does not warrant repeated formal disciplinary action and/or disrupt department productivity.
Compliance with DNV, IDPH, IEMA, ACR, EPA and OSHA standards and or regulations is essential.

Benefits

Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
Competitive compensation
Generous retirement offerings
Programs that invest in your career development
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