Nuclear Medicine Technologist

American Addiction Centers

4d•$41 - $62•Hybrid

About The Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for performing a variety of technical procedures in the Nuclear Medicine and PET departments. This includes determining appropriate image scan techniques and patient positioning, preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals, performing venipuncture, and ensuring the quality of images for radiologist interpretation. The role also involves coordinating patient flow, performing quality control activities, maintaining equipment and supplies, and adhering to safety standards. Additionally, the technologist provides instruction and orientation to new technologists and participates in problem-solving related to patient care and department operations.

Requirements

Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine
New grads accepted
Knowledge of HIS system
Basic knowledge of RIS systems
PACS
IEMA accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registered (ARRT) and certified in nuclear medicine (NM) or Certified by Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (CNMT)
CPR certified
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 work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints
May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening disease
Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week and rotate to the crystal lake facility
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.

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.
Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to tactfully perform procedures.
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.
Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality images.
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.
Ensures that procedures sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure.
Coordination of quality control areas in both N.M. and PET to ensure optimal quality.
Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures.
Partnering with other disciplinaries to provide timely exams as needed for that patient.
Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.
Performs quality control activities as directed by IEMA on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis.
Any equipment failure must be immediately labeled and call into Biomed for maintenance.
Checks film quality to assure optimal quality is attained and correct film labeling is provided for each and every image.
Prepares N.M. suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies as required.
Studies are acquired with appropriate scanning and CT protocols.
Prepares isotopes as prescribed by the radiologists within the IEMA guidelines.
In the PET area injectors will be utilized to reduce occupational exposure.
Provision of instruction and orientation to new technologists to effectively participate in the assessment of their performance reviews.
Support peers in need of assistance with specific procedures.
Provides direction and instruction to new hires.
Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.
Operates safely nuclear and PET equipment as required to maintain a safe environment of patients and maintain occupational radiation exposures - ALARA.
Maintains supplies and cleanliness of all areas within the department on a daily basis.
Assures accuracy of exam performed and requisition.
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.
Provision of competencies to the non-technical staff in order to maintain IEMA compliance. IE: security, housekeeping, Cardinal Health drivers, etc... Both in nuclear and PET departments.
Attend inservices by the physicist to ensure competence is maintained.
Maintain annual competencies: Nuclear Equipment.
Participation in problem-solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships and employee morale.
Maintains current ARRT (N) or NMTBC certification, CPR, and state accreditations.
Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.