Nuclear Technologist

Baystate Health•Springfield, MA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Nuclear Medicine Physician and in accordance with established NRC and state guidelines, policies, and procedures, the Nuclear Technologist performs general nuclear medicine, cardiac, and therapeutic procedures according to the policies set by the Clinical/Medical Director of the nuclear medicine department. The role includes performing and processing procedures for patients across all age groups and demographics, conducting quality control on cameras, uptake probes, and hot lab equipment, identifying potential problems, and directing them to appropriate personnel in a timely manner. The technologist performs hot lab duties, including radiopharmaceutical kit preparation, wipe testing, dosage assaying, room surveying, receiving and logging radioactive materials, and monitoring and disposing of radioactive waste. The role also includes mentoring students, communicating with fellow technologists and other healthcare providers, and maintaining a compassionate, professional demeanor with patients and families. The technologist works independently and as part of a team, adheres to applicable laws, regulations, and department policies, and performs other assigned duties. The position requires graduation from an accredited school in Nuclear Medicine Technology and required certification through NMTCB or ARRT, along with American Heart Association BLS CPR. One year of post-degree nuclear medicine experience is preferred. The listed hourly salary range is $43.08 to $58.56; actual pay depends on relevant experience and other factors.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Required certification through NMTCB or ARRT (the posting lists NMTCB or AART).
Current Basic Life Support CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
Effective communication skills and ability to explain technical procedures to patients in user-friendly terms.
Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and build effective relationships with internal and external customers.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply federal and state nuclear medicine regulations.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics.
Knowledge of safety, infection control, and quality improvement practices.
Ability to use correct body mechanics to assist patients appropriately.
Ability to read and understand safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to make decisions and conduct oneself consistently with the organization's mission.
Maintain continuing education units according to ARRT, NMTCB, and/or state criteria.

Nice To Haves

One year of post-degree nuclear medicine experience.

Responsibilities

Perform general nuclear medicine, cardiac, and therapeutic procedures independently and accurately, and process and label acquired data for diagnostic interpretation.
Document patient and study information in computer systems, including RIS, CVIS, and PACS, and status and charge studies accurately and promptly.
Explain cardiac stress testing, obtain and document medical history, prepare patients for electrocardiograms, monitor and document findings, coordinate cardiac perfusion injection timing, and initiate emergency procedures according to hospital policy.
Perform quality control tests on cameras, uptake probes, and hot lab equipment according to radiation safety, manufacturer, NRC, and state specifications.
Prepare radiopharmaceutical kits aseptically according to package inserts; perform generator elution and breakthrough assays; receive, log, and ship materials according to DOT guidelines; and monitor, store, and dispose of radioactive waste.
Administer the correct radiopharmaceutical to correctly identified patients using two identifiers and appropriate administration techniques, while maintaining ALARA principles.
Take thorough and accurate patient histories and communicate examination information in understandable terms, confirming patient understanding and cooperation.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and healthcare providers, and report abnormal findings to appropriate staff.
Mentor and precept students, residents, and peers; provide constructive feedback and remain receptive to feedback.
Maintain professional education and required CEUs, attend training and in-service meetings, and suggest improvements or new procedures to leadership.
Maintain a neat and safe environment, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and work effectively independently, on call, and as part of an interdisciplinary team.