PET Technologist

LCMC Health•Metairie, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The PET/CT Technologist calibrates equipment to ensure outcomes meet quality standards. Performs diagnostic studies on patients as prescribed by ordering physician. Measures radioactivity to ensure the appropriate activity is being injected for PET images. Documents radioactive isotopes administration. Prepares, calculates and administers radiopharmaceutical doses appropriately. Follows radiation safety techniques in the use and disposal of radioactive materials. The images help physician localize and diagnose cancer. They will follow scanning protocols to ensure quality images.

Requirements

1 year of PET/CT technology experience.
Associate's Degree or 2-year certification Radiologic Technology.
Basic Life Support Health Care Provider Certification (American Heart Association).
Radiography Certification (American Registry of Radiologic Technologist).
Radiology Technician Licensure (Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners).

Responsibilities

Provides clinical services according to radiology practice standards to ensure optimal department functions.
Demonstrates skills and knowledge in use of all PET/CT equipment and performance of all PET/CT protocols and procedures.
Demonstrates a satisfactory working knowledge of PACS and verifies transmission of images and paperwork.
Demonstrates knowledge in evaluating PET/CT scans for diagnostic image quality and takes appropriate action if the scans are not of diagnostic quality.
Informs the radiologist of the FDG dosage, injection time and scan time for each patient.
Reviews scans with the Radiologist as to important anatomical detail and areas of abnormalities.
Administers sound patient care practices according to department and hospital policies and procedures, to ensure the safety of the patient.
Communicates effectively with patient to obtain clinical history/informed consent from patient or patient's chart to assist the physician in optimizing the performance and interpretation of the examination.
Explains procedure to patients/families and answers any questions to ease anxiety and assure patient cooperation.
Demonstrates the ability to recognize clinical and/or emergent problems that may interfere with exams and take appropriate action to resolve them and produce the most desirable outcome.
Assists CT and MRI techs with patient preparation and scans as required.
Maintains equipment, exam rooms and work areas in a neat and safe condition, to ensure the safety of the patients and employees.
Checks and inspects the suite, equipment and accessories daily for physical or mechanical hazards. Troubleshoots malfunctions, immediately reports dangerous conditions to the appropriate person.
Maintains work area in a clean orderly fashion.
Checks stock supply levels, maintains supplies at par level and displays an effort in supply maintenance and utilization.
Cleans and disinfects equipment.
Maintains supply of linen in the room.
Maintains quality control checks in accordance with policy requirements.
Adheres to the guidelines for acceptance, handling and administration of the FDG isotope in order to maintain a safe working environment.
Participates in department QC and PI programs, follows up on all deficiencies.
Maintains proper sterile technique for procedures, practices aseptic techniques and always washes hands before and after each patient contact.
Strictly adheres to the hospital policy on body substance isolation.
Always wears film/ring badge while on duty, follows departmental procedures for badge results.
Demonstrates safety for patients, staff and self as outlined in department protocols and regulatory guidelines, to ensure the safety of the patients and staff.
Recognizes emergent situations and responds appropriately.
Observes and monitors patient's vital signs.
Monitors medical equipment attached to the patient during the radiographic procedure.
Completes ancillary tasks to ensure efficient and consistent departmental operations.
Performs routine clerical duties as assigned.