Nuclear Medicine Tech

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Performs a variety of Nuclear Medicine procedures utilizing radioactive material for diagnosis of disease processes and delineation of both normal/abnormal anatomy as well as pathological conditions in areas of the human body.

Reports To

DirectorRadiology/ Department Manager

Job Requirements

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education: High School/GED Required.

Degree: Completion of an accredited Nuclear Medicine program.

License/Certification Required: Registered by the American Registry of Radiographic Technology (ARRT) and/or CNMT required or registry eligible.

Minimum Work Experience: New Graduate or 1 year of related experience required. Pediatric experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operate Nuclear Medicine camera and auxiliary equipment to produce quality images.
• Ability to work flexible hours-alternate shift, rotates on call for evening, weekend and holiday coverage.
• Able to adapt to new programs and equipment upgrades as radiological field advances, effective organizational and time management skills, effective written and verbal communication skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge and skill levels in: Area of expertise to ensure production of high quality images. Safe operation of equipment and accessories with proper warm-up exposure, daily QC and good reporting techniques (Follows proper shutdown procedures for scanning and processing equipment, Cleans equipment without damaging it, Keeps assigned area clean and organized.) Quality Control guidelines, State and Federal regulations and department policies/procedures. Utilization of the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS). Completion of Safety Reports. Basic scheduling in Community Wide Scheduling (CWS).
• Demonstrates Radiation and MRI Safety and Protection techniques to minimize hazards, including: ALARA, Dosimetry, Shielding, Collimation, and Magnetic Field
• Performs correct exam on correct patient
• Follows the PACS and Meditech workflow: Reviews, approves and enters information in a timely and accurate manner after each patient. Including: Patient Tracking data (exam start/end times, technologist's notes and name, correct patient history), QA Resolution, Moving Exams, Notifies the department and/or PACS manager of any errors or outstanding problems with completing patient data..
• Consults with the radiologist on duty to assure correct scanning parameters when necessary
• Provides excellent patient care and creates an environment in which customers feel valued and respected.
• Demonstrates a caring and interested manner: Listens carefully to customers' questions and concerns; paraphrases their statements; seeks feedback. Maintains an appropriate level of eye contact. Handles telephone calls and in-person contacts in a friendly, courteous and sensitive manner. Promptly acknowledges customers; provides an indication that they will be helped as soon as possible. Helps patients to feel comfortable by introducing self and calling patients by their name. Provides explanations (within scope of practice) to patients about upcoming exams and procedures, using terminology and phrasing which is responsive to and appropriate for patient's age, language skills, and emotional state. Keeps patients informed about actions to be taken. Promptly and courteously provides the information and services requested by customers.
• Effectively communicates and problem-solves with customers; Takes the initiative to seek assistance from others; informs customers of the need to do so; explains who is being called upon to help; ensures a smooth transition to other parties. Provides consistent and timely follow-through which ensures that all customer requests are addressed in a way which minimizes inconvenience to all parties. Maintains composure, efficiency and a positive, customer-service oriented manner when interacting with all customers, including those who are ill, angry, confused or emotionally distressed. Makes every attempt to defuse potentially volatile situations, speaks calmly and firmly, express compassion and understanding, provides constructive suggestions for resolution. Seeks assistance from co-worker, management, physician or other appropriate person when immediate resolution is not forthcoming.
• HIPAA Compliance: Maintains strict patient confidentiality at all times and Refrains from discussing customers or personal matters within customers' hearing.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team to facilitate the department's ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Uses judgment to exercise delegated authority to work with others in a proactive way to troubleshoot operational and programmatic problems.
• Resolves differences in a spirit of cooperation, creates solutions which benefit all parties, especially ancillary services'/department's customers.
• Recommends changes to policies, procedures and department environment to enhance the department's ability to provide optimum service to all customers.
• Develops and fosters good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in person and on the phone with patients, visitors, and hospital/medical office personnel.
• Contributes to an environment that is conducive to the clinical education of students, other healthcare trainees, and employees.
• Willingly accepts other assignments as deemed necessary by department management, including helping out in front office, transporting patients and/or QA projects.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably: Proactively assists in other areas when patient volume is low in assigned area. Ensures that supplies are utilized in a cost-effective manner and charged appropriately. Seeks out innovative solutions for problems affecting care and/or service, these solutions may address: Maintenance of Quality, Cost Effectiveness, Cost benefit, and Efficiency of Staffing Needs
• Applies Lean principles
• Effectively utilizes resources reflective of Lean Principles
• Participates in Lean board

Physical Requirements

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.