Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Fusion Imaging Technologist)

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Prepare, assay, and administer radiopharmaceutical doses by injection, inhalation or ingestion as prescribed.

Be proficient in introducing intravenous catheters in patients for administration of radiopharmaceuticals and/or medications.

Be knowledgeable regarding possible side effects of radiopharmaceuticals and other medications, such as Lasix and captopril, to be administered. Take immediate action to remedy any noted effects.

Receive patients, explain procedure, answer questions relating to the procedure, position patient for all necessary views and tend to their comfort for the duration of the procedure.

Obtain pertinent clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family.

Move wheelchair and litter patients safely by using ergonomic methods of patient transfer.

Operate nuclear medicine equipment such as gamma cameras, well counters, GM survey meters, thyroid uptake system, and dose calibrators for various patient procedures.

Understand and be able to perform exposure rate calculations. Ability to document excessive radiation exposure in the working environment.

Perform a full range of nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging, non-imaging, invitro and therapeutic procedures, including highly specialized computer assisted studies such as gated, tomographic, quantitative procedures including SPECT/CT.

Keep up to date with new imaging agents, procedures and methods. Write imaging protocols for use in department.

Analyze procedure images for quality. Obtain additional images when necessary.

Correctly administer radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients. Utilize necessary quality management methods of patient identification such as using two unique identifiers and using active rather than passive identification.

Perform radionuclide therapy in collaboration with Nuclear Medicine Physician. Receive and assay prescribed therapeutic doses. Fill out appropriate forms and administer dose with the nuclear medicine physician. Instruct patient, family and nursing staff in radiation safety precautions. Perform radiation surveys, post appropriate caution signs, and distribute personnel monitoring devices as required. Properly monitor and store any radioactive waste for disposal.

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of personnel requiring film badges. Read and understand the film badge exposure report.

Prepare studies for nuclear medicine physician's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure.

Schedule patient procedures, taking into consideration camera availability, scan length, patient condition, the need for multiple nuclear medicine studies, other clinic appointments of the patient, contraindications for the test and urgency of the request. Inform patient of all pertinent preparations for his/her scan, i.e. NPO, follow certain diet, bowel prep, etc.

Perform required technical procedures for safe receipt, handling, transport, usage, and disposal of radioactive materials, assuring compliance with NRC, NHPP, DOT, and license conditions. Understand different precautions used based upon the various package types.

Understand, utilize and practice the concepts of ALARA principle, maintaining radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable.

Assure that all VAPSHCS Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Safety, National Health Physics Program (NHPP), and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) policies are effectively followed.

Recognize potential radiation contamination by visual and mechanical methods. Take necessary actions to minimize contamination and exposure to self, public and coworkers. Contacting the Radiopharmacy and radiation safety officer if needed.

Calibrate thyroid uptake system, gamma cameras, dose calibrators and well counter.

Participate in research projects involving Nuclear Medicine studies, products, equipment and/or radiopharmaceuticals.

Perform daily laboratory surveys, wipe tests and bio-assays. Recognize evidence of contamination and act accordingly to maintain ALARA principles.

Evaluate study for technical abnormalities (artifacts) and take the proper steps to correct the problem.

Evaluate the validity of data in relation to results needed and determine if additional information is needed for clarification of test results or to establish a definite diagnosis and confers with physicians on additional tests as necessary. Identify positive results and notify the Nuclear Medicine Physician immediately.

Perform other nuclear medicine related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized