Nuclear Tech

Job Description

Job Description

Day shift PRN position in Nuclear Medicine department. Position requires a minimum of 2 shifts per month with additional shift to maintain proficiency and fill open shifts on schedule.

Radiology Technical Employees

MAIN FUNCTION:

Operate under the direction of the Imaging Services Director, and/or Manager. For clinical direction the Medical Director of Radiology or Medical Director of Cath Lab will have direct influence over the tasks performed. The Imaging Services Technologist will perform exams that include Diagnostic Testing, Therapeutic Exams, and Moderate Interventional Procedures.

All Technologists will be responsible to identify the correct patient for the exam, evaluate the physician order for accuracy and pertinent clinical information, and perform a complete, accurate, quality; Diagnostic or Therapeutic exam. It should be known that the patient population whom the exam is performed on may vary from neonate to geriatric. Upon completion of the exam the Technologist will be required to complete the paperwork (computer completion) and inform the Radiologist the examination is available for interpretation. The technologist at times based on patient workload volume may be required to assist and manage other responsibility demands as requested by Imaging management. The Technologist will at all times be responsible for maintaining a HIPPA compliant, safe environment for each patient they serve.

RESPONSIBLE TO: All Imaging Services Employees will report to the Director of Imaging Services, as well as the Manager of Imaging Services

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent intrapersonal skills
• Maintained BLS certification (Must be maintained while in the position)
• Technologists are required to be registered
  1. For Nuclear Medicine staff the Nuclear Medicine Certification Board or the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists will be the credentialing organizations accepted.
• ODH License will be needed for all modalities
• Proven clinical and didactic capabilities
• Maintain required Continuing Education credits to hold current registration organization membership
• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Basic Computers skills with ability to navigate PACS / RIS
• 3 years previous experience in the field of Medical Imaging

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

• Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens, and are required to wear protective barriers.
• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete radiology exam tasks.
• Employees may be expected to work weekends, Holidays or possibly take call
• Subject to STHR (Short Term Hours Reduction) according to policy
• Practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept when performing exams resulting in radiation exposure to the patient

POSITION EXPECTATIONS :

POSITIONS – Diagnostic X-Ray Technologist, Computed Tomography Technologist, Mammography Technologist, Cath/Specials Technologist, and Bone Density Technologist

Key Functions

• Routine responsibilities
  1. Evaluate the physicians order for accuracy
  2. Identify the patient utilizing two forms of ID
  3. Set appropriate KVP, MAS settings for exposure
  4. Accurately position the patient so that all projections can be obtained
  5. Perform exam to provide quality images for physician interpretation
  6. Post process image data for physician interpretation
  7. Provide patient education when required
  8. Provide hospital personnel education as needed
  9. Work under the direction of the Radiologist/Physician during procedures to achieve the goal of appropriate care
  10. In an emergent situation operate quickly, and in control, provide the procedure to achieve the best patient outcome

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

MAIN FUNCTIONS:

Nuclear Medicine Technologists assist the Radiologist/Physician with the process of imaging and diagnosing illness. Technologists must keep patients safe and calm while assisting physicians in cardiac stress procedures. Nuclear Medicine Technologist job descriptions include tasks such as: capturing the image, obtaining the best quality image, and ensuring the patients are comfort and safe. The Nuclear Tech must be able to effectively explain the procedure to the patient. Function independently in lab while using professional judgment. Provide care in a calm and efficient manner.

Additional Position Expectations:

• Perform QC as outlined below
  1. Daily Camera, Uptake Probe, and Dose Calibrator QC
  2. Quarterly Linearity testing
  3. Geometry and Accuracy testing when required
  4. Work with Field Service Engineer to maintain equipment functionality and image quality
• Apply appropriate radiation safety practices to daily activities
  1. Practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) methods to minimize radiation exposure to patients and coworkers
  2. Utilize Syringe Shields, and other protective barrier devices when possible
  3. Perform daily survey and weekly wipe test to evaluate for potential spill
  4. Participate in the quarterly Radiation Safety Committee
  5. Work closely with the medical physicist to follow ODH (Ohio Department of Health) rules regarding radiation safety practices
• Maintain additional training
  1. DOT (Department of Transportation) shipping and receiving of Radioactive materials
  2. HealthStream training appropriate to organizational requirements
  3. Have annual competencies specific to Nuclear equipment and exam
• Routine responsibilities
  1. Check in radioactive shipment containers
  2. Measure doses for accuracy in dose calibrator
  3. Administer appropriate radionuclide for patient exam
  4. Utilize appropriate camera settings to obtain diagnostic images
  5. Post process image data for physician interpretation
  6. Provide patient education when required
  7. Follow appropriate protocols when administering treatments such as I131 Thyroid Therapy, Samarium 153 therapy, Radium 223, etc…
  8. Retain appropriate records utilizing computer system or other methods that meet the ODH specifications
  9. Participate in the ODH surveys and work towards constant program improvement.
  10. Perform other assignments as requested by the Imaging Service Director or Manager