Nuclear Med Tech

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Provides health care services applying radionuclides to assist in diagnosis or treatment. Performs nuclear medicine procedures, and related techniques producing images for interpretation by, or at the request of a licensed practitioner. Exercises professional judgment in performance of services and maintains a demeanor complementary to medical ethics. Provides appropriate patient care and recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of the procedure.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs diagnostic Nuclear Medicine procedures:
• Corroborates patient's clinical history with procedure, assuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed practitioner.
• Prepares patient for procedures; provides instructions to obtain desired results, gain cooperation, and minimize anxiety.
• Select and operate radiation detection, imaging and/or associated equipment to successfully perform procedures.
• Positions patient and equipment to best demonstrate anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability and comfort.
• Immobilizes patients as required for appropriate examination.
• Prepares, calculates, identifies and/or administers radiopharmaceutical and/or medications as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
• Evaluates images for technical quality, assuring proper identification is recorded.
• Verifies informed consent for, and assists a licensed practitioner with, interventional procedures.
• Practices aseptic techniques as necessary.
• Assumes responsibility for provision of physical and emotional needs of patients during procedures.
• Initiates basic life support action when necessary.
• Maintains knowledge of and observes Universal precautions.
• Venipuncture
• Assists in maintaining records, respecting confidentiality, and established policy.
• Assumes responsibility for assigned area and report equipment malfunction.
• Provides input for equipment purchase and supply decisions.
• Provides practical instruction for students and/or other health care professionals.
• Participates in the department's quality assessment and improvement plan. May be responsible for specific quality control duties in the assigned area.
• May be responsible for control of inventory and purchase of supplies for the assigned area.
• Understands and applies patient relations skills.
• Pursues the appropriate continuing education needed to maintain license or certification.
• Accomplishes other duties as assigned.
• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
• Agency nurses will be floated to other departments where they are qualified to perform patient care before core staff is floated.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Required: Associate or bachelor's degree from nuclear medicine accredited program. Licenses/ certifications/ registrations: Required: OBMI and ARRT registered nuclear medicine technologist. Current BLS certification. Preferred: CRASE training: If travel assignment extends beyond a 6-month period, CRASE training will be required. Experience: Required: None. Preferred: Minimum of 2 years' experience. Other: NA

Physical Requirements:

The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May to sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.