Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NM Tech)

Under general supervision of a Radiologist, performs nuclear medicine procedures, PET, and theranostic procedures on ambulatory and hospital patients as requested by a physician or other licensed provider for the diagnosis of disease and injury in accordance with established protocols.

Essential Function Of The Job

Quality Assurance: Performs high quality nuclear medicine, PET, and theranostic procedures (planar, SPECT, and SPECT/CT), according to exam protocol, in a timely manner. Systematically evaluates the quality of imaging procedures and follows established standards and procedures. Maintains equipment by performing quality control (Q.C.) as required by imaging manufacturers, radiation materials license (RAM), or American College Of Radiology (ACR). Works with engineers and physicists to ensure optimal operational capabilities of equipment.

Caring Practices: Communicates with patients to identify patient service requirements, ensure correct exam is performed, and establish rapport with patients and others. Instructs and communicates with patients and their family, in accordance with HIPAA, regarding the test to be performed and assesses patient's ability to tolerate exam.

Patient Safety: Explains the procedure thoroughly to put patients at ease. Protects patients and team members by adhering to safety requirements, infection-control, protocols, and techniques. Prepares patient and area for procedure by positioning patient, adjusting immobilization devices, moving equipment into specified position. Uses proper aseptic or sterile techniques as needed when setting up and performing invasive procedures and maintains hand hygiene requirements.

Radiation Safety: Safeguards patients, team members, and themselves by adhering to all radiation safety requirements, policies, protocols and techniques. Verifies that correct radioactive drug has been selected for the exam or treatment. Screens patients appropriately for pregnancy status prior to the start of the exam or treatment. Safely administers radiopharmaceuticals and adjunctive medications per protocol. Educates patients with radiation safety techniques pre and post exam or treatment. Safely follows radiation disposal guidelines.

Collaboration: Reports issues to leadership or appropriate department. Assists the department in maintaining supplies inventory, ordering radiopharmaceuticals for patient care and Q.C. Works collaboratively with colleagues, nursing partners, medical staff, and Radiologists. Ensures an accurate transfer of patient images to the BSWH picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for clinical review and dictation by our physician partners.

Key Success Factors

Ability to observe changes in the medical condition of patients and effectively communicate changes to nursing partners, physicians, and emergency response teams as needed; with ability to administer first aid and use the emergency cart. Demonstrates and maintains current knowledge, continued education and skills appropriate care for the following age groups (specific to department): newborn, pediatric, young adult, adult and geriatric. Able to provide services timely, accurately, and cost-efficiently in compliance with established system and regulatory standards, policies and procedures. Able to perform tasks independently without need for routine oversight. Able to maintain a calm and helpful attitude, even under times of stress, and take appropriate and reasonable steps to resolve issues. Ensures customer satisfaction by limiting wait times, providing courteous service, remaining professional, reviewing patient satisfaction scores and developing action plans when required. Able to serve as trainer by providing a quality education to new team members and students from BSW approved programs. Adhering to policies, procedures and workflows. These system workflows include PACS, EMR, image exchange systems, modality worklist integrity, record management, and Biomedical services. General computer skills, including Microsoft Office, information security, electronic medical documentation, and email. Able to take call, if required.