Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Title

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Duties

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist will be scheduled and assigned to all areas of the Nuclear Medicine Department and must possess the required professional knowledge, skill, and abilities to perform the following functions:

• Performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, whole body, Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) and SPECT scans. Examples are bone, lung, thyroid, renal, parathyroid, gallbladder, and cardiovascular imaging, and SPECT-CT (CT for attenuation correction and anatomic localization).
• Performs all Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology procedures in combination with Low Dose Computer Tomography (LDCT) for fusion imaging.
• Demonstrates skill and knowledge in operating a survey meter, dose calibrator, well counter, thyroid uptake probe, Biodose software, SPECT/CT and SPECT gamma camera.
• Verifies patient identity prior to starting exam by using 2 of 3 standard patient identifiers (full name, date of birth, and full SSN). Verifies status of pregnancy and breast feeding. Explains the procedure in a manner that can be understood by the patient, answers patient questions about the procedure, and addresses patient concerns on use of radioactive materials and radiation safety.
• Obtains relevant patient history and collects pertinent data about the patient to verify that patient has not had previous diagnostic studies, medications, or conditions that may invalidate the scan/test result or cause artifacts. Assuring that any pre-study preparation has been completed, such as hydration, voiding, suspension of interfering drugs, and intravenous line before any procedures are started.
• Determines if additional information is needed for clarification of test results. Identifies positive results and notify the reading Radiologist or Cardiologist immediately.
• Performs difficult, complex, non-standardized tests. Evaluates and adapts new procedures for introduction into general use. Assists in the development of new computer applications in Nuclear Medicine and Fusion imaging.
• Follows the VHA Directive 1234, Radiology Outpatient Scheduling and Orders Management for the handling of all Nuclear Medicine orders. Schedules exams taking into consideration camera availability, scan length, patient condition, other clinic appointments of the patient, contraindications for the test and urgency of the request. Inform patients of all pertinent preparations for their scan, i.e., NPO, follow certain diet, medication restrictions, etc. Interpret information provided to ensure that the correct exam is ordered by the physician and when in question, the order is protocoled by a Radiologist prior to scheduling.
• Performs required technical procedures for safe receipt, handling, transport, usage, and disposal of radioactive materials, assuring compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRG), National Health Physics Program (NHPP), Department of Transportation (DOT) and license conditions. Understand different precautions used based upon the various package types.

Performs other related duties as listed on functional statement.

Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm/7:00am -3:30pm, Monday - Friday

Telework: No

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized