Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist - PRN - Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for administering radioactive material and performing diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures.

Education:

Completion of a formal Nuclear Medicine program in good standing with the ARRT or NMTCB.

Licensure/Certification

Registry eligible or registered with the ARRT or NMTCB.

Provides care for patients of the following age groups:

Infants (Newborn to One Year) Adolescent (Ten to 18 Years) Toddlers (Two to Four Years) Adult (19 to 69 Years) Child (Five to Nine Years) Geriatric (70 and Above)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Checks two patient identifiers for proper identification prior to exam.
• Explains procedure demonstrating interpersonal skills in order to interact with patients who may be under physical and/or mental stress.
• Transfers and properly positions patients for exams in order to obtain desired radiographic results according to the physician's specifications.
• Provides immobilization and protection in accordance with prescribed safety standards.
• Checks dose with calibrator to ensure proper energy delivered.
• Obtains questionnaires and patient medication reconciliation form; reviews all forms prior to exam.
• Obtains adequate checklist pertinent to certain procedures.
• Provides proper patient care per departmental policy.
• Is able to identify abnormalities and assist Radiologist in localization process.
• Demonstrates the ability to set up and change protocols when needed.
• Demonstrates ability to operate the automatic Collimator exchanger when Collimators need to be changed.
• Demonstrates ability to pull up patients from the patient log.
• Demonstrates ability to operate the color printer during cardiac procedures.
• Verifies images to PACS with proper information.
• Follows all state guidelines for procedures and education requirements.
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper electrode placement.
• Utilizes proper treadmill protocol.
• Administers Thallium under direct supervision of patient's physician.
• Monitors vital signs and reports abnormalities.
• Provides necessary documentation regarding doses administered to patient and the proper disposal of radioactive syringes and supplies.
• Prepares room according to type of procedure being performed.
• Preps patient according to procedures.
• Holds and positions patient as directed by physician.
• Takes images according to protocol of procedure.
• Provides instructions to patient regarding procedure and explains any delays.
• Maintains daily log of patient examinations and dose injection information.
• Checks two patient identifiers for proper identification prior to IV procedure.
• Determines appropriate IV site and needle gauge.
• Accurately injects patient to ensure patient comfort and lack of infiltration.
• Initiates dose calibrator self-test.
• Performs constancy checks on dose calibrator and logs results.
• Performs daily floods for quality assurance of images.
• Performs daily radiation survey to check for contamination of radioactive material.
• Demonstrates ability to power-up the treadmill and elevate when needed.
• Demonstrates ability to obtain an EKG when needed.
• Demonstrates ability to change EKG paper and place EKG leads in correct position on patient.
• Ensures that crash cart is available for emergencies if needed.
• Prioritizes scheduling of patients according to medical condition.
• Determines type of transportation based on patient status.
• Assesses interdepartmental communication sheets for patient identification, exam and condition of patient.
• Notifies appropriate individual when supplies are needed to avoid shortages.
• Maintains records of contrast medium and drug supplies.
• Operates removal of needed medication for procedures from PYXIS correctly using two patient identifiers.
• Understands, supports and applies departmental/hospital policies, procedures and standards at all times.
• Promotes quality of care and cost effectiveness within the department through appropriate utilization of equipment, supplies and labor.
• Alerts supervisor/manager to quality improvement opportunities for both patient care and staff performance.

Age Specific Competencies

Infant (Newborn to One Year)

• Provides protective environment; does not leave unattended.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Assesses mobility and cooperation for optimal positioning during exam.
• Involves parents in the administration of care and to provide protective environment.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Provides assurance to parents and explains what they need to do after the examination is complete.

Toddlers (Two to Four Years)

• Provides protective environment; does not leave unattended.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Assesses mobility and cooperation of toddler for examination needed.
• Involves parents in the examination as well as mobility of patient.
• Stresses to parents the importance of mobility to decrease the need for repeat exams.
• Explains what will happen during exam.
• Provides comfort to patient to assure cooperation.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Explains to parent what needs to be done after examination.

Child (five to Nine Years)

• Assesses patient's comprehension of what needs to be done and cooperation level.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Involves parents in care when necessary.
• Recognizes child's need to exercise some control.
• Provides for privacy.
• Assesses for non-verbal needs for support.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Keeps explanations short, simple and logical using correct terminology

Adolescent (12 to 18 Years)

• Assesses patient's comprehension level to evaluate cooperation and mobility.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Involves patient verbally and physically with positioning to ensure adequate exam.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Explains to parents and patients what needs to be done following the procedure.
• Provides for privacy.

Adult (19 to 69 Years)

• Evaluates self-care abilities/limitations and identifies need for additional safety measures.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Involves patient verbally and physically with positioning to ensure adequate exam.
• Evaluates x-rays to ensure what is needed for diagnosis is on film.
• Explains to patient what needs to be done following procedure.
• Provides for privacy.
• Allows patient to refuse exam when requested.

Geriatric (70 Years and Older)

• Evaluates self-care abilities/limitations and identifies need for additional safety measures.
• Recognizes and reports signs/symptoms of abuse and neglect.
• Involves patient verbally and physically with positioning to ensure adequate exam.
• Explains to patient and/or family member what needs to be done following procedure.
• Evaluates x-rays to