Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist)

Job Title

Duties include, but are not limited to:

PET/CT Specific

• Serves as a technologist for the PET/CT modality, performing daily and periodic quality control testing of PET/CT scanner (and other supporting equipment), organizing workflow, and performing patient studies.
• Receives patient, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort.
• Obtains clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol.
• Qualified to obtain patient blood glucose level prior to injecting imaging tracer to determine if scan is appropriate based on that level. Routinely passes quality control testing to stay current on operating glucometer.
• Prepares, assays, and administers F-18 FOG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals, recording, patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan.
• Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA, kVp, pitch, FOV, etc). Prepares studies for nuclear medicine physician's and general radiologist's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure, processing, and transmitting images to fusion workstation/PACS.

Nuclear Medicine Specific

• Independently performs routine and complex diagnostic imaging procedures including static, dynamic, and SPECT/CT scans.
• Receives all nuclear medicine procedure requests and schedules according to preferred date, taking into consideration other appointments, preparation criteria, and convenience for veterans.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals by injection, inhalation, or orally.
• Explains exams to patient so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards if any. Prepares patient for exams by achieving intravenous access and placing IV catheter when needed utilizing aseptic technique and standard precautions for infection control.
• Ensures correct study is being performed on the specified patient by reviewing appropriateness of indication and patient's medical history.
• Works with cardiology staff physicians, fellows, and other personnel to screen all patients and determine which nuclear medicine cardiac test is appropriate; taking into consideration lung diseases, weight, ability to exercise, medications, etc.

Radiation Safety

• Follows radiation safety practices to minimize exposure to patient, staff, and self. This is achieved by using shielding and appropriate PPE, with thorough understanding and practice of "As Low As Reasonable Achievable" (ALARA) principles.
• Capable of performing complex therapies and other duties that relate to treatments.
• Performs in-vitro cell labeling for various procedures while carefully following appropriate blood labeling measures and record keeping.
• Performs daily and weekly laboratory surveys and wipes tests to verify absence of radioactive contamination.
• Assists the National Health Physics Program (NHPP) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in audits and inspections ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Maintains records associated with incoming diagnostic doses, DOT wipes, departmental surveys, administration, and disposal of radionuclides as mandated by the NHPP and NRC.

Scheduling

• Fields all orders while screening them for urgency, appropriateness, and contraindications.
• Completes a full history that's applicable to scan such as: Medications that interfere with exam and notes the length of discontinuation to avoid inaccurate results. Obtains physician approval before any medications stopped.
• Works with patient and other clinics to schedule and coordinate exam(s) in accordance with VA scheduling mandates.
• Explains test and extensive prep that patient must follow to complete exam.

Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs