Nuclear Medicine Technologist 1/ Per diem/ Flexible Shift/ Jackson West Medical Center

Nuclear Medicine Tech 1

Miami, FL On Call/Pool

Nuclear Medicine Tech 1 performs diagnostic and therapeutic examinations in the Nuclear Medicine Laboratory, including radionuclidic imaging of organs, assays of body fluids, and therapeutic administration of radiopharmaceuticals. Responsibilities include radio pharmacy, injecting, communicating with and reassuring patients, imaging, quality control, radiation protection and teaching of students and residents.

Obtains radionuclides from suppliers or by eluting generator systems, maintaining sterile technique; checks for quality as per standards set by NRC, HRS, JCAHO and radiation control and records all information in log book when on call or as assigned. Prepares radiopharmaceutical kits as directed in the kit instructions, performs required quality control procedures on agents prepared, places vials in appropriately shielded containers, labels and stores vials appropriately and records all information. Disposes of radioactivity and contaminated materials in accordance with departmental, hospital and federal regulations. Removes all labels stating "radioactive" on all containers which no longer contain radioactive materials prior to disposal as assigned. Determines proper radiopharmaceutical necessary to perform study and calculates appropriate dose to be administered. Verifies label of isotope needed, draws up calculated volume using aseptic techniques, verifies activity using a dose calibrator, records necessary information in log book, injects or administers dose using aseptic technique. Reads requisition to note procedure ordered and any special instructions or precautions, identifies, to the best of his ability, incorrect orders, and alerts supervisor. Identifies patients by checking wrist band, using two identifiers, Name and MRN. and obtains formal written consents, when necessary. Verifies appropriate procedure to be performed by checking the order sheet in the patient chart with the requisition and informs the supervisor of any discrepancies. Introduces self to patients, explains procedure and questions patients about medications, medical history, previous imaging procedures and if applicable, possible pregnancy or nursing. Selects optimum instrument and collimation to be used, determines and adjusts settings on camera and computer control panels, positions patient and/or camera to yield desired view, and obtains images in accordance with established procedure protocols. Assists patient onto and of imaging table, chair or stool using proper body mechanics. Has knowledge of all protocols followed in the division or seeks help of supervisor when encountering an unfamiliar procedure. Checks all films with the physician for approval before sending the patients back. Immobilizes patients when necessary to prevent motion. Observes patients for change in status and follows prescribed procedures if a change is observed. Monitors gamma camera and patient during procedure. Evaluates the need for and performs special positioning or examination techniques or additional views when necessary or as requested by the Nuclear Medicine physician or supervisor. Checks the quality of the scans in general and reports any problems to the supervisor. Documents, in the patient chart, the study is in progress or completed. Completes all related paperwork, i.e., requisition, worksheets, etc. Starts and completes procedure in JACKS. Acquires and processes computer generated data for patient studies as assigned. Transfers all studies to physicians viewing stations. Maintains work areas in clean and orderly condition, empties linen bag at the end of the day and ensures that examination rooms are properly supplied, equipped and operational before each examination. Washes hands before and after each patient contact. Performs all imaging, therapies, and in-vivo procedures as specified in procedure protocol manual. Schedules patients for escort services to and from the division using Tele tracking. Operates all imaging and peripheral equipment computer, stress table, gating device, pulmonex, Geiger counter, etc.). Operates all laboratory auxiliary equipment (pipets, centrifuge, water baths, balance, etc.) during the performance of routine laboratory procedures as outlined in the protocol manual. Prepares solutions and materials when applicable and performs serial dilutions as required. Prepares samples for counting in either a liquid or well scintillation detection system. Counts specimens in scintillation counting system, performs appropriate calculations and records results in logbook. Maintains quality control program for in-vivo laboratory equipment. Performs quality control procedures on all instruments as indicated by divisional protocols and reports any problems to supervisor prior to acquiring any patient studies. Labels the quality control films accordingly and records results of instrument checks in appropriate log book. Always follows radiation safety procedures as described in protocol manual and universal precautions. Follows proper procedures to handle radioactive spills as described in policy and procedure manual. Always informs supervisor, immediately, if a misadministration should occur. Always follows safety practices (time, distance and shielding) when handling radioactive materials. Assists in instruction and evaluation of student technologists or residents in all clinical areas. Performs emergency procedures on an on-call basis, as scheduled by supervisor. Deals with patients sympathetically and tactfully and in a manner appropriate to the patient's age and specific needs. Always helps fellow technologists in lifting or transferring patients. Participates in continuing education in the field of Nuclear Medicine. Maintains current Florida State License for the practice of nuclear medicine technology. Possess and maintains understanding of the principles of growth and development. Assess data and interprets the information needed to identify the patient's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs. Follows hospital-wide and unit specific safety and infection control standards. Participates in continuing quality improvement to insure continuous improvement of services provided. Attends appropriate orientation and training courses to maintain competency in job skills and knowledge. Participates in required educational programs, including H.I.S., safety, infection control, AIDS awareness, age-related special needs and behaviors. Respects the rights, privacy and property of others at all times, including the confidentiality of information, according to Administrative Policies and all applicable laws and regulations. Adheres to the Standards of Excellence at all times. Assumes other duties and assignments as directed by supervisor. Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Expertise).

Generally requires 3 to 5 years of related experience.

Graduation from an accredited program of Nuclear Medicine Technology is required.

Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment Knowledge and skill in use of job appropriate technology and software applications

Valid Florida State license as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist required. Nuclear Medicine ARRT or CNMT Certification is required. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) and any additional applicable life support certification for Healthcare Providers is required upon hire with at least 6 months validity and maintenance at JHS for the duration of employment.

Physical Requirements - Job function requires extended standing or walking. Must be able to carry objects weighing 21 to 50 pounds. Able to lift or move objects weighing 51 to 100 pounds with the use of appropriate devices. Jobs in this group require frequent visual acuity to perform activities related to extended use of computers. Additional information and provision requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by the home unit/department in collaboration with the Reasonable Accommodations Committee (RAC). Environmental Conditions - Jobs in this group are required to function in a fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent and stressful situations. Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members, providers, patients, insurance companies and other members of the public. Function is subject to inside environmental conditions, with occasional outdoor exposures. Exposure to various environments such as: communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a hospital and medical office environment. May also be exposed to needle sticks, airborne infections, medical gases, X-Ray, chemical exposures and other potential hazards. Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to infectious/clinical hospital environment. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. Additional information and provision requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by the home unit/department in collaboration with the Reasonable Accommodations Committee (RAC).