Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Location: Advocate Sherman Hospital - 1425 N Randall Rd

Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week

Scheduling : Will work a total of nine shifts of 8 hours per pay period

Shift: 1st Shift (Start times vary between 6am-7:30am)

Major Responsibilities:

• Determination of appropriate image scan technique and position for patient using immobilization and support devices.
• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and procedural adjunctive medication by proper route per clinician prescription and according to approved exam parameters.
• Competently performs venipuncture and placement of peripheral IV catheters for medication administration.
• Accesses other vascular access devices, as determined by department training and need.
• Follows correct procedures for handling radioactive materials. Understands and implements ALARA measures.
• Maintains accurate records of pharmaceutical doses.
• Responsible for capturing appropriate exam charges, updates to procedure files, reimbursement codes, etc., with the HIS/RIS Computer System, and checks daily log to see that day's exams have been appropriately completed.
• Ensures that the Physician orders, procedures & scanned documents sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure. STAT reports should also be scanned into the study folder.
• Quality Control responsibility for each N.M. camera system .Next day scan room and camera QC setup. Update the maintenance log for Daily ,Weekly & Monthly QC. as required by IEMA.
• Updates patient schedules for the following day and orders the radiopharmaceuticals (Main dept.& PET)for the corresponding proceedures.
• Surveys and records the amount of radiation given off by radioactive materials shipped to the department. Measures and records the radioactive dosage prescribed for a patient with a dose calibrator.
• Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to perform procedures.
• Identifies each patient correctly prior to an exam proceedure being performed , using two forms of identification , and if necessary established Time Out protocol. Provides explanation of delay for testing to patients who are waiting past their scheduled test times.
• Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality images to provide to the radiologists.
• Operation of more advanced and sophisticated nuclear medicine equipment.
• Assists radiologists with N.M. procedures to include specialty procedures (i.e.cardiac, sentinel node and breast imaging etc.) requiring additional images and knowledge.
• Maintains current ARRT(N) or CNMT certification, CPR, and IEMA accreditation.
• Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.
• Maintains compliance with established safety standards to protect patients and staff at all times.
• Assures accuracy of exam performed with the physicians order.
• Performs clerical duties such as maintaining adequate patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patient in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services.
• Operates N.M. equipment safely as required.
• Maintains necessary records for compliance with governing regulations.
• Coordination of quality control areas (checking N.M. images to ensure optimal quality, disseminating exams to N.M. Technologist, etc.).
• Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures. Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.
• Checks images to assure optimal quality is attained and correct image labeling is provided .
• Performs quality control activities, responds to inquiries, coordinates patient flow, and communicates with staff radiologists and other hospital personnel to ensure exams are completed in a timely fashion.
• Prepares N.M. suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies as required.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and linen to ensure an adequate level is available for overall departmental usage.
• Labels N.M. images according to department quality assurance standards and criteria.
• Provision of instruction and orientation to new technologists to effectively participate in the assessment of their performance reviews.
• Provides direction and instruction to new N.M. technologists
• Technologists in need of assistance with specific procedures.
• Demonstrates a willingness to assist, when needed , all guests of the hospital.
• Participation in problem-solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships and employee morale.
• Presenting and maintaining a professional standard.
• Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.
• Presents a consistently pleasant and cooperative demeanor to fellow associates and supervisor.
• Observes hospital/department guidelines concerning dress,display of name badge,radiation badge, presenting a professional appearance appropriate to the work environment.
• Avoids excessive absenteeism/tardiness so that attendance does not warrant repeated formal disciplinary action and/or disrupt department productivity.
• Compliance with DNV, IDPH, IEMA, ACR, EPA and OSHA standards and or regulations is essential
  

Education/Experience Required:

• Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of HIS/RIS systems and PACS
• IEMA accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registered (ARRT)
• Certified in nuclear medicine (NM) or Certified by Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (CNMT)
• CPR certified
  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week. Ability to participate in the "on-call" rotation. Must be able to make independent professional decisions pertaining to high quality patient care Must have a

high degree of technical skills Must be able to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities Must be conscientious in practicing high quality patient care Ability to lift and/or move patients. Heavy lifting: lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints. May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening disease. Radiation exposure. Must be able to deal with extremely ill patients. This position can recognize needs and behaviors of the following age groups: pediatric (newborn, toddler, school-age), adolescent, adult, older adult. Evidence of this can be shown by recognizing levels of development and modifying approach and exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses. ADDENDUM : PET scan department rotations to be determined and scheduled by the Nuclear Medicine Supervisor.
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.