Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

The Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Staff Technologist responsibilities include, but are not limited to, an empathetic and instructional approach to patient contact, care and monitoring; the procurement, preparation, quality control, dispensing, dose calibration, administration and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals including radiotherapy-pharmaceuticals and adjunct non-radiopharmaceuticals; the administration of pharmaceuticals including adjunct oral and IV medications and contrast (under the direction of an authorized user); the performance of quality control procedures; and the operation of imaging, laboratory and computer instrumentation.

Position: Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Department: Nuclear Medicine

Schedule: Per Diem

Essential Responsibilities / Duties:

• Operates, not limited to, gamma cameras with sealed sources of radioactive material for transmission imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), positron emission mammography (PEM), operation of cameras with x-ray tubes for transmission imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This includes diagnostic CT, Diagnostic MR, including the administration of oral and intravenous contrast, and the operation of scanners with x-ray tubes for the measurement of bone density. The individual will be expected to be up-to-date in this fast moving field, and learn modalities as they become available to the clinical service.
• Performs In-Vivo diagnostic testing which involves the procurement, preparation, quality control, dispensing, dose calibration of radiopharmaceuticals and oral, inhalation, or intravenous administration. In some cases radiopharmaceuticals may be administered by other routes under the direct supervision of a physician.
• Performs laboratory tests, which include the safe and if necessary, sterile handling of radiopharmaceuticals and adjunct non-radioactive chemicals, as well as the manipulations necessary for analysis within the nuclear pharmacy. Operates laboratory equipment including scales, centrifuge, pipettes, flow hoods, Xenon traps, well counters, probes and other detection devices to measure the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Collects samples for laboratory procedures and performs pertinent in-vitro diagnostic testing and laboratory analyses, including but not limited to: urine testing, blood, creatinine, secretions, saliva, breath, stool, etc. to measure biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Works within the nuclear pharmacy under the direction of the authorized Permit holder, and performs the procurement, preparation, complex compounding, quality control, dispensing, dose calculation, identification, documentation, administration, disposal, storage and safe handling of radioactive materials used by the nuclear medicine technologist and authorized user for clinical and research purposes.
• Performs appropriate chemical, physical and biological tests on compounded radiopharmaceuticals and is responsible for the interpretation of the results, evaluation of analytical test methods, calibration or functional checks of equipment and instrument used and documents procedure validation to include test results and analysis.
• Ensures, when appropriate, that compounded radiopharmaceuticals meet all specifications described in the appropriate United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph which include radionuclidic purity, radiochemical purity, chemical purity, pH, particle size, sterility, apyogenicity and other related activities.
• Assist in the application, management, preparation and administration of radiotherapeutic procedures and administration of nonradiopharmaceutical agents by oral, topical and intravenous routes under the direction of an authorized user.
• Prepares patient for exams as required and insures patient comfort and modesty at all times. Accommodates patient needs and staffing needs through flexibility in scheduling and timeliness of studies.
• Performs appropriate studies as determined through policy and procedure. Follows requisition in terms of providing proper study for patients. Ensures that exams requested match patient's condition and/or history and calls or asks proper persons for more information as necessary to perform the proper study. Completes requistions, interview questionnaires and gathers sufficient and necessary information from the patient to assist physician in interpretation of procedure as necessary.
• Works through physician's requirements to administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and then monitors the characteristics and functions of tissues or organs in which the drugs localize. Observes metabolic changes, providing additional imaging and variations of techniques as requested.
• Completes procedures properly and in timely fashion while providing quality work for Nuclear Medicine and outside departments. Completes work by end of the shift or communicates with coworkers about completing of work. Documents procedures to include ICD9 codes and proper demographics timely and efficiently to allow for correct interpretation and billing of procedure.
• Participates in intravenous (IV) line placement, blood glucose monitoring, pharmaceutical and radiopharmaceutical training and passes all competencies required. Maintains current all applicable licenses, registrations and certifications.
• Participates in the National Institute of Health's Human Subjects Protection in Research Certification Training and passes bi-annum certification.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Performs all procedures utilizing ionizing radiation safely and effectively, applying federal, state and BMC regulations including, but not limited to maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations and performing appropriate radioactive contamination monitoring. Performs radioactive decontamination procedures and properly disposes radioactive waste in accordance with federal, state and BMC policy and procedures. Assures patient radiation safety and understands all radiation safety issues through annual compliance with radiation safety training and/or seminars.
• Maintains and adheres to managed care guidelines and equipment through interaction with both management and department service vendors to maximize equipment up time, patient care, and minimize dollar impact to the hospital.
• Performs patient focused customer service and ensures standards are achieved. Communicates patient complaints professionally to the appropriate supervisor. Keeps discussions around patients to a minimum and ensures that patients are not subjected to departmental conversations and/or any inappropriate behavior. Handles telephone calls and requests for services both professionally and appropriately. Treats patients and fellow staff with dignity and respect and reports any/all issues to supervisor.
• Ensures that all required documentation is properly completed for billing purposes to include (but not necessarily limited to) electronic orders and paperwork related to all procedures performed. Understands and adheres to managed care guidelines.
• Works hours as regularly scheduled or according to the operational needs of the Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine department. Works on-call hours on weekdays, weekends and holidays as required and necessary for departmental needs.
• Follows all departmental established and appropriate policies and procedures as required. Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the department and hospital's mission.
• Trains and mentors student technologists; teaches students department protocols, IV placement and perform student evaluations,
• Fusion imaging and record production to distribute to doctors and patients. Provides assistance and understands when patient case questions arise by providing services to patient in performing study and any/all information on reports as necessary to provider.
• Performs duties as required in all department areas to include all BU/BMC medical campuses when appropriate for hospital mission as determined by Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Management.
• Provides service and care to patients of all ages and ailments/conditions. Monitors patient condition and if/when conditions are deemed necessary involves nursing, physician or other involvement and further monitoring and/or other patient focused solutions.

Education:

• Requires a Bachelor's of Science in a scientific field with a certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology from an accredited academic program or
• An Associates in Nuclear Medicine Technology from an accredited academic program plus 2 years experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:

• Current registration in Nuclear Medicine (NMTCB or ARRT (NM)) and at least one of the following advanced certifications and current registries: NMTCB(PET), NMTCB(NCT), ARRT(CT), ARRT(MR).
• Current Massachusetts Radiologic Technologist License
• NIH Human Subjects Protection in Research Certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or CPR.

Experience:

• Experience in Molecular/Nuclear Imaging Preferred (SPECT/CT/PET/MR/Optical fusion Imaging )

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and medical terminology with the analytical skills to effectively utilize knowledge towards imaging processes, techniques and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Nuclear Medicine Information System (NMIS), Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Hospital Information Systems (HIS).
• Ability to rely on experience, judgment and time management skills to plan and accomplish goals.
• Must present a positive, team oriented attitude and a professional appearance.
• Ability to adhere to safety standards set forth by the Radiology Department, BMC and other regulatory agencies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to interact effectively with patients and all/any apprehensions, to instruct students and to interact with other staff technologists.
• Ability to work cooperatively