Nuclear Med Tech Registered

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Performs a variety of technical diagnostic imaging procedures using radioisotope material and Nuclear Medicine imaging equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of disease in humans. Accurate and methodical record-keeping and safety techniques must be employed.

Job Relationships

Responsible To: Diagnostic Imaging Management and Radiologists. Workers Supervised: None Inter-Relationships: Patients, visitors, physicians, and all department/hospital personnel, office personnel, vendors, and community.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Produces images of high diagnostic quality for all Nuclear Medicine procedures which are to include: preparing and administering correct isotope material and dose, establishing IVs on patients for appropriate exams, utilizing computer with ease and accuracy for appropriate exams, positioning patients accurately, maintaining correct film and part identification, critiquing completed images, and following exam through to a taken status.
2. Responsible to assist with Nuclear Medicine quality assurance, inspections, record keeping and current NRC license and licensing compliance issues.
3. Must interpret and implement federal, state and hospital regulations/requirements regarding the handling of radio nuclides.
4. Handles Radioactive material appropriately and safely by receiving, handling and returning all Radioactive material in a timely, efficient and safe manner, maintaining accurate records of all radioactive material, maintaining accurate records of the calibration data, maintain accurate records of patient monitor/history, decontaminates areas as needed and informs the proper personnel of precautions or dangers as needed and reports.
5. Acquires complete and appropriate patient history and conveys all pertinent information to radiologist.
6. Familiarity with terminology and the procedures performed in all of Diagnostic Imaging. Demonstrates a working knowledge of all front desk and file room procedures.
7. Communicates delays to patients. Explains procedures so that patients are comfortable. Obtains thorough and pertinent patient history and prepares patients for examination.
8. Encourages and assist in research at the technologist level. Keeps abreast of new procedures and exams as it pertains to area of diagnostic imaging practice.
9. Selects the appropriate equipment and is aware of the set up based on procedure protocol, specifications, and standards.
10. Evaluates the technical quality of images and is able to record, archive, retrieve, compile, and calculate data.
11. Independently capable of assisting the radiologist during invasive procedures such as biopsies and abscess drainages.
12. Positions the patient based on anatomy in question and provides accurate measurements, educates and can clearly explain procedures before imaging, and follows age-specific guidelines.
13. Practices positive patient identification
14. Confers with radiologist regarding patient care and protocol as necessary.

Lead Tech Job Responsibilities

1. Act as a leader in Nuc Med by providing education and information for all procedures.
2. Assist Radiation Safety Officer with the Radiation Safety program for the facility.
3. Responsible for Nuclear Medicine quality assurance, inspections, record keeping and current NRC license and licensing compliance issues.
4. Must interpret and implement federal, state and hospital regulations/requirements regarding the handling of radio nuclides.
5. Handles Radioactive material appropriately and safely by receiving, handling and returning all Radioactive material in a timely, efficient and safe manner, maintaining accurate records of all radioactive material, maintaining accurate records of the calibration data, maintain accurate records of patient monitor/history, decontaminates areas as needed and informs the proper personnel of precautions or dangers as needed and reports.

Departmental and Additional Job Responsibilities

1. Consistently treats patients and co-workers with dignity and respect. Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of Memorial Healthcare and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
2. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital's mission, vision and value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, imaging exam protocols, and the code of ethical behavior. Promotes a culture of safety, quality services, and customer satisfaction.
3. Demonstrates safe and effective use as well as calibrates and performs preventive maintenance of all equipment associated with assigned duties.
4. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.
5. Identifies problems or issues and brings them to the attention of the appropriate individual. Assumes responsibility and confirms that the problem has been resolved.
6. Informs Diagnostic Imaging Management of unusual events or variations in normal business or clinical activities and shares ideas for improvement.
7. Participates in educational and staff meetings. Attends all department meetings and/or reads minutes. Participates as assigned with student/new employee education.
8. Performs and/or accepts all other duties as assigned.
9. Performs routine cleaning of work area and associated equipment. Maintains a complete stock of necessary supplies.
10. Transports and transfers patients in a safe manner and adheres to patient transport policy. Utilizes proper restraints, side rails, and other associated measures when transporting patients.
11. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities or committees.
12. Adheres to dress code requirements and standards. Wears identification badge clearly visible at chest level while on duty.

Job Specifications

Education

1. HS Diploma or GED required.
2. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) registered in the discipline of Nuclear Medicine required.
3. Two year allied health degree preferred.

Experience

1. Two years of experience in a clinical setting as a registered (ARRT or NMTCB) Nuclear Medicine Technologist preferred.

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills

1. Ability to work sitting, walking and/or standing for long periods of time.
2. Ability to do forward reaching, bending, pulling, twisting lifting and turning associated with patient transport and equipment handling.
3. Ability to push wheelchairs or stretchers throughout the hospital.

Essential Technical Abilities

1. Ability to effectively operate a computer, associated peripherals, and Microsoft Windows operating system.
2. Ability to utilize telephone, fax machine, and electronic messaging systems.
3. Ability to read quickly and accurately to obtain clinical and pertinent information.
4. Ability to operate/utilize imaging equipment in area of hire.

Essential Mental Abilities

1. Ability to understand complex written and verbal orders and able to manage several different tasks at once.

Essential Sensory Requirements

1. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English both written and spoken, with employees, volunteers, and patients.
2. Ability to visually assess patient's condition.
3. Ability to communicate with patient in order to assess patient's condition and evaluate effects of treatment.
4. Ability to accurately hear communication by phone or in person.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Must have the ability to interact effectively with patients and their families, the public, physicians and other Memorial Healthcare staff and maintain a professional and courteous manner.
2. Ability to deal with emotional or distraught patients.
3. Ability to maintain self-control.