Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Summary:

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs all types of Nuclear Medicine procedures under the supervision of a qualified physician. Utilizes radiopharmaceuticals and imaging procedures to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patient medical problems for patients throughout the age continuum.

Duties:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
2. *Performs radionuclide procedures under the authorization of a physician with a Radioactive Materials License issued by the Nebraska Health and Human Services Department of Radiological Health.
3. *Prepares radiopharmaceuticals for administration by injection, ingestion, and inhalation; applies EKG patches and cables.
4. *Observes all regulations for control of radiation and practices radiation safety procedures; performs venipuncture.
5. *Assists Radiologist in the therapeutic use of radioisotopes under prescribed safety conditions as applicable.
6. *Competently operates all nuclear medicine equipment and support systems to include HIS, RIS, scheduling system and PACS; performs and evaluates images for technical quality.
7. *Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents patient care and procedures in accordance with established nuclear medicine standards and guidelines.
8. *Maintains accurate records of isotopes used.
9. *Completes quality control on scanning equipment; maintains a safe working environment.
10. *Utilizes department computer systems, files and PACS to review patient history and provide accurate documentation of studies.
11. *Properly cares for and images patients of all ages; maintains patient confidentiality.
12. *Coordinates inpatient/outpatient exams within the department and with other departments to provide expedient and complete care; communicates with medical staff, coworkers, patients, families and other hospital staff to assure quality patient care.
13. *Handles telephone calls for scheduling, coordination, and questions with courtesy and accuracy.
14. *Participates in the department’s quality improvement plan as required.
15. *Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment as necessary; notifies supervisor of equipment problems and calls appropriate service vendors as needed.
16. *Keeps work area properly supplied.
17. *Accesses and administers drugs and biologicals that are pertinent to essential job functions in accordance with Medical Center procedures.
18. *Utilizes AIDET communication and provides patient education to inform patient about procedure to minimize patient anxiety.
19. Advances work knowledge by participating in continuing education in-services, reading periodicals/literature and seeking ongoing development opportunities; attends departmental, educational and hospital committee meetings as required.
20. Assists with departmental orientation and student clinical education as directed.
21. Cross-trains into other areas of noninvasive CVS such as the role of the treadmill tech during exercise stress testing and assistance with bubble studies in echocardiography.
22. Transports patient and/or equipment alone or with assistance in bed, wheeled cart, or wheelchair to designated area.
23. Maintains a safe work environment.
24. Attends staff meetings as required.
25. Performs other related duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”. Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

Requirements:

1. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
2. Knowledge of the principal functions of nuclear medicine including radiation safety procedures.
3. Knowledge of the clinical applications of nuclear medicine.
4. Skill in operating nuclear medicine equipment, cameras, PACS, and other related systems.
5. Ability to react and perform work effectively under stressful and emergent situations.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
7. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
8. Ability to effectively interact with patients, family, staff, and physicians.
9. Ability to care for diverse patient populations throughout the age continuum.
10. Ability to exercise courtesy and professionalism in the work environment.
11. Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and patient safety.
12. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
13. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of patients and families in accordance with HIPAA regulations and hospital procedures.
14. Graduate from a nuclear medicine program or equivalency required.
15. Current certification or certification within three (3) months of hire by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine required.
16. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
17. Pants and Jackets are to be black.
18. Tops can be black or red.
19. You can wear a solid white, black, or gray t-shirt under your scrub tops.
20. Shoes should be modest in appearance, preferably a mostly solid color of black, white, or grey.