GIRMC Nuclear Medicine Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

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

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Performs radionuclide procedures, including PET/CT and Spect/CT, 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. *Uses sterile technique as required.

5. *Optimally demonstrates patient anatomy and function through proper positioning, isotope selection and selection of technical factors.

6. *Performs venipuncture.

7. *Adheres to all state and federal regulatory requirements for control of radiation and practices radiation safety procedures; provides proper documentation for regulatory and accreditation requirements.

8. *Assists Radiologist in the therapeutic use of radioisotopes under prescribed safety conditions as applicable.

9. *Competently operates all nuclear medicine equipment and support systems to include HIS, RIS, scheduling system PACS and C-PACS; performs and evaluates images for technical quality.

10. *Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and documents patient care and procedures in accordance with established nuclear medicine standards and guidelines.

11. *Maintains accurate records of isotopes used.

12. *Completes quality control on scanning equipment; maintains a safe working environment.

13. *Utilizes department computer systems, files, PACS and C-PACS to review patient history and provide accurate documentation of studies.

14. *Properly cares for and images patients of all ages; maintains patient confidentiality.

15. *Coordinates 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 ensure quality patient care.

16. *Handles telephone calls for scheduling, coordination and questions with courtesy and accuracy.

17. *Participates in the department’s quality improvement plan as required.

18. *Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment as necessary; notifies supervisor of equipment problems and calls appropriate service vendors as needed.

19. *Keeps work area properly supplied.

20. *Accesses and administers drugs and biologicals that are pertinent to essential job functions in accordance with Medical Center procedures.

21. *Utilizes AIDET communication and provides patient education to inform patient about procedure to minimize patient anxiety.

22. Assists with departmental orientation and student clinical education as directed.

23. 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.

24. Transports patient and/or equipment alone or with assistance in bed, wheeled cart, or wheelchair to designated area.

25. Assists in the future planning of the Nuclear Medicine department.

26. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

27. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

28. Performs other related projects and 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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient’s growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Knowledge of the principal functions of nuclear medicine including radiation safety procedures.

4. Knowledge of the clinical applications of nuclear medicine, positioning and use of technical factors for non-invasive, invasive and therapeutic procedures.

5. Knowledge of Federal and state regulatory requirements.

6. Skill in operating nuclear medicine equipment, cameras, PACS, C-PACS and other related systems.

7. Ability to react and perform work effectively under stressful and emergent situations.

8. Ability to care for diverse patient populations throughout the age continuum.

9. Ability to exercise courtesy and professionalism in the work environment.

10. Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and patient safety.

11. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

12. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

14. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

15. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

16. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

17. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate from a nuclear medicine program or equivalency required. 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.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required. Bryan Health recognizes American Heart Association (for healthcare professionals), American Red Cross (for healthcare professionals) and the Military Training Network.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) – Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.