Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Under supervision, performs all Nuclear Medicine procedures on patients of all ages utilizing various types of imaging equipment.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals following current radiation safety guidelines and assists in the administration of Therapeutic Doses.
• Follows State and Federal guidelines for the safe use, receipt, and disposals of radioactive materials used in Nuclear Medicine.
• Schedules studies in appropriate Hospital and Department systems using good judgment in prioritizing, scheduling, and collaborating with physicians in Nuclear Medicine to provide a safe and effective operation.
• May be responsible for specific areas of instruction in the training of Radiology students, House Staff and Residents in Nuclear Medicine procedures, protocols, equipment, and safety issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under supervision, performs all Nuclear Medicine procedures on patients of all ages utilizing various types of imaging equipment.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals following current radiation safety guidelines and assists in the administration of Therapeutic Doses.
• Uses appropriate techniques and equipment for accurate diagnosis, as instructed by department leaders and radiologists.
• Formulates radiopharmaceutical materials from pre-prepared kits.
• Calibrates instruments and reviews calibration data to detect trends indicating instrument malfunction.
• Monitors supplies and equipment to make necessary orders and helps develop new programs to comply with State and Federal Agencies.
• Performs a full range of nuclear medicine prescribed imaging techniques and measurements used in medical diagnosis and evaluation.
• Prepares and maintains records concerning radiopharmaceutical receiving, dispensing, and disposal activities Processes computerized image data to include function curves and reconstructed SPECT images and accurately transfers images to the Picture Archive Communication System PACS.
• Works with Manager to have section/unit meet all ALARA As-Low-As Reasonably Achievable Goals.
• Demonstrates complete knowledge of radiation accidents and can respond to a major accident.
• Calibrates, draws up and administers radiopharmaceutical materials to patients under the general supervision of the authorized user.
• Ensures consistent and reliable imaging results.
• Verifies images meet required diagnostic standards.
• Explains procedures, verifies forms, transfers patients safely, positions them correctly, and provides any post-exam instructions within specified timeframes.
• Reports major problems for repairs.
• Properly utilize ancillary equipment like imaging coils and transducers, power injectors, and monitors.
• Assists personnel, including students and house staff, in procedures, protocols, equipment operation, and safety guidelines.
• Maintains essential paperwork and records.
• Properly document charges and statistical codes to account for labor and supplies used.
• Records and promptly escalates any incidents related to patient safety, equipment malfunctions, and other relevant categories.
• Offers guidance on policies, procedures, imaging techniques, and coordination of complex imaging procedures to teammates and ancillary staff.
• Assists in protocoling, forecasting, and preparation for imaging cases by following department standard operating procedures.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and efficiently operating department through assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Reports abnormal findings, artifacts, and adverse events to the relevant radiologist or department leader for further evaluation and action.
• Adheres to modality-specific protocols and monitors radiation dose levels during imaging procedures.
• Tests and calibrates equipment to maintain image quality standards.
• Explains exams thoroughly to patients and their families, promptly addresses concerns, and provides reassurance to patients and their families during procedures.
• Stays current with advancements in radiologic technology, patient care, and department-specific techniques.
• Handles patient data and images in compliance with privacy regulations, ensuring confidentiality and security.
• Responds to emergency situations within the department, such as contrast reactions or patient distress.
• Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care and effective teamwork.
• Assumes responsibility for facilitating staff and student training, ensuring a supportive and educational environment for skill development and knowledge acquisition.
• Promotes a positive and Productive work environment by encouraging a sense of camaraderie and fun within the department.

Required Education:  

• Associate Degree in applicable field e.g., diagnostic imaging or nuclear medicine.

Required Certifications & Licensure:  

• Basic Life Support BLS from the American Heart Association AHA.
• California Nuclear Medicine Technology certification RHN from the California Department of Public Health-Radiologic Health Branch CDPH-RHB.
• One of the following:
• Registered Technologist – Nuclear Medicine ARRTN from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ARRT.
• Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist CNMT from the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board NMTCB.

Required Skills & Experience:

• One 1 year of progressive responsibility and directly related work experience.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse individuals at all levels, fostering cooperation and understanding.
• Shows the capacity to follow written and oral instructions while continuously learning and adapting to new procedures and tasks.
• Proficiently performs a range of general and specialized diagnostic procedures to meet quality standards.
• Capably identifies and resolves equipment issues, documents problems, and communicates them effectively.
• Collaborates effectively within a team environment, contributing to group dynamics and achieving common goals.
• Possesses knowledge of computer systems and relevant software in the functional area.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medical imaging principles, techniques, and equipment.
• Proficient in patient and equipment positioning for imaging procedures.
• Understands the principles of image processing and development applicable to diagnostic imaging.
• Recognizes and follows safety principles and procedures related to imaging procedures and equipment and prioritizes patient and staff safety.