Nuclear Medicine Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist 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. *Preforms 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 and 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 and 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 assure 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.

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 (BLS) certification required.