Purpose of Position Under the direction of a radiologist and/or cardiologist and supervision of the Director of Radiology, performs nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in performing radionuclide imaging procedures, processing exams and related paperwork.
Description- Courteous to patients, visitors, physicians, volunteers and other employees of the organization.
- Demonstrates competency in performing child, adult, and geriatric Nuclear Medicine examinations on patients.
- Coordinates studies with various departments as necessary to maintain an orderly and efficient patient flow.
- Receives and prepares patients for examinations, provides explanation of procedures and answers pertinent questions to put patient at ease; assures safety and comfort of patient while preparing for and while undergoing Nuclear Medicine exam; assists physicians in procedures.
- Receives and reviews requests for Nuclear Medicine studies. Accepts patients and assesses their condition to determine proper handling and special requirements. Relies on knowledge of anatomy, physiology and effects of disease processes to properly and safely position the patient for maximum diagnostic yield. Operates highly complex Nuclear Medicine equipment.
- Maintains inventory of all technical supplies and radioactive isotopes. Reorders as needed. Monitors all isotopes on hand: calculates remaining isotope from half-life data and is responsible for safe disposal of unused material.
- Prepares and ships used radioactive shipments and receives radioactive shipments of all types in compliance with NRC and USDOT rules and regulations.
- Sets up and calibrates all equipment daily. This includes daily floods, dose calibrator standardization, survey meter checks and well counter checks. Weekly Bar Phantoms, monthly Intrinsic Floods and IRC analysis and Quarterly pm Calibrations. Performs daily hot lab surveys and department surveys as necessary. This includes daily area surveys as well as weekly surface wipe tests.
- Operates and maintains diagnostic computer equipment to include image acquisition as well as data analysis and reporting for physician interpretation.
- Prepares appropriate radiopharmaceuticals relative to age and weight specific needs of the patient.
- Works in conjunction with the Radiation Safety Officer, the Radiation Physics Consultant and the Director of Radiology to maintain complete control over all radioactive materials and to insure compliance with all state and federal regulatory agencies.
- Measures and administers radioactive materials to patients for diagnostic testing.
- Coordinates and performs various types of cardiac nuclear medicine procedures in conjunction with the stress testing laboratory relative to the patient's age and weight specific needs. Performs computer analysis on resulting data and images to derive functional parameters for physician interpretation.
- Demonstrates through clinical practice the use of universal precautions, understands the OSHA blood-borne Pathogens Standards and adheres to all other Infection Control Policies.
- Knowledge of proper shielding and radiation protection for all patients. Ensures that all patients of childbearing age are questioned accordingly. Maintains equipment and examination room cleanliness. Reports any malfunctions immediately to Director or Tech in Charge. Prepares and administers radioisotopes under the supervision and direction of a physician authorized user.
- Provides effective monitoring of potential changes in patients' conditions to ensure safety of the patient at all times and alerts appropriate personnel when necessary.
- Demonstrates competency in prioritizing individual exams so that critical/emergency patients are seen first. Coordinates work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency during assigned shift. Shows the ability to recognize and deal with priorities. Adjusts and revises schedule as necessary in view of stat orders.
- Maintains up-to-date A.R.R.T. registration, Massachusetts license, DOT Training, and CEU's in file.
- Performs technical and clerical duties in department as needed.
- Attends mandatory in-service programs on Universal Precautions, Disaster Plan, Electrical & Fire Safety and Hazardous Communications. Complies with all hospital and departmental safety practices.
- Responsible for accreditation of ICANL. Follows ICANL protocols in the outpatient cardiac area.
- Quarterly reports
- QA meetings
- Maintain nuclear lab records, including maintenance of nuclear equipment
- Physician liaison for issues with digital reporting system
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers in a manner that reflects Cape Cod Healthcare's commitment to CARES: compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service.
Qualifications - Valid Massachusetts state license as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT NM) and/or certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
- 1-2 years experience in Nuclear Medicine
- Ability to use and learn complex computer systems to process nuclear medicine images and generate reports.
- Current Basic Life Support Certification required
