SCOPE OF POSITION:Under the direction of a Radiologist and in coordination with medical imaging leadership, the Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist has operational responsibility for the Nuclear Medicine department at Waterbury Hospital. The incumbent demonstrates leadership skills and is accountable for the quality of patient care, the performance of Nuclear Medicine financial stability and growth and the orientation, education and development of the staff. Manages scheduling, staffing levels, productivity and provides input into review evaluations.
The lead nuclear technologist works closely with the Radiologist and imaging leadership to maintain the Waterbury Hospital ACR accreditation in nuclear medicine with responsibility to maintain acquisition of quality nuclear studies and stress testing services while monitoring performance measures to improve overall quality. The lead nuclear technologist is proficient in the use of nuclear imaging equipment and the management of radiopharmaceuticals, with strict adherence to regulatory compliance, used during diagnostic and cardiac studies. The team leader works closely with other healthcare team members to facilitate exceptional patient care and efficient completion of diagnostic studies while also promoting optimal unit operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:• Actively anticipates and participates in regulatory surveys ACR, NRC, DPH, DEEP, TJC demonstrating adherence to standards and preparedness.
• Assures renewal of annual DEEP nuclear license and maintenance of NRC authorized user license
• Maintain all protocols in accordance with NRC-nuclear guidelines; renewal per policy.
• Coordinates and submits timely for ACR reaccreditation or audits
• Participates in scheduled RSO audits and corrects any RSO findings
• Represents Nuclear Medicine at Waterbury Hospital quarterly radiation safety meetings
• Provides general supervision of technical staff to assure compliance to ACR standards
• Assures proper operation and maintenance of Nuclear and hot lab equipment, availability of floods and radionuclear supplies and equipment.
- Prepare, document and inject radiopharmaceuticals for nuclear and nuclear cardiology procedures
• Coordinates the ordering, receipt, usage, disposal and returning of radiopharmaceuticals by maintaining logs in accordance with NRC and state requirements ensuring compliance with radioactive materials license. Maintains sign-on to radiopharmaceutical pharmacy..
• Accepts after hours calls from schedulers or radiopharmaceutical supplier
• Performs nuclear imaging using gamma camera technology according to established protocols obtaining optimal images and processing images for physician reading. Properly stores data. Prepares CD of study as requested.
• Maintains DOT training certificate.
- Perform quality control procedures on cameras, calibration instruments and radiopharmaceuticals.
• Properly identify and educate patient to the exam; including radiopharmaceuticals uses and precautions issuing document to patients of radioactivity exposure
• Provides for safe patient care maintaining equipment and working collaboratively and cooperatively with nuclear techs, stress lab staff and other hospital staff. Notifies clinical engineering of equipment servicing needs.
• Maintains daily operations of the lab: staffing, scheduling, dropping charges and completion of required records. Maintains full caseload of patients.
• Provides technical training/mentoring/orientation as needed. Assists with staff interviewing and yearly competencies as requested.
• Provides an organized patient schedule in conjunction with daily needs such as Emergency Department, urgent inpatient patient and outpatient requests. Is willing to make schedule adjustments as needed.
• Demonstrates extreme flexibility in accommodating requests for "stat" exams and unscheduled requests as evidenced by positive referral feedback.
• Coordinates ACR required medical staff QA at appropriate intervals as required
• Coordinates with radiologists, medical staff, and technical staff to ensure quality patient care
• Participates in recommendations and planning for service enhancements
- Performs intravenous insertion
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:- Graduate of an accredited nuclear medicine technology program.
- Certified nuclear medicine technologist by the NMTCB/CNMT or ARRT/N required
- A current and valid Connecticut license is required.
- Working knowledge of radiation safety
- Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences preferred
- General knowledge of cardiac dysrhythmias
- Compliance with ACR nuclear CE credits
- 3-5 years' leadership experience
- Experience with ACR nuclear accreditation/reaccreditation and working knowledge of ACR nuclear guidelines.
- Knowledge of nuclear medicine technology/procedures and principles including handling of radiopharmaceuticals and operation of imaging cameras and processing software
- Experience with cardiac SPECT
• Ability to work independently making technical decisions to obtain comprehensive and accurate information and convey clearly to physicians for diagnosis/treatment
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment including exposure to all patient elements, ie: blood borne pathogens, lifting, stretching, pulling of patients, pushing of stretchers. Prolonged standing and walking required.
- Must possess effective good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
- Must have computer skills and ability to navigate programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital and ACR
- Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.
