Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Position Summary
This position is responsible for performing all Cardiac, General and Special Nuclear Medicine procedures in a comprehensive teaching institution. While reporting to the Nuclear Medicine/PETCT Supervisor and according to Radiologist's established protocols and procedures, technologists independently operate the specialized Nuclear Medicine scanners to obtain quality dynamic, planar, SPECT and SPECT/CT images for use by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of pathology. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist must be licensed and have the skills to prepare, measure and administer diagnostic and therapeutic isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals as well as managing all radioactive shipments and records of administration and disposal in cooperation with IEMA standards. In addition, the position requires the technologist to be completely competent in acquiring all the information necessary to interpret the scan through individual consultation with the patient and the gathering of all essential information from the referring physician. Furthermore, the technologist must be able to perform the routine administration of radioactive isotopes, position the patients for the procedure, and executing all facets of the scanner and operating system to manipulates and processes images to create optimal studies and visualize pathology.

Primary Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities
1.Independently and with minimal direct supervision, the technologist must be able to receives, review and evaluates physician orders and within the scope of practice, contact physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals as necessary to verify/clarify orders and/or discuss patient conditions/histories in order to obtain the highest quality studies. Conducts a thorough consultation with the patient and / or family member and has the ability to use the electronic medical records to obtain medical history. Maintains work area in a clean and orderly condition. Monitors inventory and restocks supplies as necessary in order to keep rooms properly supplied for any Nuclear Medicine proce dure.

2.The technologist must have good organizational and critical thinking skills to independently perform procedures and manage appropriate throughput through the assigned work area as well as have excellent communication and conflict resolution skills to create a positive work environment and experience for every patient encounter. Must be able to be a point of contact for all Nuclear Medicine related questions from physician practices, nursing floors, and patients and their family. In addition, it is required to be completely competent in EPIC scheduling and all aspects of the Radiant environment.

3.Is able to prepare all the scanners and associated computer/software for any type of scan and coordinate its appropriate use by demonstrating the complete knowledge of all the different types of procedures and equipment necessary for the procedure. Ensures equipment is maintained and in good working order and can independently troubleshoot the operating systems and has the responsibility to notify appropriate personnel of any malfunctioning equipment or safety issues within the Nuclear Medicine department.

4.Has the ability to manage and oversee all the proper maintenance of all state and NRC records including all shipments, distribution and disposal of isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals. Must be licensed by the state and competent in DOT and IEMA regulations of radioactive materials and maintain all the proper daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly QC on all equipment related to the shipment and measurement of the radioisotopes which includes the Geiger counter, dose calibrator, well counter and any other ancillary equipment.

5.Has the knowledge to greet and thoroughly explain the procedures to patients and family to reduce anxieties and obtain patients cooperation. Is able to provide instructions on patient preparation according to established procedures. Is able to prepare patient for the properly ordered exam by ensuring proper patient identification, verifying patient medication and allergies and coordinating special instructions that are required for the scan. Has the capability to perform intravenous injections through direct injection or IV insertion and properly administers radioactive isotopes for examinations following established sterile techniques and methods.

6.Has the capability to perform all the daily, weekly and monthly quality control on all of the Nuclear Medicine scanners to ensure that equipment is functioning properly and performing to the standards set forth by the manufacturer and ACR. In addition,

7.Has the ability to assist a patient onto and off of the Nuclear Medicine scanner using proper moving/lifting techniques. Demonstrates the skills to properly position and perform procedures in all aspects of patient care from pediatric to adult and obtain optimal images. Has the expertise to operate the imaging equipment and is able to acquire images appropriately for all the procedures listed in the protocol manual. Is able to process and manipulate all raw data according to department protocol and can operates various peripheral equipment when necessary. Ensures images and documents includes all of the correct information required by the ACR and can operates various peripheral equipment when necessary.

8.Reviews images to determine quality of exam and determines the need to re-acquire images or obtain special views and send images with appropriate labeling criteria to correct destinations. Ensures images and documents include correct information such as patient's name, medical record number, isotope used, procedural codes and the like. Completes required paperwork and digitizes documents into the PACS system and has the ability to utilize patient tracking information and routes images using a variety of computer software and hardware systems.

9.Coordinates and is accountable for all inventory used for Nuclear Medicine procedures and restocks supplies as necessary. Maintains work area in a clean and orderly condition. Performs and is responsible for the department s related clerical tasks such as retrieving previous images, coordinating phone calls and conversations and communication amongst the various departments.. Is also responsible for the supervision and demonstration of Nuclear Medicine methods, techniques and procedures for students or other department personnel.

10.Supports and is involved in the Medical Center's continuous quality improvement efforts designed to increase patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the utilization of the Medical Center's human, capital, and physical resource. Develops and maintains a positive working environment with all mission partners within the department and Medical Center and outside agencies. Keeps current regarding developments, trends and techniques in entry level Nuclear Medicine procedures and equipment through appropriate technical journals or in-service and educational programs in order to maintain and enhance expertise. Attends mandatory department and Medical Center meetings, and other work-related educational programs as well as Basic Life Support CPR.

Basic Qualifications
Required
"Must be a graduate of an AMA approved School of Nuclear Medicine Technology
"Currently registered or registry eligible and in good standing by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) or Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB)
"Licensed by the state of Illinois emergency management agency
"American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification

Preferred
"1 year minimum experience in General Nuclear Medicine

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