Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Under the general supervision of the Director of Radiology Services, performs all nuclear medicine procedures, demonstrates anatomy under investigation through proper patient positioning, techniques selection, administration of radiopharmaceuticals, and application of immobilization and radiation protection devices according to policy and procedure.

• Demonstrates ability to appropriately modify approach and procedures to meet needs of age/diversity of population served for the following age groups:
• Incorporates cultural considerations in the provisions of care.
• Knowledge of growth and developmental stages.
• Considers life changes/effects on health beliefs and behaviors.
• Provides necessary safety measures.
• Provides information and involves family/caregiver in decision making.
• Performs all responsibilities/duties required by the Radiology Department as defined in the scope of practice, to assure that the unique nature of the patient is addressed.
• The practitioner collects pertinent data about the patient and about the procedure.
• Uses consistent and appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers.
• Reconfirms patient identification and verifies the procedure requested or prescribed.
• Verifies the patient's pregnancy status when appropriate.
• Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure.
• Nuclear Medicine Tech will care for geriatric, adult, adolescent, children, infant and neonate patients.
• Assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure, such as medications, insufficient patient preparation or artifacts.
• The practitioner analyzes the information obtained during the assessment phase and develops an action plan for completing the procedure.
• Selects the most appropriate and cost-effective action plan after reviewing all pertinent data and assessing the patient's abilities and condition.
• Uses his or her professional judgment to adapt imaging and therapeutic procedures to improve diagnostic quality and therapeutic outcome.
• Consults appropriate medical personnel to determine a modified action plan when necessary.
• Determines the needs for accessory equipment.
• The practitioner provides information about the procedure to the patient, significant others, and health care providers.
• Verifies that the patient has consented to the procedure and fully understands its risks, benefits, alternatives, and follow-up.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient can understand.
• Addresses and documents patient questions and concerns regarding the procedure when appropriate.
• Refers questions about diagnosis, treatment or prognosis to the patient's physician.
• Provides appropriate information to any individual involved in the patient's care.
• Provides answers to patient questions about the procedure and use of radioactive materials and documentation when necessary.
• The practitioner implements the action plan.
• Implements an action plan that falls within established protocols and guidelines.
• Elicits the cooperation of the patient to carry out the action plan.
• Uses an integrated team approach as needed.
• Modifies the action plan according to changes in the clinical situation.
• Administers first aid or provides life support in emergency situations.
• Uses accessory equipment when appropriate.
• Assesses and monitors the patient's physical and mental state.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceutical dosages according to established guidelines.
• Performs venipuncture, IV patency and maintenance procedures according to established guidelines.
• The practitioner determines whether the goals of the action plan have been achieved.
• Evaluates the patient and the procedure to identify variances that may affect patient outcome.
• Measures the procedure against established protocols and guidelines.
• Identifies any exceptions to the expected outcome.
• Documents any exceptions clearly and completely.
• Develops a revised actions plan to achieve the intended outcome if necessary.
• Disseminates reasons for revisions to all team members.
• The practitioner implements the revised action plan.
• Bases the revised action plan on the patient's condition and the most appropriate means of achieving the intended outcome.
• Acts based on patient and procedural variances.
• Measures and evaluates the results of the revised action plan.
• Notifies appropriate health provider when immediate clinical response is necessary based on procedural findings and patient condition.
• Adjusts imaging parameters or computer-generated information to improve the outcome of the procedure.
• Assesses images for technical quality, and when necessary, makes technical modifications to the data presentations.
• The practitioner reviews and evaluates the outcome of the procedure.
• Reviews all diagnostic or therapeutic data for completeness and accuracy.
• Determines whether the actual outcome is within the established criteria.
• Evaluates the process and recognizes opportunities for future changes.
• Assesses the patient's physical and mental status prior to discharge from the practitioner's care.
• Clear and precise documentation is essential for continuity of care, accuracy of care and quality assurance.
• Documents diagnostic, treatment and patient data in the appropriate record.
• Documentation must be timely, accurate, concise and complete.
• Documents any exceptions from the established criteria or procedures.
• Records diagnostic or treatment data.
• Maintains records about the use of radioactive materials according to established guidelines.
• The practitioner collects pertinent information regarding equipment, the procedures and the work environment.
• Ensures that services are performed in a safe environment in accordance with established guidelines.
• Ensures that equipment maintenance and operation comply with established guidelines.
• Assesses equipment to determine acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Ensures that protocol and procedure manuals include recommended criteria and are reviewed and revised on a regular basis.
• Follows federal and state guidelines to minimize radiation exposure levels.
• The practitioner analyzes information collected during the assessment phase and determines whether changes need to be made to equipment, procedures, or the work environment.
• Assesses whether services, procedures and the work environment meet or exceed established guidelines.
• If not, the practitioner develops an action plan.
• Evaluates equipment to determine if it meets or exceeds established standards.
• If not, the practitioner develops an action plan.
• Analyzes information collected during the assessment phase to determine whether optimal services are being provided.
• If not, the practitioner develops an action plan.
• The practitioner informs patients, the public and other health care providers about procedures, equipment, and facilities.
• Elicits confidence and cooperation from the patient, the public and health care providers by providing timely communication and effective instruction.
• Presents explanations and instructions at the learner's level of understanding and learning style.
• Addresses patient questions about nuclear medicine procedures and radiation safety.
• Educates the public about nuclear medicine procedures and radiation safety.
• The practitioner performs quality assurance activities or acquires information on equipment and materials.
• Performs quality assurance activities based on established quality protocols.
• Provides evidence of ongoing quality assurance activities.
• Performs appropriate quality testing on radiopharmaceuticals prior to administration.
• The practitioner evaluates quality assurance results and establishes an appropriate action plan.
• Compares quality assurance results to established acceptable values.
• Verifies quality assurance testing conditions and results.
• Formulates an action plan following verification of testing.
• Monitors test results to determine variance from quality standards.
• The practitioner implements the quality assurance action plan.
• Obtains assistance from appropriate personnel to implement the quality assurance action plan.
• Implement the quality assurance action plan.
• Stores rejected radiopharmaceuticals and prepares new radiopharmaceuticals properly.
• Employs devices to decrease radiation levels when necessary.
• Uses decontamination procedures when necessary.
• The practitioner assesses the outcome of the quality assurance action plan in accordance with established guidelines.
• Reviews the implementation process for accuracy and validity.
• Determines whether the performance of equipment and materials is safe for practice based on outcomes assessment.
• Develops and implements a modified action plan when testing results are not in compliance with guidelines.
• Evaluates repeat quality testing to determine compliance with acceptable values.
• The practitioner documents quality assurance activities and results.
• Maintains documentation of quality assurance activities, procedures, and results in accordance with established guidelines.
• Provides timely, concise, accurate, and complete documentation.
• Provides documentation that adheres to current protocol, policy, and procedure.
• Documents radiopharmaceutical quality testing procedures and maintains results for inspection.
• Documents instrumentation quality testing procedures and maintains results for review.
• The practitioner strives to provide optimal care to all patients.
• Works with others to elevate the quality of care.
• Participates in quality assurance programs.
• Adheres to the accepted standards, policies, and procedures adopted by the profession and regulated by law.
• Provides the best possible diagnostic study or therapeutic treatment for each patient by applying professional judgment and discretion.
• Anticipates and responds to the needs of the patient.
• The practitioner evaluates personal performance, knowledge, and skills.
• Monitors personal work ethics, behaviors, and attitudes.
• Monitors and evaluates orientation guidelines and recommends improvements or changes as needed.
• Evaluates performance and recognizes opportunities for improvement.
• Recognizes his or her strengths and uses them to benefit patients, coworkers, and the profession.
• Performs procedures only after receiving appropriate education and training.
• Recognizes and takes advantage of opportunities for educational growth and improvement in technical and problem-solving skills.
• Actively participates in professional societies and organizations.
• The practitioner acquires and maintains current knowledge in clinical practice.
• Maintains appropriate credentials and certification related to clinical practice.
• Demonstrates completion of the appropriate education related to clinical practice.
• Participates in educational activities to enhance knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Shares knowledge and expertise with others.
• The practitioner promotes a positive, collaborative practice atmosphere with other members of the health care team.
• Shares knowledge and expertise with colleagues, peers, students, and all members of the healthcare team.
• Develops collaborative partnerships with other healthcare providers in the interest of diagnostic and therapeutic quality and cost effectiveness and safety.
• Instructs health care providers I the safe handling and use of ionizing radiation as it relates to patient care.
• Promotes understanding of nuclear medicine procedures through in-service workshops for other health care providers.
• The practitioner adheres to the profession's accepted Code of Ethics.
• Provides healthcare services with respect for patient's dignity and age-specific needs.
• Acts as a patient advocate to support patients' rights.
• Takes responsibility for professional decisions.
• Delivers patient care and service without bias based on personal attributes, nature of the disease, sex, race, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status.
• Respects the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Adheres to the established practice standards of the profession.
• The practitioner participates in the acquisition, dissemination, and advancement of the professional knowledge base.
• Reads and critically evaluates research in diagnostic and therapeutic services.
• Investigates new, innovative methods and applies them in practice.
• Shares information with colleagues through publication, presentation, and collaborations.
• Pursues lifelong learning.
• Participates in data collection.