Nuclear/CT Technologist - PET Imaging Core

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Nuclear/CT Technologist position is an experienced Technologist who performs a variety of routine to complex Nuclear and CT imaging and laboratory procedures of moderate to high difficulty. This position is a member of the direct patient care team, fully competent, licensed and certified in all aspects of both CT and Nuclear Medicine imaging. In addition to general nuclear medicine procedures, the Nuclear/CT Technologist position performs CT angiographic procedures and administration of radiographic contrast. This position works independently exercising sound judgment and executing above average clinical skills on challenging diagnostic procedures and patient care situations. The Nuclear/CT Technologist position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to radiation standards and guidelines established by radiology agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Guides and mentors staff and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities, including instructs Nuclear Medicine and CT technology students.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs CT (to include cardiac CT where applicable) examination to provide cross-sectional images and complex data processing of images for determining medical treatment and diagnosis. Provides in-depth and complete case synthesis of patient files to promote expedited and timely interpretations by physicians

• Performs the duties associated with the operation of the nuclear pharmacy as defined in the Radiotherapy Policy and Procedure.

• Provides care for the physical needs of patients by executing various nuclear and CT imaging scan concepts to maximize performance. This includes: positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, and technical factors. Modifies technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizes complications / limitations associated with certain procedures. Proactively identifies how to address these for optimum outcomes.

• Schedules nuclear & CT imaging procedures appropriately and performs other administrative tasks related to the development of new diagnostic procedures and/or imaging areas as assigned. Moves between modalities as needed for the most efficient and effective service and outcomes.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows radiation safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures accordingly. Properly utilizes patient radiation protection and immobilization during diagnostic procedures.

• Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job, departmental and hospital safety standards, practices and policies.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. Assists with implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives and standards of practice. Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly into documentation system to improve processes and identify trends.

• Ensures all imaging equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Technologist.

• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below

• Bachelors degree preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years' experience as a CT and/or Nuclear Medicine Technologist, of which two years of experience must be as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist

License/Certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• CMRT - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - State Licensure -- Registration as a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT-GC) thru the Texas Medical Board AND
• ARRT-R - Radiologic Technologist - Radiographer (ARRT) AND
• ARRT-CT - Radiologic Technologist - Computed Tomography (ARRT) OR
• ARRT-MR - Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) OR
• ARRT-M - Radiologic Technologist - Mammography (ARRT) OR
• ARRT-N - Radiologic Technologist - Nuclear Medicine Tech (ARRT) OR
• ARRT-VI - Radiologic Technologist - Vascular Interventional Radiography (ARRT) OR
• CNMT - Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB) OR
• NMTCB(CT) - Computed Tomography Certification (NMTCB) AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KSA/ Supplemental Data

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments

• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging / difficult diagnostic procedures and patient care situations; demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average clinical skills

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of Nuclear cardiology/CT cardiology cross sectional anatomy

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of SPEC/CT equipment capabilities; adjusts techniques and parameters as necessary to obtain high quality results; demonstrates the ability to operate all scanners

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.