NUCLEAR MED TECHNOLOGIST

Reporting to the Nuclear Medicine Chief Technologist and under the direction of the authorized users in accordance with NRC guidelines, performs routine and advanced nuclear medicine procedures on designated portions of the body for use by physicians in the diagnosing and treating of patient illness and/or injury. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission and values.

Principle Accountabilities

1. Performs Nuclear Medicine procedures 

• Performs all the duties of the Nuclear Medicine Technologist using universal precautions and protective equipment for biological and radioactive safety
• Performs all diagnostic procedures requiring the use of radioactive isotopes
• Calculates dosages and dispension of radioactive nuclides as prescribed
• Operates all gamma cameras to produce graphic displays of major body organs anatomy and functionality
• Operates uptake equipment
• Operates well counter
• Explains and prepares patients for Nuclear Medicine procedure to be performed, positions patient appropriately, and provides care/support to the patient throughout the procedure

2. Performs Quality Control surveys 

• Performs and records all required daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality control procedures on specified equipment to ensure correct and accurate operation to include all gamma cameras, thyroid probe, and hot lab equipment
• Performs and records daily quality control procedures on refrigerator and crash cart

3. Regulatory Functions

• Documents in compliance with NRC regulations for surveys, delivery, disposal and dosing information
• Maintains accurate records for materials he/she is responsible for handling
• Performs all required surveys to ensure compliance of radiation standards of the department, State, and NRC
• Assesses, prepares, records, and administers radiopharmaceuticals according to departmental, State, and NRC guidelines

4. Departmental Operations 

• Screens patient prior to the procedure for any precautions or contraindications pertaining to the procedure
• Administers radiopharmaceuticals via intravenous method utilizing sterile technique
• Adjusts scan parameters appropriately as needed, utilizing dose reduction techniques
• Supervises and teaches students using proper radiation safety and universal precautions including the use of protective equipment and principles as outlined in the department and hospital policies
• Demonstrate safety-related work behaviors to ensure safe job performance and the maintenance of a safe work environment as an integral part of the quality of patient care services
• Competent to care for patient age groups including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric
• Reports any isotope misadministration or contamination to the Radiation Safety Officer, and Chief Technologist or Director
• Troubleshoots when possible, and reports any issues to Chief Tech, Radiology Manager, or Director Radiology
• Communicates to Chief Technologist when supply levels are low

5. Demonstrates commitment to professional growth and competence 

• Develops working relationships that are characterized by mutual support, open communication, trust and respect
• Accepts suggestions for change or growth in a positive, self-development manner
• Projects positive image of self and hospital when dealing with physicians, other departments, patients, families and visitors
• Assesses own skills knowledge and identifies personal objective in order to improve overall performance as well as to enhance professional growth

Employee is required to sit, stand and walk frequently. Employee must lift/carry a light (1-20 lbs.) load frequently. Employee may be required to lift over 100 lbs. with assistance occasionally. Employee is frequently required to bend, squat, kneel, climb, lift at waist to overhead. Employee is frequently required to reach forward and reach overhead. For repetitive action, employee is required to use both hands for simple grasping and pushing/pulling. Employee is frequently exposed to computer work. 

(Occasionally:  1-33%, Frequently:  34-66%, Continuously:  67-100%) 

The most significant of duties are included but this does not exclude occasional work assignments not mentioned or developmental duties.  

Graduate of an accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology program required
Current NM certification from ARRT(N) or NMTCB required
Basic Life Support (BLS) required, or to be completed by end of orientation period