Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

Under the direction of a Radiologist, performs a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgment and initiative in the utilization of radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis of disease in humans. Assumes responsibility for designated areas of procedures and/or may be assigned duties as an instructor in areas of specific competence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintains positive and professional atmosphere for patients. Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary in order to interact effectively with patients who may be under physical or emotional stress.
• Practices sterile technique and prevents cross contamination. Maintains orderliness and cleanliness.
• Verify patient identification, last menstrual period and written orders for examination.
• Checking for contraindications and obtaining pertinent history.
• Assuring informed consent has been obtained.
• Explaining the procedure to the patient.
• Waiting an appropriate length of time after the administration of a radiopharmaceutical to begin the procedure.
• Maintaining an adequate volume of supplies and radiopharmaceuticals to ensure that a patient procedure may be performed when needed.
• Determining the appropriate sequence for multiple procedure requests.
• Maintains adequate records of radiopharmaceutical receipts, use, storage and disposal in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Assists in equipment calibration and radiopharmaceutical assay operation.
• Transfers and properly positions patients for examination.
• Selects proper technical factors.
• Prints images appropriately
• Assists physicians in performance of examinations by preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals to patients under the direction of a radiologist.
• Reports equipment failure/malfunction to service provider as well as informing Manager.
• Development and revision of procedural guidelines in collaboration with authorized user.
• Serves on the Radiation Safety Committee.
• Labeling and segregating radioactive waste and recording this information in a permanent record.
• Labeling container with the radiopharmaceutical, hour, date, expiration time and radiation symbol.
• Selecting and preparing prescribed dosages and entering this information on the patient’s administration form and other permanent records.
• Labeling the dose for administration.
• Checking the dose activity prior to administration in a dose calibrator and comparing this measurement against the identification label of the dose’s immediate container.
• Observing prescribed radiation safety procedures during the preparation and administration of such treatment.
• Notifying appropriate authority when changes occur in the radiation safety program.
• Assisting in the preparation of license amendments.
• Packaging radioactive material according to regulations and keeping adequate records of transfer.
• Using personnel monitoring devices.
• Ensuring that instruments are calibrated at regular intervals or alter repairs according to regulations.
• Performing constancy checks on survey meters.
• Performs decontamination procedures.
• Works collaboratively with the Radiation Safety Office and contracted physicist goup.
• Uses patient handling equipment appropriate to the needs of the individual patient in keeping with the Safe Patient and Handling and Movement Policy.
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school graduate
• CNMT certified
• State of Maine license
• At least one year full time experience in clinical Nuclear Medicine or satisfactory completion of a formal training program in Nuclear Medicine
• BLS
• Knowledge of broad range of Nuclear Medicine procedures

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Moderate: Lifts up to 25 pounds independently. Push/Pull 100 pounds. Stands or walks often. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.