TITLE: Nuclear Medicine Technologist
DEPARTMENT: Radiology
REPORTS TO: Manager of Radiology
Job Objective:
Under the direction of the Manager of Radiology the Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs all diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures using radiopharmaceuticals, with latitude for independent judgment and initiative.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
1. Performs all Invivo diagnostic Nuclear Medicine procedures.
2. Performs all in vitro diagnostic Nuclear Medicine procedures.
4. Receives and records receipt of Radiopharmaceuticals from suppliers.
5. Sets up and elutes Technetium from molybdenum generator.
6. Prepares Technetium pharmaceuticals from kits.
7. Labels patient WBC with Indium or Technetium.
8. Labels patient RBC with Technetium.
9. Prepares radiopharmaceuticals for administration by intravenous injection, ingestion and inhalation.
10. Implements administration of physician-ordered radiopharmaceuticals.
11. Assists physician in administration of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.
12. Operates all equipment in the Nuclear Medicine Department including total body and SPECT cameras, computers, GE Infinia/Axis and other gamma detection devices including survey meters and well counter.
13. Prepares radioactive wastes for disposal.
14. Observes all State, Federal and Radioactive Materials License regulations.
15. Observes Radiation Safety procedures and ALARA.
16. Assists radiologists with intravenous administrations, maintains records required by radioactive materials license.
17. Maintains patient records.
18. Obtains patient history and clinical information data for correlation with imaging procedures.
19. Processes exams, archives, and develops studies.
20. Works dependently and independently of others, as needed.
21. Uses good judgment in all areas of work performed.
22. Demonstrates knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors of age specific groups.
23. Participates in age-specific and special needs educational training programs and demonstrates proficient competence in the material.
24. Practices cost-containment measures.
25. Orders radioactive materials.
26. Complies with the policies and procedures established by the Director of Clinical and Diagnostic Services, Medical Director and Radiation Safety Officer.
27. Covers calls/standby hours according to department needs.
28. Accepts on-call responsibilities.
Non-Essential Duties:
Assembles pertinent patient information for Radiologist’s interpretation. Performs various clinical duties, as needed.
Transports patients from Medical Imaging procedures, as needed.
Performs various clerical duties, as necessary.
Schedules studies.
Answers telephones.
Prepares and distributes daily schedule.
Correlates Nuclear Medicine studies with other diagnostic studies.
Rotates shifts and days, as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge
Knowledge of all diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine studies approved for routine use in Radioactive Materials License.
Knowledge of EKG equipment and recognize R-wave.
Knowledge of supplies needed for Nuclear Medicine procedures.
Knowledge of proper radiation protection.
Knowledge of Federal and State regulations pertaining to Radioactive Materials license.
Knowledge of anatomical positioning and physiology.
Skills
Demonstrated skill in maintaining professional relationships with patients, visitors, physicians, and staff.
Good communication skills
Skill in working well with others.
Skill with attention to detail.
Abilities
Ability to perform SPECT procedures.
Ability to prepare radiopharmaceutical kits according to manufacturer’s specification.
Ability to perform intravenous injections and establish intravenous line.
Ability to recognize life-threatening situations and initiate life support measures.
Ability to plan assignment area for patients in Nuclear Medicine Section.
Ability to coordinate appointment schedule.
Ability to recognize and report Nuclear Medicine equipment failures.
Ability to troubleshoot all equipment.
Ability to work all diagnostic equipment in the Nuclear Medicine Department.
Ability to operate Unit Dose Manager.
Ability to evaluate Nuclear Medicine studies for technical excellence.
Ability to perform workload in a timely manner.
Values: All employees will effectively demonstrate these values:
Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone. Success is about the whole team.
Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.
Education and Experience:
Education
High school Diploma or Equivalent
Completion of AMA approved Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
Experience
1-2 years previous Nuclear Medicine Technologist experience in a hospital setting, preferred.
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
Current License issued by California Department of Public Health (All scopes defined in Section 30533, Plus Venipuncture).
Nuclear Medicine Certification Board (NMTCB) or ARRT (N) or pass (NMTCB) exam within 12 months of hire date (this is a condition of employment).
Current BLS certification
Conduct/Compliance Expectations:
Ability to adhere with Attendance and Punctuality Policy
Ability to adhere with Leaves of Absence Policy
Ability to adhere with Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
Ability to adhere to the department dress code
Ability to organize work and establish priorities
Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards
Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff
Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations
Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties
Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures
Conforms with required and appropriate accreditation and regulatory requirements
Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines
Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education
Display a willingness to work as a team player
Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times
Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the Board of Directors
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its established policies.
Ability to follow the Code of Conduct
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Work performed in the Medical Imaging Department Rehab Department, and at patient’s bedside.
Exposure to radioactive materials.
Work often performed under conditions of stress.
