Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Description

This range is provided by Advocate Health Care. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$40.30/hr - $60.45/hr

Major Responsibilities:
Determination of appropriate image scan technique and position for patient using immobilization and support devices.

• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.
• Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to tactfully perform procedures.
• Responsible for capturing appropriate exam charges, updates to procedure files, reimbursement codes, etc., with the HIS/RIS Computer System, and checks daily log to see that day's exams have been appropriately completed.
• Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality images.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and procedural adjunctive medication by proper route per clinician prescription and according to approved exam parameters.

Competently performs venipuncture and placement of peripheral IV catheters for medication administration.

Accesses other vascular access devices, as determined by department training and need.

Follows correct procedures for handling radioactive materials.

Understands and implements ALARA measures.

Maintains accurate records of pharmaceutical doses.

• Ensures that procedures sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure. Coordination of quality control areas in both N.M. and PET to ensure optimal quality.
• Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures. Partnering with other disciplinaries to provide timely exams as needed for that patient. Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.
• Performs quality control activities as directed by IEMA on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis.
• Any equipment failure must be immediately labeled and called into Biomed for maintenance.
• Checks film quality to assure optimal quality is attained and correct film labeling is provided for each and every image.
• Prepares N.M. suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies as required.
• Studies are acquired with appropriate scanning and CT protocols.
• Prepares isotopes as prescribed by the radiologists within the IEMA guidelines. In the PET area, injectors will be utilized to reduce occupational exposure. Provision of instruction and orientation to new technologists to effectively participate in the assessment of their performance reviews.
• Supports peers in need of assistance with specific procedures.
• Provides direction and instruction to new hires. Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.
• Operates safely nuclear and PET equipment as required to maintain a safe environment for patients and maintain occupational radiation exposures - ALARA.
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness of all areas within the department on a daily basis.
• Assures accuracy of exam performed and requisition.
• Performs clerical duties such as maintaining adequate patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patient in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services. Provision of competencies to the non-technical staff in order to maintain IEMA compliance.
• Attends in services by the physician to ensure competence is maintained.
• Maintains annual competencies:
  Nuclear Equipment Participation in problem-solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships, and employee morale.
• Maintains current ARRT (N) or NMTBC certification, CPR, and state accreditations.
• Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.

Education/Experience

Required:

Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine. New grads accepted. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

Knowledge of HIS system, Basic knowledge of RIS systems, PACS,…