Nuclear Medicine Tech

Major Responsibilities:
Technologists are responsible for accurately performing defined diagnostic procedures as requested by referring physicians, in accordance with a written order, in a timely manner.

• 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.
• Confirms appropriateness of exam and obtains a written order prior to start.
• Educates and explains procedure to the patient and/or primary caregiver as part of patient preparation.
• Obtains relevant patient history.
• Operates digital imaging systems to acquire graphic data.
• Responds to pre‑scheduled, STAT, on‑call (after appropriate screening by Nuclear Medicine physician) within prescribed intervals as dictated by protocol. Maintains a safe, organized and efficient work environment.
• Assesses patient condition and implements appropriate patient care guidelines and procedures, as well as noting special armbands or doctors orders.
• Insures patient and blood identification in studies where tagged blood cells or other blood products are used by having a coworker double‑check patients’ .
• Insures patient and fellow associate safety by maintaining department orderliness and cleanliness per regulations and infection control policies.
• Complies with established radiation safety standards, OSHA safety standards, and IEMA regulations.
• Controls exposure from radioactive sources by using appropriate shielding and storing materials in a limited access controlled area.
• Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions and initiates course of repairs in a timely manner by either notifying a charge technologist or the supervisor.
• Reports inventory depletion to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Performs quality controls as indicated by the state (IEMA) maintaining current calibration records of the dose calibrators, imaging equipment, counting equipment, and gamma survey meters.
• Performs daily survey and weekly wipe tests to identify and remove contamination, if any. Maintains complete records or receipt, disposition, and disposal of materials as indicated by the Department of Nuclear Safety and Accrediting Organization.
• Logs all inventory on receipt including wipe tests and meter survey results.
• Dispenses doses, records the amount administered including time and patient name.
• Records disposal of administered doses and returns to vendor after holding the remainder of doses in storage, if necessary.
• Records disposition of radioactive waste material. Performs clerical duties required to capture charges, maintain required recordkeeping and facilitates physician reporting.
• Makes entries into computerized Nuclear Medicine management system which includes scheduling patient procedures, ordering doses, allocation and disposition of radiopharmaceuticals, surveys, wipe tests, calibrations, and other pertinent information.
• Tracks all correct and pertinent charge codes into the Radiology Information System.
• Documents patient procedure, date, time and dose of radiopharmaceuticals administered, pertinent history and assessment by correctly filling out the patient history sheet and using hospital acceptable abbreviations. Interacts with physicians, nurses, and other personnel (interdepartmental or otherwise) to coordinate and document patient procedures.
• Communicates with nurses to insure appropriate patient preparation and special requirements for patient care while in the department.
• Cooperates with other units such as CT, Ultrasound, MRI, PT, X‑Ray, Vascular Lab, Heart Station, etc. to expedite completion of all procedures.
• Documents completion of procedures. Provides training to new employees, students, and technical assistance to physicians, residents, and fellows. Maintains professional competence by attending in‑service presentations,…