Nuclear Medicine Technologist - PRN

SUMMARY: Under general supervision of Medical and Radiation Oncologists, the Nuclear Medicine Technologist provides PET and Bone Densitometry exams as prescribed by the Medical and Radiation Oncologists and in accordance with established procedures. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is also responsible to ensure proper patient care and treatment, and assist coworkers in addressing patient needs, workflow and potential problems in order to ensure smooth operation of Radiology services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Nuclear Medicine Technologist Duties
• Participates in CT, PET/CT and Bone Densitometry scanning as necessary to maintain competency and ensure quality of care during operating hours.
• Monitors imaging and reviews images, ensuring exams are done timely.
• Assists with the development of radiology policies and procedures to enhance workflow and accuracy of exams.
• Serves as contact for Radiation and Medical Oncologists, Radiologists, Radiology staff, and others working with Radiology.
• Clinical Practice
• Performs ordered examinations of appropriate anatomical regions in accordance with accepted standards of practice and protocols of the individual site reading physician.
• Determine appropriate imaging parameters
• Administer PET radiopharmaceuticals.
• Position the patient and obtain images
• Perform data collection, processing and analysis of images
• Maintains patient care, comfort and safety during the exam.
• Maintains technical competency through continued education.
• Under guidance and approval of the Radiologist, administers contrast agents and/or radiopharmaceuticals according to site specific protocols.
• The safe handling and documentation of PET radiopharmaceuticals.
• Radiation Safety: Involves practicing techniques that will minimize radiation exposure to the patient, health care personnel, and general public. Practice ALARA principles and establish protocols for managing spills and unplanned releases of radiation.
• Exhibits competency in the proper operation and use of all radiology equipment.
• Maintains scheduling of all patients to provide smooth and efficient patient flow with consideration for patient needs.
• Inspects all equipment, monitors equipment and performs quality assurance tests. Follows established procedures relating to: machine warm-ups, service requests, and incident reports. Reports malfunctions and variances to appropriate contacts. Participates in quality assurance and improvement activities as assigned.
• Bills accurately and in a timely manner for exams.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and linen, as needed in each technical area assigned.
• Complies with all applicable safety and health regulations, and center and hospital policies and procedures. Complies with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and body fluids, ionizing radiation, chemical disinfectants, radiology chemicals, metal alloys and other hazardous substances.

• Professional Communication
• Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to all aspects of employment, including patient/family/significant other confidentiality.
• Interacts with patients/family/significant others with a variety of developmental and sociocultural backgrounds.
• Provides information to patients and family/significant others that reduces anxiety and conveys an attitude of acceptance, sensitivity and caring.
• Maintains professional relationships and conveys relevant information to other members of the health care team.
  

Internal Contacts: Physicians, other radiology technologists, secretaries, nursing staff, laboratory staff, billing representatives, etc.

External Contacts: Physicists, vendors, contract maintenance personnel, hospitals, x-ray departments, couriers, pharmacies, laboratories, floor nurses, other physician offices, etc.

• Relays information appropriately over telephones, facsimiles, pagers, and other communication devices, and follows-through as needed.
• Communicates appropriate information to physicians, supervisors, and/or other members of the healthcare team as needed and follows-through on physician orders and requests.

• Teamwork
• Works collaboratively as a health care team member.
• Reports on patient conditions as needed to those who require information, including physicians, lead radiation therapists, and other professional staff (such as medical technologists, chemotherapy nurses, and pharmacists).
• Assists with tasks necessary for the general operation and organization of the Radiation Oncology unit.
• Maintains positive attitude with patients, family/significant others and coworkers.
• Professional Development
• Attends staff meetings and mandatory in-services.
• Participates in continuing education opportunities.
• Obtains necessary certifications and licensure, such as CPR certification and Radiology Technologist, CT Technologist and Nuclear Medicine licenses.
• Contributes to the quality of patient care and participates in quality improvement initiatives.
  

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS: American Registry of Radiologic Technology in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and CT certification (ARRT/RT (CT)(N)) or registry eligible, and/or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board certified (CNMT). Current licensure in the State of Illinois for practice in Radiology, CT and Nuclear Medicine. Current CPR certification or willingness to become certified. Must take EPIC training and successfully pass required tests.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Two to three years of PET/CT experience preferred, one year required. Prefer diagnostic CT certified with minimum one year experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Knowledge of CT and PET procedures, equipment operation, basic Nuclear Medicine physics and safety, and patient care techniques as required through an approved program in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. Ability to function in a sometimes demanding and fast-paced work environment related to changing patient needs, including work with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes and those who are dying. Verbal and written English communication skills for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards. Organization and interpersonal skills. Understands and practices patient confidentiality. A positive attitude towards health care team members and diverse patient populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB: Standing, walking, sitting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, twisting, reaching, handling, kneeling, and wrist and digital dexterity. Patient lifting, ambulating, and transfer of patients in wheelchairs, on gurneys and beds. Speaking, hearing, and visual acuity to assess patients and administer treatments; receive and interpret instructions; communicate with other health care professionals; chart; and operate equipment. Exerting force (frequently up to 10-20 pounds and occasionally more) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including supplies, medical charts, x-rays, treatment aids, etc. Able to support persons (possibly 200 pounds or more) in emergency situations. Able to move quickly from place to place on occasion. Possible driving.

MENTAL DEMANDS: Must be able to work under stress and adapt to changing conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Job duties involve the potential for exposure to blood and body fluids, ionizing radiation, chemical disinfectants, radiology chemicals, and metal alloys. Normal patient care environment.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• HSA Option
• Dental insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Time
• Vision insurance
• 401(K) w/ match & profit sharing
• Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability