Nuclear Med Tech

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Under the general supervision of the Manager, Medical Imaging, performs the routine clinical studies and the daily supportive work necessary to facilitate Nuclear Medicine patient studies and assists the Radiology physicians or Nuclear Cardiologists in the daily operations of the Nuclear Medicine Program. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the adult and geriatric patient and adapt their care to the physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs. Fosters patient and family centered care and nursing services in accordance with the Brown University Health and The Miriam Hospital's mission, vision, values, with consideration of the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

Responsibilities:

• Schedules and performs patient studies and analysis as outlined in the department procedure manual with any special instructions from the Nuclear Medicine Manager, Radiology Physicians or Nuclear Cardiologists.
• Can operate and navigate all pertinent IS software related to job functions such as MAK, Syngo, PACS, Lifelinks, etc.
• Proficiently operates all gamma cameras, uptake units, dose calibrator, well counter, survey meters, RIS computers, acquisition and processing workstations, xenon delivery system, EKG machines, imager and all other equipment pertinent to the job.
• Processes images and inputs required information in PACS system. Verifies images in PACS system for radiologist review. Properly bills patients for supplies. Ensures that the correct codes and the correct number of codes are applied to the patient's account.
• Performs daily quality assurance on imaging and monitoring instruments according to department procedures. Notifies Nuclear Medicine Manager of any irregularities.
• Performs daily wipe tests on incoming radiopharmaceuticals; unpacks and logs incoming packages according to department procedures; prepares radiopharmaceutical kits for patient studies.
• Dispenses, calibrates and administers radioactive dosages while maintaining accurate records of clinical radiopharmaceutical acquisition usage. Orders daily radiopharmaceuticals. Practices good radiation safety as prescribed in Radiation Safety Manual.
• Performs proper disposal of decayed radioactive material and keeps accurate records as to its destination and activity.
• May be responsible for: informing Service Representative of equipment problems and following up on repairs, ordering department supplies, performing mandatory camera quality control tests, including but not limited to C.O.R., uniformity, resolution and sensitivity floods at their proper time intervals established by the department, assisting with department accreditation process.
• May perform quarterly linearity tests on the dose calibrator and other state-required tests. Performs weekly department area wipe tests.
• Transports patients to and from the department, as needed. Performs housekeeping duties in hot lab, procedure rooms and injection rooms, as needed.
• May be responsible for training new staff and students. Performs other duties appropriate to the department's goals, as assigned by the Nuclear Medicine Manager as well as maintaining established hospital/department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Maintains level of knowledge of and expertise in the professional disciplines and educational methodologies by continuing professional development and participating in ongoing independent study, education-related professional activities and affiliations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Basic Knowledge:

• Completion of formal training in an approved School of Nuclear Medicine Technology.
• Maintains current license to practice in the State of Rhode Island.
• Must hold current Nuclear Medicine ARRT or CNMT certification.
• The interpersonal skills necessary to interface effectively with patients in order to allay their fears and anxieties, visitors and Hospital staff of all levels.
• The knowledge and physical ability to operate nuclear medicine equipment.
• The analytical ability to calculate and prepare radiopharmaceuticals appropriate to the proscribed procedure and patient.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and sensitivity to cultural diversity in each step of the care process.
• Attention to detail necessary to maintain meticulous nuclear medicine record-keeping.

Experience:

• Requires up to 3 to 6 months on-the-job orientation to become familiar with job responsibilities.
• Healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals, physicians' offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises. Works with medical equipment and has direct patient contact.
• Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions including use safety equipment and protective clothing.
• Walks and stands intermittently throughout the day. Subject to electrical and energy hazards. May lift and position patients and lift supplies up to 50 pounds.