Nuclear Medicine Technologist (PRN- Week Days)

SUMMARY: Under general supervision, performs technical work in support of diagnostic nuclear cardiology; administers stress pharmaceuticals and radiopharmaceuticals, operates radiation detectors, scanning detectors and related equipment; provides assistance to produce diagnostic nuclear cardiology exams and supervises lab when acting supervisor is not available.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.      Performs and monitors the full range of Myocardial Perfusion Imaging studies.

a.       Reviews and analyzes any testing issues and recommends or implements solutions.

b.      Responsible for using current data and methods to obtain required results in accordance with Nuclear Cardiology standards.

c.       Evaluates study data to ensure accuracy and quality.

d.      Prepares radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical stress agents for patient administration.

e.       Performs and assures quality control during operation of laboratory and imaging equipment.

f.       Calibrates, adjusts and maintains equipment such as well counters, PET/CT and SPECT camera and dose calibrator.

2. Performs or delegates work requests in relation to patient care.

a.       Identifies self to patient and maintains excellent customer service skills.

b.      Explains procedure and starts IV catheters in patients.

c.       Ensures patient is comfortable during imaging procedure.

d.      Administers radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical stress agents, recognizing and responding to any reaction pertaining to the agent         administered.

e.       Determines and applies technical factors, sets controls and operates equipment.

f.       Performs computer processing and archives clinical data.

g.      Proofreads clinical data acquired during the study.

3. Assures diagnostic quality control of images.

a.       Confers with Nuclear Cardiologists as needed

b.      Advises Nuclear Cardiologist of abnormal scans requiring immediate attention and visualization.

c.       Maintains record of patient pharmaceuticals given, examinations performed, scans taken, patient radiopharmaceutical and dose administered, and results of equipment quality control and calibration.

4. Adheres to radiation safety policies and procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and legal requirements are being met for handling, disposing and ordering of radioactive materials.

5. Maintains and complies with IAC Nuclear/PET accreditation standards.

6. Maintains and complies with the standards of state and national Nuclear Medicine Technologist Licensing Agencies.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodologies of Nuclear Medicine Technology

·         Knowledge of anatomy such as size, shape and variance of structures

·         Verbal and written communication skills

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality

·         Ability to recognize normal and abnormal test results

·         Ability to recognize adverse effects of drugs and radiation

·         Ability to assist lifting incapacitated patients

·         Ability to operate various medical equipment

·         Ability to work as a team member in the Nuclear Medicine Lab, NICS department and all of Medical Clinic of Houston.

EDUCATION, LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION:

1.      Associates degree; supplemented with three years of Nuclear Cardiology experience, PET/CT experience preferred.

2.      Must have certification with the state of Texas and be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear
Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).

3.      CPR certification or obtain within 3 months of hire.