Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Basic Function:
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist under the general supervision of the Director Radiology and Radiologists utilizes radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals to perform or assist in the performance of diagnostic examinations including radionuclide imaging of organs and organ systems of patient dynamic studies assays of body fluids and tissues and radioassays.

Requirements:
Must be a high school graduate or equivalent and certified by either the ARRT or N.M.T.C.B. in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Previous experience in Nuclear Medicine is desirable.

Responsibilities:
Prepares appropriate dosages of radiopharmaceuticals in preparation for diagnostic procedures. Calculates amount and volume of activity to be administered following prescribed procedures according to information on age weight and examination.
Administers the dose of radiopharmaceuticals to patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures either intravenously* (where legally permitted) or orally or by inhalation.
Receives patients and explains procedure to them in order to obtain cooperation and allay anxieties during performance or procedure. Records any observations that may contribute additional information in the evaluation of test results i.e. pregnancy incontinency surgery interfering medications etc. Reviews and abstracts data from patients chart. Places the patient on the examination table and explains as necessary positioning and instrumentation operating characteristics time to complete testing etc.
Operates imaging equipment and related accessories. (Multiformatting devices computers etc. for routine studies. Sets up imaging devices for studies in accordance with prescribed procedures. Performs standard nuclear medicine dynamic and static imaging procedures on patients which includes assisting patients in assuming required anatomical body positions and positioning and adjusting the equipment to encompass the area to be studied. The Technologist adjusts controls on equipment in accordance with the prescribed procedures to produce information of required diagnostic quality. May consult with staff professionals to obtain information concerning patients physical condition preliminary diagnosis and care in order to take these factors into account while performing diagnostic procedures. Evaluates needs and performs special positioning of examination techniques certain technicalities or additional views when necessary or as requested by the Nuclear Medicine Physician or both.
Communicates physicians written interpretation of tests when indicated to designate hospital personnel. Schedules patients for Nuclear Medicine examinations in absence of secretary. Assists in maintaining current inventory of routine laboratory supplies and orders supplies in coordination with supervisor. Maintains work areas in clean and orderly condition and ensures that examination rooms are properly supplied equipped and operational before examination.
Performs quality control procedures on all instruments including tests of uniformity and resolution to ensure that all equipment is in proper working order. Records status and results of instrument checks in appropriate log book. Checks operation of survey and monitoring devices.
Performs venipuncture at proper times separates blood components and stores specimens appropriately.
Furnished nurses and outpatients with accurate instructions concerning urine stool and blood collections.
Receives and checks all radionuclide shipments for contamination according to radiation safety regulations. Performs various tasks associated with receiving processing distributing and storing radioactive materials. Dispose of radioactivity and contaminated materials in accordance with departmental hospital and federal regulations maintaining records of all depositions.
Adheres to the policies and procedures outlined in the Exposure Control Manual regarding; universal precautions bloodborne pathogen exposure disposal of needles syringes and sharps clean up procedures for blood and body fluid spills storage handling and disposal of medical waste.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment is utilized when performing a task or responsibility associated with this position which represents a potential occupational risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
The staff member demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical psychosocial educational and safety related criteria appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned service area. The skills and knowledge