Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Full Time

Company: Advocate Health
Location: Downers Grove
Posted on: April 19, 2024

Job Description:

Major Responsibilities:

• Accountable for the performance and documentation of all diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine procedures utilizing proper technical parameters in order to produce quality studies.
  • 10)Updates both outpatient and inpatient schedules, to include the main department, nuclear cardiology and mobile PET, for the following day and orders radiopharmaceuticals for the corresponding procedures.
  • 5)Maintain patient records and obtain appropriate medical history and clinical information.
  • 6)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.
  • 7)Responsible for computer processing to include, but not limited to, cardiac procedures, spect procedures, renal procedures.
  • 8)Responsible for capturing appropriate exam charges and start/completed times within the HIS/RIS Computer System.
  • 9)Ensures that the Physician orders, procedures and scanned documents sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure.
  • 1)Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizie and support devices as needed to perform procedures. Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient's condition to obtain quality images to provide to the radiologist.
  • 2)Identifies each patient correctly prior to an exam proceedure being performed , using two forms of identification , as indicated by the established Time Out protocol.
  • 3)Monitors patients during scanning and communicates extensively, using AIDET, with patients before, during and after their exam to assure their comfort and cooperation. Provides explanation of delay for testing to patients who are waiting past their scheduled test times. Demonstrates good oral communications skills with patients, fellow associates, physicians, and administration. Adhers to Standards of Behavior.
  • 4)Measures and records the radioactive dosage prescribed for a patient with a dose calibrator.
  • Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.
    • 1)Maintains compliance with established safety standards to protect patients and staff at all times.
    • 2)Verifies inpatient and outpatient orders, as established by the Time Out Protocol
    • 3)Assures accuracy of exam performed and requistion.
    • 4)Performs clerical duties such as maintining adequate patient records, making copies, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patient in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services.
    • 5)Operates Nuclear Medicine equipment safely as required.
    • 6)Maintains necessary records for compliance with governing regulations.
    • 7)Maintains supplies and cleanliness for entire Nuclear Medicine department
    • 8)Practices and conforms to all hospital infection control policies as set by the Universal Protocol guidelines.
    • 9)Adherence to proper hand washing technique
    • 10)Always wear gloves when handling patients and radiopharmaceuticals
    • Coordination of quality control areas.
      • 1)Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established department procedures. Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.
      • 2)Checks images to assure optimal quality is attained and correct image labeling is provided to meet ACR guidelines.
      • 3)Ensures the exams are routinely completed in a timely fashion. STAT exams to be completed within critical value/testing guidelines.
      • 4)Prepares nuclear medicie suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies as required.
      • 5)Monitors inventory of supplies and linen to ensure an adequate level is available for overall departmental usage.
      • Accountable for adhering to all Illinois Emergency Management Agency IEMA) and Nuclear Medciine Department polcies and procedures.
        • 1)Provides radition protection to patients, staff and environment. Follows guidelines of ALARA.
        • 2)Wear film badges and rings to monitor radiation exposure.
        • 3)Adheres to pregnacny/breastfeeding verification guidelines to women of child bearing age.
        • Accountable for the proper operation of all nuclear medcine equipment.
          • 1)Promptly reports equipment, radiopharmaceutical, or operation problems to supervising technologist, manager/director of diagnostic imaging or radiologist.
          • 2)Routinely uses Geiger counter in surveying rooms, equipment and technologists for radiation protection.
          • 3)Perform quality control tests daily to verify standardization testing of Nuclear Medicine equipment.
          • 4)Assists the department supervisor in the documentation and collection of quality assurance information.
          • Participation in problem-solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartament relationships and employee morale.
          • Presenting and maintaining a professional standard.
            • 3)Observes hospital/department guidelines concerning dress,display of name badge,radiation badge, presenting a professional appearance appropriate to the work environment.
            • 4)Avoids excessive absenteeism/tardiness so that attendance does not warrant repeated formal disciplinary action and/or disrupt department productivity.
            • 5)Compliance with Established Regulatory Standards, IDPH, IEMA, ACR, EPA and OSHA standards and or regulations is essential
            • 1)Maintains positive "guest relations" and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.
            • 2)Presents a consistently pleasant and cooperative demeanor to fellow associates and supervisor.
            • Rotates Emergency Call.Education/Experience Required:
              • Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine New grads accepted Good oral and communication skills.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
                • Knowledge of HIS system Basic knowledge of RIS systems Computer skills. IV skills.
                • IEMA license in Medical Radiation Technology CPR certified within 30 days of date of hirePhysicial Requirements and Working Conditions:
                  • Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week. Must be able to take call on a rotational basis. Must be able to make independent professional decisions pertaining to high quality patient care Must have a high degree of technical skills Must be able to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities Must be conscientious in practicing high quality patient care Position requires frequent movement of patients involving lifting, pulling, bending, and stooping. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints. May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening disease. Radiation exposure. Must be able to deal with extremely ill patients. This position can recognize needs and behaviors of the following age groups: pediatric (newborn, toddler, school-age), adolescent, adult, older adult. Evidence of this can be shown by recognizing levels of development and modifying approach and exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses.
                  • If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Keywords: Advocate Health, Carol Stream , Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Full Time, Healthcare , Downers Grove, Illinois