Cert Nuclear Med Tech/RAD

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Department: PET Scan

Position is located: Lafayette Building

Work Type: Full Time

FTE: 40 Hours/Week

Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned

** This position is eligible for a $5,000 sign on bonus for Techs with less than 2 years exp or $10,000 for Techs with 2+ years exp (minus tax).

Paid out incrementally with work commitment **

Summary :

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for coordinating the patient flow to obtain requested imaging studies in a fast-paced environment. This is achieved through order verification, Quality Assurance of the imaging equipment, proper patient identification and obtaining appropriate imaging following approved policies and protocols. This is to include proper patient preparation and education which may begin prior to the patient arrival. The technologist may be involved in part of a procedural team. The technologist will treat patients of all age groups which includes infancy, pediatrics, adults and geriatrics. The technologist must be knowledgeable of age specific protocols. The Technologist must be flexible to cover a variety of shifts in both PETCT and Nuclear Imaging with weekend, holiday and non-restricted call duties as required.

Responsibilities :

• Demonstrates initiative by seeking assignments when the assigned area is not busy. Performs other work of the department as needed.
  
• Demonstrates continuous cooperativeness with the supervisor's instructions and co-workers. Voluntarily assists co-workers. Promotes positive morale. Cooperates with all personnel in the proper conduct of the department.
  
• Wears radiation monitoring devices in accordance with State regulations and the organization's ALARA program.
  
• Strives to improve interdepartmental and intradepartmental communications to promote total quality care of the patient. Evaluates current processes and recommends changes to supervisor and/or Director that will improve operations.
  
• Maintains a calm, knowledgeable demeanor; keeps composure under stressful situations.
  
• Conforms to accepted professional standards of attitude and behavior. Communicates a professional image through non-verbal behavior, cleanliness, and proper department attire. Collaborates effectively all physicians, hospital personnel, with department staff and customers.
  
• Remains flexible and willingly accepts changes in assignments, scheduled working hours, etc.
  
• Assists in the orientation and training of students and new employees.
  
• Makes timely and appropriate decisions and acts through empowerment to handle situations to resolution and/or refers to appropriate person when necessary. Channels suggestions, criticisms, and questions to appropriate person in a constructive manner.
  
• Minimizes patient delays and is flexible when calling for inpatients to ensure the exam room is ready upon the patient's arrival. Makes a deliberate effort to meet the clinical requests of all providers.
  
• Communicates effectively, giving attention to the physical comfort, privacy and sensitivity to patient's needs utilizing service recovery as appropriate. Uses proper grammar and terminology. Establishes a rapport with the patients using language appropriate to the age of the listener.
  
• Provides a clean and orderly work area. Arranges for equipment maintenance when needed. Ensures availability of emergency supplies in each exam room. Restocks supplies as needed.
  
• Reports and files all patient incidents and HIPAA compliance reports immediately within the online system.
  
• Coordinates patient care activities with other sections of the department and other patient care areas. Provides patient preps when needed. Assists with patient transport when necessary. Notifies the appropriate personnel to release/return the patient upon completion of their procedure.
  
• Takes ownership for determining customer needs and offering ways to help. Interacts effectively with patients and families to promote customer satisfaction. Practices service recovery. Anticipates and alleviates situations which could result in patient/customer complaints. Provides a copy of the CRG letter as required. Encourages patient feedback.
  
• Follows manufacturer's instructions for the safe preparation of radiopharmaceuticals under the direct supervision of an authorized user in compliance with State regulations. Performs QC (chromatography) when necessary.
  
• Is familiar with NRC/State regulations, the location of related files and the License. May be asked to assist with State Radiation Control Program inspection.
  
• Follows safe handling of equipment and radioactive materials procedures per department directive.
  
• Follows Federal, State and institutional guidelines for the proper receipt of radiopharmaceuticals.
  
• Works within the guidelines of the organization's ALARA program to protect patients and personnel from radiation hazards.
  
• Draws patient doses in accordance with department protocols and monitors all patient doses in the dose calibrator prior to administration.
  
• Maintains documentation as required by State and Federal regulations and other agencies as needed.
  
• Verifies patient identification by two methods and documents patient verified on tech completion in electronic medical record.
  
• Ensures that a Licensed Practitioner has ordered the exam via electronic, written order or verbal confirmation. Ensures that the clinical indication is pertinent to the exam requested and seeks clarification of unclear orders from physician or supervisor. Matches written order with exam requisition, modifying information to ensure accuracy.
  
• Verifies and documents the LMP information and seeks radiologist's assistance when response is not within department guidelines.
  
• Prepares, labels, administers, stores, transports between locations within the hospital and disposes of radioactive materials in accordance with License requirements and institutional policies. Packages used dose syringes for return to radiopharmacy per institutional and State regulations.
  
• Follows sterile, aseptic IV puncture technique.
  
• Selects and operates appropriate equipment for the procedure requested. Produces quality images with few repeats on patients of all age groups, is knowledgeable for care and age- related equipment.
  
• In conjunction with the RSO, participates in annual testing and calibration of equipment in accordance with Federal/State and ACR regulations/guidelines. Performs daily, monthly, and quarterly QC testing of nuclear medicine equipment.
  
• Ensures quality and continuity of patient care by proper use of the PACS system with accurate data input which includes; patient medical record number and request accession numbers. Accurately enters patient data into imaging systems.
  
• Is able to access images and reports in PACS. If a designated PACS Super user, can demonstrate an ability to perform all tasks involved in completing this process ensuring all studies are stored in the PACS system.
  
• Determines that consent forms have been obtained when indicated.
  
• Participates in section specific and hospital wide patient PI/QI initiatives.
  
• Ensures the security of radioactive materials and locks the hot lab, radioactive storage area when unattended. Restricts access to the radioactive materials area to authorized staff only.
  
• Evaluates finished images for quality, adherence to department protocols, artifacts, etc. Marks images with appropriate anatomical markers, patient information and technologist initials.
  
• Operates within the framework of existing department policies and procedures. Following department protocols, performs imaging and therapeutic procedures within established time frames. Determines that consent forms have been obtained when indicated.
  
• Enters patient data into the hot lab computer.
  
• Applies techniques of good body mechanics while performing job tasks.
  
• Informs the supervisor concerning equipment malfunctions and other problems.
  
• Obtains urgent readings as necessary ensuring results are communicated to the ordering clinician.
  
• Follows the organization infection control policies and guidelines for Universal Precautions.
  
• Uses equipment conscientiously to reduce waste and damage. Checks expiration dates of all supplies (radioactive and non radioactive) regularly and prior to use.
  
• Promptly performs the exam complete function in the computer to enable timely billing.
  
• Demonstrates knowledge of daily charges and is able to reconcile billing errors.
  
• Ensures correct financial account number is used in the RIS system when performing the order entry function.
  
• Complies with supervisor's instructions regarding adjustments to staffing levels as needed to volume changes.
  
• Assumes responsibility for self improvement. Demonstrates an interest in learning new techniques, methods and procedures to expand knowledge and enhance job. Reviews and works within the Society of Nuclear Medicine Scope of Practice for the Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Obtains necessary continuing education credits to maintain certification and licensure in good standing.
  
• Completes all iCare courses annually, maintains CPR certification and completes an annual self competency review.
  
• Knows the Life Safety and Fire Safety procedures.
  
• Demonstrates knowledge of the disaster plan.
  
• Keeps current on department information by reading the communication logs.
  
• Attends 75% of staff meetings. Reads and initials minutes of staff meetings that were unattended.
  

Other Information :

Licensed as Radiologic Technologist Required.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
  
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
  
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
  
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
  

Credentials

• Required Radiologic Tech-Radiographer
  

Education

• Required associate degree
  

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
  
• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
  
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
  
• Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
  
• Potential exposure to noxious odors.
  
• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
  
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
  
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
  
• Prolonged periods of standing.
  
• Prolonged periods of walking.
  
• Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.