Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Advocate Health Care; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Downers Grove, IL seeks a Nuclear Medicine Technologist to perform planar and SPECT procedures, prepare radiopharmaceuticals, and ensure patient safety. You will maintain records, calibrate equipment, and participate in on-call coverage as needed.

Qualifications include an approved Nuclear Medicine Technology program and CPR certification; 1 year of experience preferred. Work involves on-site duties in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved program of Nuclear Medicine Technology.
• 1 year experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform planar and SPECT Nuclear Medicine procedures with gamma cameras.
• Prepare radiopharmaceuticals per protocol and document doses.
• Ensure ALARA safety practices and radiation monitoring.
• Maintain patient records and requisitions.
• Assist with on-call and weekend coverage.
• Calibrate equipment daily and perform quality checks.
• Monitor supplies and inventory for department.

Skills

SPECT camera

CPR Certification

GE equipment

Nuclear Medicine

Education

Graduate of an approved Nuclear Medicine Technology program

Tools

Gamma cameras

Job description

Major Responsibilities

• Meet department standards of care and/or respond to demands by the customer or referring physician.
• Respond to patient/physician requests
• Monitor supplies for department to assure continuity in patient care
• Participate in on-call and weekend coverage as necessary.
• Scan patients properly, using correct selection of technical factors, fully understanding the physics of nuclear medicine in order to operate the equipment at its most optimal settings for quality procedures.
• Perform Planar and SPECT Nuclear Medicine procedures utilizing single and dual detector Gamma cameras and properly position patients to obtain high quality images.
• Carefully complete and obtain a thorough patient history and properly document all pertinent information on requisition
• Accurately prepare and formulate all radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with package insert and Department policy
• 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.
• Utilize proper sterile techniques in needle placement for the administration of radiopharmaceuticals
• Routinely monitor storage area for disposal of radionuclides and maintain records for accountability.
• Perform daily calibration and radiation safety checks on dose calibrator, survey meters, well and probe systems.
• Maintain accurate records with regard to the receipt, transfer and disposal of radioactive material
• Perform daily floods, bars, center of rotation and uniformity on Gamma cameras to ensure accurate imaging, patient safety and operating performance
• Perform advanced computer manipulation assessment and analysis of data. K. Determine and select appropriate data filters, programs and protocols to provide desired information.
• Compliance with established safety standards to ensure patient and staff well-being at all times
• Maintain annual CPR certification to further ensure safety of patients in department
• Use Universal Precautions in daily performance of procedures and protect self against bodily fluid contact
• Performs quality assurance of equipment to ensure safe and accurate performance of units as required by the IDNS and Accrediting Organization regulations.
• Observes radiation safety precautions as required by IDNS
• Orders the daily supply of radiopharmaceuticals needed to perform the necessary scheduled exams.
• Maintain technical and communication skills.
• Maintain technical expertise by attending seminars and conferences. Remain knowledgeable by reading current literature.
• Maintain good communication between all internal and external customers
• Maintain knowledge of department Disaster, Fire and Safety policies. Maintain knowledge and constant implementation of universal and infectious safety procedure

Education/Experience Required

• 1 year experience preferred - Graduate of an approved program of Nuclear Medicine Technology

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Basic knowledge of single and dual detector SPECT camera and computer systems (GE equipment experience preferred)
• Licensed by IL Department of Nuclear Safety - Registry eligible - CPR Certification

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Lifting and transportation of patients - Participate in on-call rotation between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. - Participate in Saturday rotation - Work overtime based on patient volume This position can recognize needs and behaviors of all age groups. 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.

Addendum:

ADDENDUM TO JOB DESCRIPTIONS RELATED TO PATIENT SAFETY Report patient safety events and near misses in timely fashion Adhere to all behavioral and procedural patient safety practices Promote culture of safety through identifying threats to patient safety and intervening to prevent patient harm Communicate openly and promote team work Report intimidating behavior and other threats to patient safety promptly

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.