Nuclear Medicine Tech

Advocate Health Care; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Park Ridge, Illinois, is seeking a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Responsibilities include performing diagnostic procedures, preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals, and ensuring safety standards while handling radioactive materials. Candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's Degree or 2-year program in Nuclear Medicine, and must be knowledgeable about radioactivity and patient care. A flexible schedule is expected, including potential on-call duties. Competitive benefits and professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited 4-year Bachelor Degree or a 2-year Nuclear Medicine program.
• Knowledge of radioactivity rules and regulations.
• Ability to operate radiation detection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic procedures accurately as per physician's orders.
• Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals for procedures.
• Maintain records of pharmaceutical doses and patient procedures.
• Communicate and educate patients about procedures.
• Ensure safety standards in handling radioactive materials.

Skills

Knowledge of radioactivity

Direct supervision capability

Teamwork

IV venipuncture

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree or 2-year Nuclear Medicine program

Tools

Radiation detection equipment

Job description

Major Responsibilities: Technologists are responsible for accurately performing defined diagnostic procedures as requested by referring physicians, in accordance with a written order, in a timely manner.

• 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.
• Confirms appropriateness of exam and obtains a written order prior to start.
• Educates and explains procedure to the patient and/or primary caregiver as part of patient preparation.
• Obtains relevant patient history.
• Operates digital imaging systems to acquire graphic data.
• Responds to pre‑scheduled, STAT, on‑call (after appropriate screening by Nuclear Medicine physician) within prescribed intervals as dictated by protocol. Maintains a safe, organized and efficient work environment.
• Assesses patient condition and implements appropriate patient care guidelines and procedures, as well as noting special armbands or doctors orders.
• Insures patient and blood identification in studies where tagged blood cells or other blood products are used by having a coworker double‑check patients’ ID.
• Insures patient and fellow associate safety by maintaining department orderliness and cleanliness per regulations and infection control policies.
• Complies with established radiation safety standards, OSHA safety standards, and IEMA regulations.
• Controls exposure from radioactive sources by using appropriate shielding and storing materials in a limited access controlled area.
• Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions and initiates course of repairs in a timely manner by either notifying a charge technologist or the supervisor.
• Reports inventory depletion to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Performs quality controls as indicated by the state (IEMA) maintaining current calibration records of the dose calibrators, imaging equipment, counting equipment, and gamma survey meters.
• Performs daily survey and weekly wipe tests to identify and remove contamination, if any. Maintains complete records or receipt, disposition, and disposal of materials as indicated by the Department of Nuclear Safety and Accrediting Organization.
• Logs all inventory on receipt including wipe tests and meter survey results.
• Dispenses doses, records the amount administered including time and patient name.
• Records disposal of administered doses and returns to vendor after holding the remainder of doses in storage, if necessary.
• Records disposition of radioactive waste material. Performs clerical duties required to capture charges, maintain required recordkeeping and facilitates physician reporting.
• Makes entries into computerized Nuclear Medicine management system which includes scheduling patient procedures, ordering doses, allocation and disposition of radiopharmaceuticals, surveys, wipe tests, calibrations, and other pertinent information.
• Tracks all correct and pertinent charge codes into the Radiology Information System.
• Documents patient procedure, date, time and dose of radiopharmaceuticals administered, pertinent history and assessment by correctly filling out the patient history sheet and using hospital acceptable abbreviations. Interacts with physicians, nurses, and other personnel (interdepartmental or otherwise) to coordinate and document patient procedures.
• Communicates with nurses to insure appropriate patient preparation and special requirements for patient care while in the department.
• Cooperates with other units such as CT, Ultrasound, MRI, PT, X‑Ray, Vascular Lab, Heart Station, etc. to expedite completion of all procedures.
• Documents completion of procedures. Provides training to new employees, students, and technical assistance to physicians, residents, and fellows. Maintains professional competence by attending in‑service presentations, staff meetings and outside continuing education programs appropriate to the needs and goals of the department.
• Documents continuing education credits necessary for maintenance of license and files a copy with the supervisor.
• Attends 50% of all scheduled staff meetings or documents receipt of minutes.

Education and Experience Required

Graduate of an accredited 4‑year Bachelor Degree or a 2‑year Nuclear Medicine program. This position will need to recognize the needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups treated, i.e., understand child growth and look for signs of normal aging; prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Knowledge of the nature of radioactivity and the rules and regulations dictating the use and handling thereof. Ability to perform with direct supervision. Ability to understand the team concept. Ability to operate radiation detection equipment with direct supervision. Ability to use computers and a variety of computer programs to perform procedures, record the disposition of radiopharmaceuticals, schedule patients, and capture charges. Ability to perform direct IV venopuncture. IEMA Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Minimum age to work with radioactive materials is 18 years. Ability to be flexible and rotate assignments to work Saturdays, evenings as needed as well as be on call for emergency procedures during Sunday, holidays and all PM hours the department is not open. Must be adaptable to changing assignment during the day. Ability to move imaging equipment for portable studies. Equipment is very heavy. Ability to communicate with patients and respond in a timely manner. Perform responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment with established time constraints. 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.