Nuclear Medicine Technologist

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

Job summary

Advocate Health Care is seeking a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in Barrington. This role involves securing patient histories, assisting in imaging procedures, and ensuring quality care through proper administration of radiopharmaceuticals and patient management.

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited nuclear medicine school and hold necessary certifications. The position requires strong technical skills to work responsibly in a fast-paced environment while ensuring safety and quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine.
• New graduates are accepted.
• ARRT (N) or NMTBC certification required.

Responsibilities

• Secures patient history and prepares for procedures.
• Positions and assists patients during tests and imaging.
• Maintains accurate records and manages exam charges.
• Administers radiopharmaceuticals as prescribed.
• Operates nuclear and PET equipment safely.
• Performs clerical duties for patient scheduling.
• Maintains competency through training and inservices.

Skills

Knowledge of HIS system

Basic knowledge of RIS systems

PACS

IEMA accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in nuclear medicine

CPR certification

Education

Graduation from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine

Job description

Major Responsibilities

• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.
• Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to tactfully perform procedures.
• Responsible for capturing appropriate exam charges, updates to procedure files, reimbursement codes, etc., with the HIS/RIS Computer System, and checks daily log to see that day's exams have been appropriately completed.
• Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality images.
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and procedural adjunctive medication by proper route per clinician prescription and according to approved exam parameters.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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.
• Ensures that procedures sent to PACS are verified to enable radiologist interpretation of the procedure. Coordination of quality control areas in both N.M. and PET to ensure optimal quality.
• Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures. Partners with other disciplines to provide timely exams as needed for that patient. Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.
• Performs quality control activities as directed by IEMA on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis.
• Any equipment failure must be immediately labeled and call into Biomed for maintenance.
• Checks film quality to assure optimal quality is attained and correct film labeling is provided for each and every image.
• Prepares N.M. suite for procedures, maintains equipment and supplies as required.
• Studies are acquired with appropriate scanning and CT protocols.
• Prepares isotopes as prescribed by the radiologists within the IEMA guidelines. In the PET area injectors will be utilized to reduce occupational exposure.
• Provides instruction and orientation to new technologists to effectively participate in the assessment of their performance reviews.
• Supports peers in need of assistance with specific procedures.
• Provides direction and instruction to new hires. Adheres to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.
• Operates safely nuclear and PET equipment as required to maintain a safe environment of patients and maintain occupational radiation exposures - ALARA.
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness of all areas within the department on a daily basis.
• Assures accuracy of exam performed and requisition.
• Performs clerical duties such as maintaining adequate patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patient in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services. Provides competencies to the non-technical staff in order to maintain IEMA compliance. IE: security, housekeeping, Cardinal Health drivers, etc. Both in nuclear and PET departments.
• Attends inservices by the physician to ensure competence is maintained.
• Maintains annual competencies: Nuclear Equipment Participation in problem‑solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships and employee morale.
• Maintains current ARRT (N) or NMTBC certification, CPR, and state accreditations.
• Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.

Education / Experience Required

Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Nuclear Medicine. New graduates are accepted.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of HIS system.
• Basic knowledge of RIS systems.
• PACS.
• IEMA accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology.
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registered (ARRT) and certified in nuclear medicine (NM) or Certified by Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (CNMT).
• CPR certified.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Must be able to make independent professional decisions pertaining to high quality patient care. Must have a high degree of technical skills and be able to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities. Must be conscientious in practicing high quality patient care. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with established time constraints. May be exposed to hazardous materials and life‑threatening disease. Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week and rotate to the Crystal Lake facility. 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 the 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 over 35 pounds, or when the 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.