Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Patient Care

• Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
• Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
• Fulfills established procedures for the administration of radiopharmaceuticals.
• Ensures that all studies have proper patient identification and right and left markers are utilized appropriately.
• Reviews images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
• Responds to emergency situations and provides for restocking of the crash cart and maintenance of life support equipment.
• Affords assistance to other technologists in all modalities when needed.
• Evaluates patient conditions and situations when physician intervention is necessary.
• Verifies correct identity of patient using 2 unique identifiers prior to performing a procedure per hospital policy and procedure.
• Maintains patient dignity throughout the exam/procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in the selection and application of procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on the age of patients.
• Organizes schedule, time and priorities to ensure required activities begin and conclude within designated time frames.
• Fulfills physicians' instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
• Uses critical thinking skills.
• (Asks clarifying questions)
• (Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders)
• Demonstrates and understands pre-procedural verification and Time Out process when appropriate.
• Demonstrates and understands pre- and post-procedural care.
• Prepares the patient for the procedure.
• Demonstrates and understands sterile technique.
• Maintains competency with venipuncture.

Maintaining Equipment

• Adjusts technique to ensure the patient receives the best study possible with maintained image quality.
• Reports problems regarding malfunctioning equipment to supervisor or service provider.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment in accordance with infection control policy and department cleaning schedule.

Quality Control

• Consistently produces acceptable images as evidenced by radiologist feedback and quality audits.
• Ensures that equipment is fully operational prior to each use by checking for proper calibration and operating deficiencies.
• Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion; prints CDs as needed.
• Sends studies reported after hours by teleradiography to PACS, if applicable.
• Prints completed log sheet from teleradiography and submits to Radiologist, if applicable.

Operations

• Restocks linens and supplies and maintains the NM department in clean and orderly condition.
• Transports patients, positions patients and helps them on and off the procedure table.
• Performs patient charging activities on the day the service is rendered.
• Applies supportive and immobilization devices and equipment.
• Lends knowledge and assistance to others as needed and routinely as time allows.
• Performs routine duties of clerical and support personnel as needed to ensure continuity and quality of services.
• Keeps supervisor informed on all responsibilities on an ongoing basis, ensuring prompt notification in the event of problems or potential problems.
• Maintains an individual productivity rate equal to other co-workers.
• Operates NM equipment within the department.
• Maintains Joint Commission standards and any other regulatory agency standards.

Required Skills

• Excellent communication skills because this position requires frequent verbal and written communications with: physicians, patients, visitors, departmental staff and nursing staff.
• The employee obtains, presents and discusses clinical information regarding job responsibilities routinely.
• Candidate must be able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and obtain cooperation with all contacts.
• Possesses the ability to function independently and under pressure while still actively participating in a team environment.
• Exhibits excellent customer service skills at all times.
• Performs effectively in a stressful and fast-paced work environment.
• Has the ability to prioritize appropriately.
• Is detail-oriented and has the capacity to effectively multitask throughout the work shift.
• Holds excellent communication skills and the capacity to interact professionally with a variety of customers including patients, families, co-workers, volunteers and physicians.
• Possesses the ability to function independently yet productively as a cooperative team member.
• Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work and code of conduct.