Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Company: MedStar Health
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 16, 2022

Job Description:

Job SummaryPerforms a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving the use of radioactive materials in accordance with department policies and procedures and mandated regulatory agency requirements.Minimum QualificationsEducation/TrainingAn Associate's degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from an A.M.A approved school is required or a Certificate from a US Armed Forces Nuclear Medicine program with a minimum of 3 years of registered experience.ExperienceAt least three months of PRN or on the job experience.On The Job ExperienceApproximately three to six months to gain familiarity with the Hospital environment, department routines and procedures, and the full range of job duties.License/Certification/RegistrationNMTCB or ARRT(N) registration as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist is required for employment.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesPROBLEM SOLVING: Job requires a moderate level of problem-solving. However, the problems are usually not very complex. Standard methods, guides, and procedures are generally available.INTERNAL CONTACTS: Internal contacts necessary to effectively explain and interpret information for others inside the Hospital. Exhibits service excellence behaviors in all interpersonal interactions. Acts as liaison between physicians, technologists, nurses, and management.INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT: Work generally has standard procedures and instructions but frequently requires deviation from established methods to achieve results.Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrders, prepares, measures, calculates and administers radiopharmaceuticals in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies as prescribed by the Nuclear Medicine physician.Selects proper kit and performs independent in-house preparation of radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and hospital policy. Performs proper quality control of preparation, and maintains documentation of radiopharmaceutical records.Interviews patients regarding medical background and if necessary, obtains appropriate consent. Reviews patient's electronic chart, along with physician's order and performs appropriate study. Recognizes inadequate orders and takes appropriate action.Prepares and positions patients, transfers patients in a safe manner according to department policy. Obtains pertinent and good quality images, recognizes artifact and other imaging issues and takes appropriate action. Measures glandular activity, and reviews images to ensure that the required information has been acquired and that the images have been processed properly and are of the highest obtainable quality.Coordinates assigned section efficiently in order to maintain smooth patient flow, minimizes waiting time and expedites patient discharge while avoiding delaying studies after own shifts ends in conjunction with Floor Coordinator and Advanced Nuclear medicine technologist.Surveys and calibrates camera equipment and instrumentation as necessary. Maintains clean imaging rooms and equipment.Takes appropriate action when equipment fails and reports equipment malfunction to supervisory personnel.Correctly places, connects and tests 12 lead EKG monitoring cables; and initiates EGK strips during cardiologist monitored Nuclear stress tests.Handles radioactive material safely according to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rules and regulations. Identifies, stores, and disposes of decaying material in accordance with federal and state regulations and institutional policies.Practices good hand monitoring, completes room surveys daily and complies with radiation safety bio-assay policy. Returns film badge in a timely manner.Orders and cancels radiopharmaceuticals appropriately and maintains computerized records in order to maintain optimal flow and decrease waste. Ensures that documentation of study cancelation or rescheduling is appropriately documented and patients' folders are discarded or filed as appropriate. Utilize all department information systems to complete billing appropriately.Adhere to Joint commission guidelines by following policies regarding record keeping, aseptic technique, equipment maintenance and cleaning, isolation technique and signage. Follows infection control practices to provide a safe and sanitary working environment for patients and the general public.Works in a safe and timely manner following ALARA guidelines, minimizing radiation exposure to self and patient. Adheres to department personal monitoring policy and turns in film badge in accordance with.Takes call on a rotating basis, for after hours/weekend and holiday coverage.May be asked to participate in students training by assisting, teaching, and testing students.Performs other position related duties as assigned.

Keywords: MedStar Health, Washington DC , Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Healthcare , Washington, DC