Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Summary

The incumbent performs in-vivo studies and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine diagnostic imaging procedures in accordance with departmental protocols, standards and practices under the direction of the Imaging Services Director/Manager and Radiology Medical Director within the scope of their certification. Provides advanced support and training for other technologists; coordinates schedules, workload assignments for shift operations, and procedural supply inventories. Demonstrates competency for neonate, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. Primary responsibility for the comprehensive daily operations of the department. Administrative tasks assigned this position include participation in CQI and HRO activities, Radiation Safety Committee, limited staff evaluation process, policy and procedure updates, various report development, accreditation compliance, CDPH compliance.

Job Duties

• This position will perform routine and complex nuclear medicine imaging and in-vivo procedures according to department protocol, including retrieval of patient information, filing and retrieving images, processing images and maintaining RIS and PACS systems, and using excellent communication etiquette. Along with high quality patient care; manage the service consistent with medical, ethical, and legal requirements within an established budget; formulate new procedures under the direction of the medical director; update policies & procedures as needed.

• Coordinates workload, facilitates the flow of completed procedures, manages staffing levels, assigns priorities/responsibilities for designated shift in cooperation with clinical care areas, thereby contributing to the achievement of productivity targets between above 95-102% and no more than 2-4 formal complaints per year.

• Maintains QA Plan for the specific service in accordance with Federal, State, and all accrediting agencies requirements.

• Assumes responsibility for implementing a training process of personnel assigned to shift. In emergency situations, assumes authority and acts responsibly on behalf of the department leadership as necessary until relieved. Effectiveness measured by no more than 1-3 formal complaints per year relating to sub-optimal performance of duties.

• Assists the Radiology/Imaging leadership with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, identifying problem areas, and suggests solutions resulting in an equipment uptime of 95-98%. Coordinates Biomed preventative maintenance and downtime scheduling and communication.

• Maintains supply and stock levels so that no more than 1-3 emergency requests for supplies are made per year.

• Assists leadership with staff performance appraisal completion with a high level of objectivity, fairness and consistency by presenting supporting data for scoring outcomes. Timeliness is such that 95-98% of all evaluations are conducted and completed by designated date.

• Protocol all ordered exams, code correct ICD-10 Codes and CPT codes on requisitions and order slips.

• Serves as a technical resource for the staff and physicians, assuring quality of procedures and compliance with standard protocols, maintaining a department repeat rate of less than 4-5%.

• Clears and completes procedures in RIS throughout the shift so that the Scheduled Exam Report has no more than 1-2 unresolved items at the end of the shift.

• Provides training for all CSH affiliated student imaging programs.

• Order, prepare and calibrate all isotopes for patient use.

• Maintains the Radiation Safety Program for the facility as the Radiation Safety Officer.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required

• Technical/Vocational – 2 years

• Technical/Vocational college education with courses in physiology and anatomy.

Preferred/Desired

• Minimum of four years experience as certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist preferred.

Licensure

• Current California State certification in all categories of Nuclear Medicine technology (board license).

• Current certification in Nuclear Medicine technology in one or more of the following national certification boards:

  • Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

• BLS

Training

Ability to:

• Minimize radiation exposure to patients, self and others

• Perform general and specialized nuclear medicine procedures which meet the department's standard of quality

• Utilize Universal Precautions as an approach to infection control

• Recognize and respond to allergic reactions and other life-threatening patient conditions which might arise during the examination process

• Act courteously and with tact in dealing with patients, visitors and the public

• Maintain confidentiality of patient records and information

• Coordinate the department quality control program

• Develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with physicians and hospital personnel

• Work effectively to adjust priorities as circumstances require with frequent interruptions

• Organize work assignments, maintaining accurate and complete records

• Maintain a high degree of accuracy in procedural detail and required records

• Work independently on-call covering all normal clerical and technical functions

• Effectively and empathetically deal with agitated, ill, and distressed patients

• Serve as a technical resource and coordinator for equipment service and maintenance

• Oversee additional staff and effectively deal with operational contingencies

• Use procedural and operating supply sources to maintain adequate supplies within budget expectations

• Assist supervisor in department budget preparation

• Objectively analyze the work of others as well as budget/productivity reports

Knowledge of:

• Anatomy and physiology for medical imaging including cross-sectional relationships

• Medical terminology as it pertains to Nuclear Medicine

• Infection control guidelines

• Principles of operation and care for nuclear medicine equipment

• Currently accepted diagnostic, therapeutic, and in-vivo nuclear medicine procedures

• Radiation safety requirements for operator, patients and visitors, and staff

• Film processing systems

• Mechanical and electrical safety practices and requirements in the patient care environment

• Preparation, use, and hazards of diagnostic contrast materials

Dignity Health Woodland Memorial Hospital is Yolo County’s largest health care provider, serving the community since 1905. Woodland Memorial Hospital is a 108-bed acute care facility offering the most comprehensive range of health care services in Yolo County, including inpatient and outpatient surgical services, family birth center/labor and delivery, emergency services, home health services, palliative care, inpatient mental health services, sleep disorders center and cancer care services. With strong ties to our community, we believe in providing compassionate, high-quality health care to you and your family, close to home. Woodland Memorial Hospital is part of Dignity Health, one of the nation’s largest health care systems with a 22-state network. For more information, please visit our website here at www.dignityhealth.org/woodland.

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