Nuclear Med Technologist II

Overview

St. Luke's Health-Memorial paves the way for quality innovative health care in East Texas and provides more than a quarter of a million patient services each year. With hospitals in Lufkin Livingston and San Augustine St. Luke's Health-Memorial provides millions of dollars in charity care and community support each year.

Responsibilities

Position Summary:

Operates diagnostic equipment and responsible for the efficient daily operation of the Nuclear Medicine Department. Performs nuclear medicine studies on patients and produces and digitally archives images under the direction of the Medical Director and Director of Imaging Services. Prepares Nuclear Medicine Suite(s); coordinates patient flow, performs quality assurance. Maintains patient safety through attention to detail, equipment safety checks, adherence to department policies, and effective communication with physicians, staff and patients. Provides patient orientation, procedure explanation, and pre and post diagnostic care to completion of test. Assists patients with basic patient care needs.

Position Responsibilities:

Quality - completes work with accuracy and thoroughness.

Productivity - efficiently utilizes time in accomplishing work.

Customer Focus - lives organizational and departmental service standards.

Reliability - completes tasks assigned; follows up as needed.

Availability - meets attendance standards; is punctual; works when needed.

Decision Making - displays sound judgment; works with minimal supervision.

Initiative - seeks out productive duties in absence of guidance; is a self-starter.

Adheres to Policy - follows CHI St. Luke's Health Memorial rules, policies, procedures and guidelines.

Interpersonal Relationships - cooperates, communicates and works well with others.

Professionalism - represents CHI St. Luke's Health positively in actions and appearance.

Checks patient's charts/requisition for proper examination and orders.

Prepares patient for exam, administers premedication, radioactive isotopes.

Consistently produces quality Nuclear Medicine studies.

Surveys the amount of radiation given off by all radioactive material shipped to the Nuclear Medicine area.

With a dose calibrator, accurately measures the radioactive dosage prescribed for the patient.

Assists in administering isotope therapy.

Responsible for the completion of procedures ordered on the assigned shift.

Demonstrates a willingness to follow the chain of command, regularly channels suggestions, criticisms, and questions to the appropriate person.

Maintains proficiency in ancillary areas of department, i.e., front desk, patient transport, file room. 20. Consistently enters correct exam information into computer system.

Performs duties in accordance with that of hospital policies and procedures, and regulatory agency guidelines.

Performs nuclear medicine studies on patients according to the specific departmental procedure protocols under the direction of the Medical Director. Obtains and documents patient history.

Prepares equipment ensuring that equipment is operational, safe and functioning according to diagnostic standards. Performs periodic QA and Ensures requisite documentation.

Problem solves equipment failure and contacts Lead Technologist regarding equipment problems.

Ensures that daily equipment and room maintenance are performed before/during/ after each procedure, and that special precautions and measures are performed to ensure infection control standards.

Completes all quality checks and Ensures that equipment logs are maintained.

Completes all clinical supply inventories, ensuring that each diagnostic room is complete with the necessary supplies required to perform the procedure.

Actively participates with patient testing, performing urgent, emergent patient requests, routine and non-routine requests and OR procedures requiring radiographic support.

Demonstrates competency in the PACS process and performs the daily PACS QA process and requirements.

Communications with Nursing, Physicians, Patient Care Assistants, Laboratory staff, administrative staff, other diagnostic areas and departments to ensure that the patients receive their diagnostic procedures in a smooth, efficient and safe manner.

Performs portable examinations when applicable at the bedside to ensure patient safety as well as provide immediate diagnostic testing when needed.

Assists with patient scheduling when required liaising with other departments as needed.

Ensures that patient orientation, patient preparation (including starting IV's and drawing labs as necessary), and patient teaching is provided prior, during and following the test completion.

Reviews the physician order to verify the type of diagnostic exam requested and that the indication for the procedure is consistent.

Completes exams in RIS system for accurate billing. Communicates when corrections are needed.

Provides specific diagnostic test information to the patient ensuring that the patient is aware of the test involvement.

Obtains necessary written consent and understanding for any specific procedures.

Obtains and documents patient history according to specific departmental procedural protocols.

Completes studies according to specific departmental procedural protocols.

Obtains assistance with any procedures which are not completed, or if there are any patient care issues.

Supports department-based goals and contributes to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

Rotates weekend/call responsibilities in a professional and accountable fashion if applicable.

Provides the requesting physician with preliminary findings based on diagnostic criteria established for procedure.

Maintains proficiency in ancillary areas of department, i.e., radiology, front desk, patient transport and provides support when needed.

Performs duties in accordance with that of hospital policies and procedures, and regulatory agency

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education Level

Graduate of Nuclear Medicine Technology Program from an accredited institution or Graduate of Radiologic Technology Program from an accredited institution.

Licensure/Certification

Licensed as Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT) with Texas Medical Board (TMB). Registered with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - ARRT(N) or CNMT.

BLS certification (through an approved AHA program).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Alpha/numerical dexterity and handwriting skills

Interpersonal skills for communication

Written and oral communication skills

Experience

Required: Two (2) year related work experience

Preferred: Three (3) years of experience in discipline