Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Oak Lawn, United States - Advocate Health

Description

Major Responsibilities:

• Operation of nuclear medicine equipment and injections to patients with the proper dosage of radioisotopes to produce quality scans for diagnosis
  • 1)When necessary, retrieves patient from floor.
  • 2)Properly positions and immobilizes patients
  • 3)Processes images through eNTEGRA workstation, PACS and satellite
  • 4)Cleans and stocks work area properly of all necessary supplies
  • 5)Prepares and organizes study to be viewed by radiologist.
  • 6)Check and verify that Centralized Scheduling has schedule procedures so they will not conflict with other examinations
  • 7)Provides information to the clerical staff so patients are properly billed
  • 8)Operates nuclear medicine cameras and equipment to produce quality scans and measures concentrations of radioactive isotopes in specific body areas
  • 9)Obtains patient history for the record and technique sheet.
  • 10)Computes and calculates test results for interpretation by radiologist
• Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and procedural adjunctive medication by proper route per clinician prescription and according to approved exam parameters. 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
• Compliance with State and Accrediting Organization requirements in regards to radiation safety and protection to ensure protection of patients and staff. Maintenance of the appropriate documentation in the acquisition and disposition of all radioactive material
  • 1)Performs quality assurance of equipment to ensure safe and accurate performance of units as required by the NRC, IDNS and Accrediting Organization regulation.
  • 2)Observes radiation safety precautions as required by NRC and the IDNS
  • 3)Maintains the necessary documentation of the acquisition and disposition of isotopes and radioactive material
  • 4)Orders the daily supply of radio isotopes needed to perform the necessary scheduled exams
  • 5)Injects patients with the correct and accurate dosage of radioisotopes
  • 6)Maintain hospital and Dept. Fire Safety, disaster policy.
  • 7)Maintain and constantly implement standard precautions and safety standards
  • 8)Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
• Adherence to department standards of Image quality and safety practices
  • 1)Labels all images appropriately following department's established criteria and standards.
  • 2)Checks image quality prior to patient's dismissal.
  • 3)Documents pertinent and required information on performance improvement logs and data sheets.
  • 4)Adheres to safety practices and provides a safe work environment for self and others
  • 5)Must promote patient safety by the reporting of issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
• Ability to deliver a Service First Approach to patients and all customers within the Job scope
  • 1)Treat all patients and customers with respect and compassion.
  • 2)Utilize appropriate phone etiquette
  • 3)Provide an environment conducive to privacy for all patients.
  • 4)Maintain patient confidentiality according to the hospital policies.
  • 5)Explains procedure to patient pertinent to examination being done
• Development of leadership skills and professionalism for self through participation in department and/or hospital-based committees and continuing education programs.
  • 1)Attends to personal work schedule in a consistent and professional manner.
  • 2)Responsible for keeping current Nuclear Medicine skills and new development in the field of nuclear medicine.
  • 3)Demonstrates self-direction by identifying learning needs and establishing self-development activities.
  • 4)Completes all development goals and departmental in-services and competencies, within an appropriate timeframe
  • 5)Works independently while maintaining adaptability and flexibility for change.
  • 6)Identifies problems and takes steps toward resolution
  • 7)Attends and participates in department meetings.

Education/Experience Required:

• Graduate of an approved program of Nuclear Medicine Technology 1 year experience preferred but not essential * See Special Job Characteristics Section

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Basic knowledge of computers Basic knowledge of various nuclear medicine scanners
• Licensed by the ILL. Dept. of Nuclear Safety Registry eligible CPR Certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Radiation exposure; long hours and on-call required; able to work under minimal supervision; able to make independent professional decisions; stress related to fluctuating patient volumes; possible risks due to needle sticks; heavy lifting (patients onto scanning tables); must demonstrate oral and written communication skills and be conscientious. -Exposed to radiation. -Ability to operate portable equipment. -Ability to deal with extremely ill patients. -Ability to communicate with patients. -Ability to adjust to flexible work hours. -Ability to work weekends, holidays, and emergency call-back. -Ability to participate on-call program and available to department needs with minimal notice. -Ability to do light, medium or heavy lifting. LIGHT: Lifting up to 20-50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently. MEDIUM: Lifting up to 20-50 pounds occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly. HEAVY: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly. -Ability to make independent professional decisions using good judgment skills. -Ability to practice high quality patient care and technical competence. -Ability to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities. -Ability to demonstrate oral and written communication skills. -May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, such as film processing chemicals. -Ability to attend out-of-town site visits to view equipment. *This posit will need to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development; normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging, prior experience with various age groups is preferred.
• If 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 of over 35 pounds, or when 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.