Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Shift Information

Day Shift 5×8

Minimum Years of Experience

3.0

Definition of Position

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist provides healthcare services by applying radionuclides to assist in diagnosis or treatment. This role involves performing nuclear medicine procedures and related techniques to produce images for interpretation by, or at the request of, a licensed practitioner. The technologist exercises professional judgment in the performance of services, maintains a demeanor that aligns with medical ethics, provides appropriate patient care, and recognizes patient conditions essential for successful procedure completion.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, corroborating the patient’s clinical history with the procedure, ensuring information is documented and available for licensed practitioner use.
• Prepare patients for procedures by providing instructions to obtain desired results, gain cooperation, and minimize anxiety.
• Select and operate radiation detection, imaging, and associated equipment to successfully perform procedures.
• Position patients and equipment optimally to best demonstrate the anatomic area of interest while respecting patient comfort.
• Immobilize patients as required for appropriate examinations.
• Prepare, calculate, identify, and/or administer radiopharmaceuticals and/or medications as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
• Evaluate images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
• Verify informed consent and assist a licensed practitioner during interventional procedures.
• Practice aseptic techniques as necessary.
• Assume responsibility for meeting the physical and emotional needs of patients during procedures.
• Initiate basic life support actions when necessary and maintain knowledge of universal precautions.
• Perform venipuncture.
• Assist in maintaining records, ensuring confidentiality is upheld according to established policy.
• Report equipment malfunctions and assume responsibility for the assigned area.
• Provide input for equipment purchases and supply decisions.
• Deliver practical instruction for students and/or other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in departmental quality assessment and improvement plans, with specific quality control duties as necessary.
• Manage inventory and purchase supplies for the assigned area as needed.
• Understand and apply patient relations skills effectively.
• Pursue the appropriate continuing education necessary to maintain licensure or certification.
• Accomplish other duties as assigned in alignment with the hospital’s mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in required education for relevant programs applicable to the position.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Associate or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine program.
• Preferred: Not applicable.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations

• Required: OBMI and ARRT registered nuclear medicine technologist. Current BLS certification.
• Preferred: CRASE training required if travel assignment extends beyond a 6-month period.

Experience

• Required: None.
• Preferred: Minimum of 2 years of experience.

Physical Requirements

The following physical and sensory functions are essential for the successful performance of this position:

• Sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication.
• Clear and effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Visual acuity for observing patient conditions, reading documentation, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes.
• Tactile perception for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, and texture.
• Motor coordination for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for medical procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently, with frequent pushing, pulling, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, using safe lifting techniques or team assistance as needed.