Nuclear Medicine Technologist (FGP) *Greenpoint, Brooklyn & Rego Park, Queens*

Job Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the organization’s Service Standards and incorporates them into the performance of duties.
• Operates hospital and radiology information systems as they relate to nuclear medicine. Correctly chooses appropriate patient information from HIS/RIS system in accordance with HIPPA regulations. Demonstrates ability to access patient information such as appointment times, type of exam, and patient reports.  Is knowledgeable of the total cycle of RIS patient tracking. Follows departmental policy of documenting beginning, completion and departure times, when appropriate, in the RIS. Demonstrates knowledge of the HIS and is able to access patient data for verification of orders. Competent in scheduling exams in RIS from the order entry queue and/or demonstrates the ability to modify exams when necessary.
• Effectively assesses patient’s information and status, and follows appropriate procedure(s) accordingly.  Uses standard procedures to identify the correct patient.  Checks patient’s wristband by name, unit, and room number to ensure patient’s ID matches examination requisition. OR calls patient by last name, asking patient to confirm their identity by stating their first name. Introduces self to the patient. Reviews patient’s requisition and understands the type of exam required by each requisition and confers with medical staff regarding clarification when necessary.  Seeks information or asks for assistance from supervisor regarding difficult or questionable results. Follows accepted nuclear medicine procedures and uses medical information to determine type of protocol required for radiographic examination.  Consults policy and procedure manuals and/or other reference materials as necessary to ensure actions conform to established protocols.  Follows special instructions as indicated on Nuclear Medicine requisition. Recognizes need for and follows isolation precautions.
• Independently implements patient procedures in accordance with departmental protocols and standards.
• Explains the procedure and equipment to the patient clearly.  Obtains formal consent when necessary.
• Provides for patient comfort before, during and after procedure, and maintains an ongoing rapport with the patient throughout the procedure to ease any anxiety the patient may have.  Provides for patient privacy at all times.
• Knowledgeable about patient preparation, considering patient comfort, clothing, pre-medications and any other preparations necessary for the imaging procedure being performed. Prepares radiopharmaceutical dose using proper procedures, and dose calculations.
• Verifies label on radiopharmaceutical vial. Calculates activity remaining and activity needed for procedure and determines required patient dose, and verifies the radioactivity of the dose using a dose calibrator. Calibrates and dispenses radioactive gas from bulk load system or unit dose system. Positions patient and equipment appropriate to the body part(s) to be studied and adjust equipment settings accordingly to insure maximum information is obtained.   Determines how to display and format data as needed.  Performs filming of optimum quality and archives the data. Analyzes data acquired and reports results to physician for interpretation.
• Solves problems that arise during patient examinations using both technical knowledge and innovation.  Alters examination to maximize information in response to patient’s condition.  Confers with other technologists concerning previous approaches utilized.
• Assists physicians as needed during the course of the procedure. Uses efficient methods and completes examinations assigned in reasonable amount of time. Performs transmission and/or segmentation for transmission to PACS in a proper anatomic fashion.  Generates high quality hard copies of images when necessary. Maintains cleanliness of procedure area.  Prepares equipment and supplies in advance for future exams. Makes alterations in work schedule for STAT and emergency cases. Alter work patterns to satisfy the needs of the patient and medical staff as needed. Is able to recognize a medical emergency and notifies nurse, PA and/or MD immediately.
• Independently implements non-imaging procedures in accordance with departmental protocols and standards. 
• Invivo/Invitro-Collects body fluid specimens as necessary at established intervals for in-vivo and in-vitro procedures.  Selects appropriate containers/equipment based on type of procedure.  Processes specimens in accordance with standard industry practice. Properly operates counting equipment in order to perform in-vivo and in-vitro procedures according to industry practice. 
• Radiopharmacy – Prepares doses and standards properly by quantitating exact dose, activity, and confirming calculated activity using a dose calibrator.  Chooses an appropriate container for dilution of standard. Performs “wipe tests” of the exterior package on all radioactive shipments received. Monitors all packaging materials and deface radiation symbols on boxes before discarding.  Removes all labels from lead containers being stored for disposal. Stores radioactive materials and non radioactive kits in the appropriate area. Assembles generator and positions it correctly behind barriers.  Obtains generator eluate according to manufacturer’s instructions. Prepares compound radiopharmaceuticals according to manufacturer’s specifications and in sufficient amounts to meet the day’s exam activity.
• Radiation Control- Disposes of radioactive waste according to department policies and procedures, radiation safety guidelines, license specifications, and applicable regulating bodies. Follows radiation protection procedures in order to adhere to local, state, and federal license requirements governing the use of radioactive materials. Takes appropriate measures to reduce exposure whenever possible. Carries out contamination surveys of work areas on a periodic basis according to regulatory guidelines. Performs decontamination procedures when necessary in accordance with departmental procedures; notifies supervisor of any contamination incident.
• Quality Control-Performs routine imaging system evaluations on all scintillation cameras according to established industry practice.  Calibrates and dispenses radioactive gas from bulk load system or unit dose system by loading radioactive gas into administration machine if appropriate. Evaluates the performance of the dose calibrator (ionization chamber) by following appropriate departmental procedures. Develops and maintains quality control procedures for all assays, using appropriate control area and assessment techniques in order to achieve validity and accuracy.
• Documentation-Maintains all required records pertinent to all quality control procedures performed both before and during imaging procedures. Records all data required pertaining to dose preparation and administration, receipt of radioactive materials, radiopharmaceuticals, and radioactive waste disposal in appropriate logbook. Records all data required pertaining to contamination surveys and decontamination procedures performed in appropriate logbook.
• Executes equipment set-up, utilization and proper maintenance procedure. Prepares instrument for procedure and correctly chooses proper collimator, imaging parameters, settings, etc. Properly operates laboratory equipment used in all non-imaging in-vivo and in-vitro procedures. Uses imaging and peripheral equipment, in a safe and productive manner in accordance with prescribed hospital, departmental and manufacturer’s procedures.  Observes and reports any malfunctioning of the equipment and notifies appropriate persons in case of missing or damaged equipment. Demonstrates knowledge of proper use of computer product printers, i.e. label printers, report printers, etc, and minor adjustments to correct malfunctions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.