Nuclear Medicine/PET Technologist

Major Responsibilities:

• Competently performs basic to intermediate nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including general and cardiac.
• Reviews patient's medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders, obtains medical history from patients, and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• 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.
• Relays pertinent patient history information to appropriate staff and departments.
• Post-processes images as directed and accurately identifies and labels images identifying patient name, medical record unit (MRU) number, and location or position of scan on all images.
• Maintains records in accordance with various regulatory agencies and enters patient and study information into the radiology information system, and documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.
• Identifies equipment performance issues and performs equipment quality assurance tests and calibration procedures. Reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate staff.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Nuclear Medicine Tech (N) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) needs to be obtained within 1 year, or
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist certification (CNMT) issued by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB), and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Nuclear Medicine.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and radiation safety.
• Knowledge of Radioactive Materials Program Requirements (State of WI) DHS 157.
• Competent in IV and venipuncture.
• Basic ECG interpretation, heart rhythm recognition and pharmacological knowledge.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and patient service skills to work effectively with physicians, patients and other staff members.
• Ability to work independently.
• Intermediate computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, and twist throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
• - lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• - lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• - carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• - push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• - perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids; therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Must have clear speech, vision and hearing.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

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.