Nuclear Med Tech - Signature Healthcare

Signature Healthcare is Southeastern Massachusetts’ premier local provider of quality, personalized medical services. We are comprised of the award-winning not-for-profit Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital; Signature Medical Group (SMG), a multi-specialty physician group of more than 150 physicians practicing in 18 ambulatory locations. We believe our distinctive Signature Healthcare team approach is the way healthcare should be: medical professionals across many locations communicating and collaborating, taking advantage of technologies and resources to make a difference in the lives and health of our patients.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Nuclear Medicine Technical Coordinator, and the oversight of the AVP Imaging Services, performs a variety of nuclear medicine procedures as prescribed by practitioners whose privileges allow such referrals. Handles and administers radiopharmaceuticals and operates radiation detection and imaging equipment and ensures standards set forth by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other regulatory agencies are met.

Location: 680 Centre Street, Brockton, MA

Department: Nuclear Medicine

This is a per diem position

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet expectations relative to the purpose of the position and perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, education and/or ability required to perform this position successfully in accordance with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Practice Standards for Medical Imaging. Per CMS Condition of Participation §482.53(a)(2), the qualifications, training, functions and responsibilities of nuclear medicine personnel have been specified and approved by the service director and by the Medical Executive Committee on behalf of the Medical Staff at large. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

• Demonstrates competency in performing nuclear medicine examinations on all ages of patients from newborn to geriatric.
• Must be able to communicate calmly, compassionately and professionally with all types of patients.
• Reviews imaging requisition for required information to perform examinations. Calls appropriate personnel to review discrepancies.
• Properly identifies and prepares patients for examinations, answers questions and/or refers to other appropriate personnel.
• Follows HIPAA standards to maintain patient privacy and disclosure of protected patient information.
• Relies on knowledge of anatomy, physiology and effects of disease processes to properly and safely position the patient to obtain high quality images.
• Demonstrates knowledge of proper shielding and radiation protection for all patients. Ensure that all patients of childbearing age are questioned accordingly.
• Applies ALARA principles to patient, self and other associates.
• Understands the Image Wisely and Image Gently programs and the importance of dose reduction opportunities for all patients.
• Obtains quality diagnostic images after appropriate orientation on the department equipment, hot lab and other essential functions.
• Must be aware of hazards within the department and adhere to safety standards as stated by OSHA and other regulatory agencies such as but not limited to ionizing radiation, nuclear reactor by-product material and universal precautions.
• Maintains all Radiation related documentation in an orderly manner. Responsible for the appropriate record keeping to meet NRC guidelines and regulations. Keep an open line of communication with the Radiation Safety Officer, technical director and administrative director.
• Prepare, labels, uses, transports, stores and disposes of radioactive materials in accordance with acceptable standards of practice while limiting exposure to such products.
• Calibrates and verifies operation of all equipment to be used during the work day. Notifies appropriate personnel of equipment malfunctions and repairs as needed.
• Remain current on developments and trends in nuclear imaging techniques, procedures, and equipment by reading manuals and technical journals. Participate in educational programs, maintain CEU’s that meet State and National guidelines.
• Attends Nuclear Medicine department staff meetings and in service education programs.
• Determines proper dosage by referencing appropriate exam protocols and administers intravenous injections.
• Monitors isotopes at frequent intervals to determine status of radioactive deterioration.
• Conducts periodic safety surveys of work area in accordance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements.
• Follows all PACS workflow procedures for quality, proper identification and completeness of examination requested.
• Demonstrates competency in all RIS applications. Especially pertaining to patient exam status, exam tracking and “taken” lists. Edit any/all examinations in RIS prior to radiologist dictation.
• Coordinates work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency during assigned shift utilizing LEAN methodology.
• Actively participates in daily huddles and problem solving.
• Assists in maintaining dept. inventory to ensure adequate supplies. Restocks un-used supplies to proper storage location after each examination. Utilizes and maintains kanban system.
• Updates patients and families on estimated wait times in the Nuclear Medicine Department. Remains visible and proactive in meeting patient’s needs.
• Performs personal care for patient as needed. Assists patients to bathroom (ambulatory, with cane, crutches or walker). Assists patients to dress or undress as indicated.
• Contributes to other areas in the department and hospital as requested.
• Shows ability to prioritize duties. Adjusts and revises workload as necessary in view of stat orders, emergencies, and fluctuations in patient workload.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/APTITUDE/EXPERIENCE:

Skills needed to communicate effectively in both orally and written form. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet expectations relative to the purpose of the position and perform each primary responsibility satisfactorily. Must be able to function effectively and independently when working under stress. Ability to prioritize and multi task in a fast paced environment. Customer relation, customer service and interpersonal skills are essential. Skills needed to be able to objectively evaluate, counsel and train personnel. High level of initiative, independent judgment and organizational skills.

Essential functions include activities in which incumbent must convey and receive detailed or important instructions to and from patients, associates, volunteers, visitors and other professional and non-professional groups including the following capabilities:

• Understands the customer’s needs and has the ability to resolve problems requiring logical thinking and follow through.
• Functions calmly and logically under tense and difficult situations.
• Works with frequent interruptions and responds appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Constructive feedback and initiates appropriate actions to correct situations.
• Manages difficult patients and/or situations effectively.
• Deals with a variety unique situations where only limited standardization may exist.
• Interprets instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule formats.
• Uses appropriate judgment in communications and actions with patients, physicians, other associates, outside agencies and suppliers.

Education/Experience/Licenses/Technical/Other:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Graduate of a two to four year program in radiography that leads to an associate degree or bachelor's degree from an AMA approved school of Nuclear Medicine Technology required. Must possess current Massachusetts license and ARRT-N or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).BLS//IV certification required.

II. Experience:

III. Software/Hardware: Meditech, Siemens experience preferred but not essential.

IV. Other: Any other changes in healthcare or systems that requires new workflows and processes or new assignments and assisting in training new employees

PI251788032