Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Job Summary

• The Nuclear Medicine technologist assists with providing safe, age‑appropriate care to the patient by performing all exams provided by the department per department procedures.
• The technologist has the knowledge and ability to properly and safely obtain a quality diagnostic study.
• Responsible for performing a wide variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the utilization of equipment for diagnosis and/or treatment of diseases.
• Able to independently perform job functions.
• Sets up the equipment to provide imaging service and positions the patient for the procedure.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Patient Care

• Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
• Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
• Follows established procedures for the administration of radiopharmaceuticals to ensure safety and prevent patient deterioration.
• Ensures proper patient identification and correct use of right/left markers.
• Reviews images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
• Responds to emergency situations and maintains crash cart and life‑support equipment.
• Assists other technologists in all modalities when needed.
• Observes patient condition and evaluates situations requiring physician intervention.
• Verifies patient identity using two unique identifiers prior to performing a procedure.
• Ensures privacy and comfort are provided; maintains patient dignity throughout the exam.
• Demonstrates competence in appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on patient age.
• Organizes schedule, time and priorities to complete work within required timeframes.
• Follows physician instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
• Uses critical thinking skills.
• Dialogs with patient/family.
• Asks clarifying questions.
• Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders.
• Understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time‑Out processes.
• Demonstrates and understands both pre‑ and post‑procedural care.
• Preps the patient for procedures.
• Demonstrates and understands sterile technique.
• Maintains competency with venipuncture.

Equipment

• Adjusts technique to ensure the patient receives the best study possible while maintaining image quality.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to supervisor or service provider promptly.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment according to infection control policy and department cleaning schedule.

Education and Communications

• Clearly explains purpose and nature of exam using AIDET to minimize anxiety and promote cooperation.
• Ensures patient questions, concerns or contraindications are addressed; notifies physician when necessary.
• Participates in the orientation and training of departmental employees.
• Required documentation is concise, legible and uses precise terminology.
• Reads email daily and follows through with assigned tasks.
• Completes mandatory departmental and hospital‑wide education without prompting.

Quality Control

• Consistently produces acceptable images based on radiologist feedback and quality audits.
• Ensures equipment is fully operational before each use by checking calibration and operating deficiencies.
• Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion; prints CDs as needed.
• Prints and scans teleradiography studies when applicable.
• Completes all studies in RIS prior to completing them in PACS.
• Prints completed teleradiography log sheet and submits to Radiologist when applicable.

Operations

• Restocks linens and supplies and maintains Nuclear Medicine department in clean and orderly condition.
• Transports and positions patients and assists them on and off the procedure table.
• Performs patient charging activities on the day service is rendered.
• Applies supportive and immobilization devices and equipment.
• Willingly lends knowledge and assistance as needed and when time allows.
• Performs clerical and support duties when required to ensure continuity and quality of services.
• Keeps supervisor informed and promptly reports potential issues.
• Maintains productivity equal to coworkers.
• Operates Nuclear Medicine equipment within the department.
• Maintains Joint Commission and all regulatory standards.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.
• Takes call when necessary.
• Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education

• Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

(All required upon hire unless otherwise stated)

• ARRT‑N Nuclear Medicine Technology or CNMT Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• BLS, ARC‑BLS or BLS‑Instructor

Required Minimum Experience

• Graduate of AMA‑approved Nuclear Medicine Program — Required
• Minimum 1 year experience in a clinical setting caring for patients (may include clinical rotations) — Required
• Minimum 1 year Nuclear Medicine experience — Preferred

Required Minimum Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills due to frequent interaction with physicians, patients, visitors and staff.
• Routinely obtains, presents and discusses clinical information regarding job responsibilities.
• Able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and cooperation.
• Able to function independently and under pressure while actively participating as part of a team.
• Must consistently demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
• Must perform effectively in a stressful and fast‑paced work environment.
• Must prioritize appropriately and multitask effectively.
• Must interact professionally with patients, families, coworkers, volunteers and physicians.
• Must function independently yet productively as a cooperative team member.
• Must comply with all hospital policies, practices, protocols and professional standards.
• Assists with providing safe, age‑appropriate care for all exams assigned.
• Has the knowledge and ability to properly and safely obtain a quality diagnostic study.
• Performs a wide variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment and initiative.
• Able to independently perform job functions and set up equipment for imaging.
• Competent in all aspects of Nuclear Medicine imaging, positioning, and radiation safety.
• Must understand anatomy and pathology and how they affect exam quality.
• Ability to teach and mentor fellow Nuclear Medicine staff if needed.