The Nuclear Medicine Technologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Performs diagnostic Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures through the administration of radioactive isotopes to generate imaging information necessary for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patients. Services are provided in accordance with industry standards, IEMA Standards, department protocols, and hospital policies and procedures. Also performs therapeutic Nuclear Medicine Procedures.
Responsibilities:
- Assess and evaluate the physician's orders for a Nuclear Medicine examination according to departmental protocol.
- Evaluates the request for procedure and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate protocol and method of application.
- Responsible for patient being advised of radioactive isotope safety issues and radiation safety related matters.
- Performs patient education related to the examination in order to reduce the patient's anxiety and enhance his comfort with and tolerance of the prescribed procedure.
- Positions patient and performs diagnostic imaging procedure utilizing Nuclear Medicine gamma cameras. Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to department and hospital standards of nursing care, age-specific standards, and “Patients' First” guidelines.
- Participates in lifting and transporting patients to and from imaging devices.
- Acts as physician assistant during sterile procedures such as aspirations, drainages, and biopsies associated with Nuclear Medicine guided procedures.
- Accountable for notifying physicians as required of changes in physical condition of the patients or unique imaging characteristics.
- Responsible for completion and maintenance of the medical record consisting of films and associated paperwork for processing.
Additional Functions
- Perform "on-call" stat procedures.
- Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisory staff.
- Performs quality control diagnostic testing and assures quality assurance for the radiologic imaging. Reports incidence of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance, and equipment in disrepair to supervisory as soon as possible.
- Responsible for supplying and maintaining the examination room in a manner consistent with department standards.
- Assists in the medical education of house staff, student technologists, and ancillary personnel as it relates to Nuclear Medicine.
- Facilitates scheduling and transportation of patients.