PET/CT Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Location:
North Spokane Office Pay Range:
$35.33 - $69.35 Summit Cancer Center (North Office)JOB SUMMARY: The PET/CT Technologist I (PET Tech) reports directly to the Radiology Team Lead. The PET Tech accurately interprets physician orders; administers radiopharmaceuticals (RPH) and/or contrast materials; and prepares and operates PET/CT Scan equipment to ensure proper images are obtained. Their primary duties include the acquisition of quality diagnostic PET/CT images in accordance with written prescriptions and standard operating procedures while ensuring safety in patient care through the consistent practice of ALARA principles and accepted standards of care. Image acquisition includes identifying the correct patient, escorting patients to the scan room, assisting patients onto the scanner table, positioning patients for image acquisition, acquiring diagnostically acceptable images and assisting the patients in exiting the scan room. The PET Tech provides and ensures an environment of caring, concern and support for patients, visitors, medical staff and co-workers on a consistent basis. They ensure the quality of image acquisition through the complete and accurate documentation of treatment records. They also recognize and document required deviations from prescribed scans and report all deviations to the Radiology Team Lead and/or interpreting Radiologist. The PET Tech uses effective communication techniques and interpersonal skills to adequately explain the PET/CT scan procedure and its associated risks to patients and their family while referring medical questions to appropriate personnel. The PET Tech observes patients for expected and unexpected reactions to radiopharmaceutical and/or contrast injections and communicates this to appropriate staff members. The PET Tech properly documents all aspects of the image acquisition process within the patient's record in the Practice EMR. The PET Tech assists as needed in all image acquisition related procedures, including transporting patients, reviewing charts, and ordering supplies. They demonstrate the ability to recognize standard imaging artifacts and make the necessary to adjustments to ensure high quality scans. The PET Tech performs and documents daily and weekly QA checklists for all PET/CT related equipment within the department including the Hotlab. They notify appropriate clinical team members and document findings outside the normal range of operations. The PET Tech participates in programs to measure and improve the quality of care within the Department and uses critical thinking to trouble shoot and often fix common quality issues. They also capture and verify patient procedures performed and assist with in the submission of Superbill charges.
Required Qualifications: Education :
Minimum - Graduate from an accredited School of Nuclear Medicine Technology or similar.
Preferred - BS Degree in Nuclear Medicine or other related field
Certified as a Registered Nuclear Medicine or PET Technologist by the NMTCB or ARRT. Dual certification as a Radiographer (ARRT )( R ) or CT Technologist (CT) is preferred
Must have State Nuclear Medicine or PET license if applicable for locality.
Must have current CPR/BLS certifications.
Fluency in the English language as well as excellent oral and written communication skills is essential. Additionally, ability to communicate in Spanish is also desirable.
Travel: Rarely
Standard Work Days/Hours: M-F, 8am - 5pm
Previous Experience : Minimum of one (1) year active experience as a PET/CT Technologist is required. Will consider recent graduate of accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology program that is eligible to sit for their registry. Must pass Nuclear Medicine or PET Registry exam within 6 months of hire if recent graduate.
Key Performance Areas: Inject RPH and contrast materials in accordance with SOP and standards of care.
Utilize PET/CT Scanner to produce cross-section images of internal organs and tissues for the diagnosis of medical issues.
Maintain and perform Quality Control tests on PET/CT Scanner and Hot lab equipment.
Ensure accurate scanning of each patient by utilizing proper protocols.
Identify appropriate patients using the 2-method protocol.
Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
Prepare RPH and contrast adhering to safety standards.
Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
Coordinate and maintain patient schedules with Company coordinators.
Maintain an active Nuclear Medicine or PET certification (NMTCB or ARRT) and state license (if required). Maintain certifying and state requirements for CE Education Units.
Comply will all Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to patient care, patient's rights, safety, billing, and collections. Adhere to all Company and departmental policies and procedures, including IT policies and procedures and Disaster Recovery Plan.
Keep office and personal work area and records in a neat and orderly manner.
Ensure the physical building and all equipment are safe for use.
Maintain all company equipment in a safe and working order.
Maintain the confidentiality of all patient and employee information as required by HIPAA regulations at all times.
Assist in training new employees to related job duties.
Expected to work at any Company location to help meet the Company's business needs.
Expected to work overtime when given sufficient notice of required overtime.
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