Nuclear Medicine Tech - Travel - $3,360 to $3,400 per week - AlliedTravelCareers : Job Details

Patient Preparation and Care:

• Explain nuclear medicine procedures to patients, ensuring they understand the process and answer any questions or concerns.
• Verify patient identity and physician orders before performing any imaging procedure.
• Prepare patients for imaging by ensuring appropriate positioning, administration of radiopharmaceuticals, and monitoring vital signs if necessary.
• Monitor patients throughout the imaging process, ensuring they remain comfortable and that no adverse reactions occur from the radiopharmaceuticals.

Radiopharmaceutical Handling and Administration:

• Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive tracers) to patients in accordance with prescribed doses and safety protocols.
• Ensure the proper handling, storage, and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals, in compliance with safety guidelines and regulations.
• Use appropriate techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patients, staff, and self.

Imaging and Equipment Operation:

• Operate and maintain specialized nuclear medicine imaging equipment, such as gamma cameras, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners.
• Capture high-quality images of organs, tissues, and bones by following established scanning protocols and adjusting imaging settings as needed.
• Assist in advanced imaging procedures, including hybrid imaging (e.g., PET/CT), to provide detailed images for more accurate diagnoses.

Image Review and Documentation:

• Review images for quality and accuracy before sending them to the physician or radiologist.
• Ensure the images are correctly documented and stored in the hospital's Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) or Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Report any issues with image quality or technical difficulties to the appropriate staff, including radiologists and medical physicists.

Patient Safety and Radiation Safety:

• Adhere to all radiation safety protocols to minimize exposure to patients, staff, and self.
• Follow strict guidelines for handling radioactive materials and ensure appropriate disposal methods are used.
• Educate patients about radiation safety and precautions after the procedure, especially if the radiopharmaceuticals have long-lasting effects.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with physicians, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate imaging protocols and interpret findings.
• Communicate effectively with patients to explain the imaging process and alleviate anxiety, particularly for those unfamiliar with nuclear medicine.
• Document procedures, patient information, and imaging results accurately in the EHR system.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations related to radiation safety and the handling of radioactive materials.
• Participate in quality control (QC) checks, ensuring imaging equipment is properly calibrated and functioning.
• Ensure that all equipment meets the technical standards required for quality imaging and patient safety.
• Keep up-to-date with nuclear medicine advancements, new imaging techniques, and industry standards.

Professional Development:

• Attend continuing education sessions, seminars, and workshops to stay current with the latest nuclear medicine technologies and best practices.
• Maintain professional certifications and licensure, meeting the requirements of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).