Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Job Summary

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist prepares, measures and administers radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostic and therapeutic studies to produce scans of radioactive isotopes in specified anatomical parts and systems.

Essential Job Functions

• Collects pertinent data about the patient and procedure.
  • Reconfirms the patient's identification and verifies the physician's order.
  • Verifies patient's pregnancy status when appropriate.
  • Assures the proper screening protocol is completed.
• Provides information to the patient about procedure.
  • Verifies the patient has consented to the procedure and answers any questions the patient may have.
  • Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient can understand.
• Analyzes the information obtained during the assessment phase and determines optimal scanning parameters per diagnosis.
  • Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure
  • Assesses factors that may contraindicate procedure such as medications and insufficient patient preparation.
  • Uses professional judgment to adapt imaging and therapeutic procedure to improve diagnostic quality and therapeutic outcome.
• Administers radiopharmaceuticals according to established guidelines.
  • Obtains radioactive material from the generator and prepares radiopharmaceuticals.
  • Administers radiopharmaceutical doses under the direction of the radiologist.
  • Positions patient to obtain optimal image/scan.
  • Using sterile techniques, preps site and starts I.V. when applicable
• Obtains optimal images during scan.
  • Adjusts the imaging parameters to improve the outcome of the procedure.
  • Assesses images for technical quality and makes adjustments as needed.
  • Sends images to PACS for interpretation by radiologist.
• Documents information about patient care, exam, and patient history in appropriate record.
  • Verifies correct order is entered into RIS
  • Documents appropriate patient history into PACS system
  • Documents any exceptions from the established guidelines.
  • Maintains records about the use of radioactive materials.
  • Documents diagnostic and treatment in the appropriate record
  • Scans appropriate documents into PACS.
  • Completes medication reconciliation documentation per department policy.
• Facilitates correspondence with all departments to assure procedures are done in a timely manner.
  • Works with centralized scheduling, nursing units and ER to accommodate STAT or ASAP orders.
  • Responds to emergency call per department procedures
• Maintains equipment and work station in optimum condition.
  • Performs daily QC on equipment.
  • Performs regularly scheduled calibration and/or quality control on equipment, cameras, dose calibrator, and survey meters.
  • Maintains records of calibration.
  • Transports used generators and contaminated vials and materials to decayed area if applicable
  • Disposes of radioactive waste according to established procedures and safety standards.
  • Performs daily and weekly survey and wipes to monitor radioactive contamination.
  • Assures adequate patient care and office supplies are maintained.
  • Reports equipment malfunction to service provider.
• Implements downtime procedures when necessary.
  • Coordinates rescheduling of patients during equipment downtime.
  • Initiates established downtime procedures during HIS/RIS and PACS downtime.
• Attends department/reviews meeting minutes as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a (JRCNMT) accredited nuclear medicine program.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

• Medical Terminology
• Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)

• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.

• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year nuclear medicine experience.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance
• Current registry with Nuclear Medicine Technologist certification board (NMTCB) and/or current registry with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with credentialing in Nuclear Medicine (RTN).

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.