Pet Associate Jobs in Denison, IA (NOW HIRING)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares, measures, and administers radiopharmaceuticals orally or via injection, exercising professional judgment and adhering to radiation safety principles for patients, staff, and self.
• Operates PET, CT, and SPECT imaging equipment safely and accurately, ensuring proper image acquisition and quality.
• Verifies patient identity, reviews physician orders, and explains procedures to patients to reduce anxiety and ensure cooperation.
• Monitors patients before, during, and after procedures for adverse or unusual reactions and responds appropriately.
• Maintains accurate documentation of radiopharmaceutical dosages, procedures performed, and patient responses in EMR/HIS/RIS/PACS systems.
• Follows radiation protection standards, infection prevention practices, and hazardous material handling procedures at all times.
• Assists with oversight of the Radiation Protection Program and participates in radiation safety and QAPI committees as assigned.
• Troubleshoots equipment issues, performs routine quality control checks, and ensures adequate inventory of supplies.
• Supports scheduling coordination for additional imaging exams including CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine studies as needed.
• Responds to medical emergencies, providing basic first aid and CPR within scope of certification.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, continuing education, and maintenance of licensure and certifications.
• Assists with orientation, education, and training of staff and students; provides procedural support to physicians as needed.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and complies with all organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards, including Joint Commission requirements.
• Addresses patient care concerns as they arise and makes appropriate decisions to resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintains a safe, respectful, and collaborative work environment and attends mandatory meetings and trainings.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or related field.
• Graduate of an accredited Nuclear Medicine Technology program.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in nuclear medicine or PET/CT imaging required.

Position Requirements, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current state license and certification to practice Nuclear Medicine.
• Credentialed by ARRT (N) or NMTCB.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Demonstrated ability to establish compassionate and professional relationships with patients and families.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining sophisticated imaging and medical equipment.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.

Language Skills
Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and documentation and to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position requires frequent standing and walking throughout the workday, including prolonged periods on hard flooring surfaces. The employee must be able to maintain static and dynamic postures, including standing, sitting, bending, twisting, and reaching, often in confined or equipment-dense spaces.
The employee is regularly required to use bilateral upper extremities for fine and gross motor tasks, including but not limited to operating imaging equipment, positioning patients, handling radiopharmaceuticals, manipulating controls, and performing venipuncture. Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and sustained grip strength are essential.
The employee must be able to safely assist, position, transfer, and support patients, including those with limited mobility, pain, altered mental status, or physical disabilities. This includes frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, and stabilizing movements. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, which may include assisting patients, moving equipment, or handling supplies. Use of proper body mechanics and assistive devices is required when available.
The position requires occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, climbing, and reaching overhead or below waist level, as well as sustained reaching during patient positioning and equipment setup. The employee must tolerate repetitive movements and sustained postures that may place stress on the neck, shoulders, back, and lower extremities.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus, necessary for accurate imaging, patient monitoring, and equipment operation.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a clinical imaging environment and may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, imaging equipment, medical devices, fumes, or airborne particles. The role involves potential exposure to electrical hazards associated with the operation of diagnostic and imaging equipment.
The employee may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and bodily fluids, requiring consistent adherence to infection prevention standards, use of personal protective equipment, and compliance with established safety protocols. The work environment may include exposure to unpleasant sights, odors, or materials commonly associated with direct patient care.
This position involves potential exposure to radioactive materials, ionizing radiation, and toxic or caustic chemicals, requiring strict compliance with radiation safety procedures, monitoring requirements, and applicable regulatory guidelines. The employee may occasionally be exposed to vibration, confined workspaces, or elevated or precarious locations during equipment operation, patient positioning, or maintenance-related activities.
The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate, with intermittent increases related to equipment operation, alarms, or patient care activities.
The employee may interact with patients who are anxious, distressed, cognitively impaired, or experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges, requiring effective communication, situational awareness, use of de-escalation techniques, and adherence to organizational safety and patient management policies.
Other Requirements
May be required to train in and float to other areas within the department or other assigned areas and provide extra support and/or coverage as needed.
May be assigned additional duties of Clinical Coordinator for student teaching.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.