PET/CT Technologist

I. INTRODUCTION

A. This position is located at 210PET, a joint venture between Raleigh Radiology and WakeMed, in the HTA Medical Office Building at 210 Ashville Avenue, Cary, North Carolina, 27518.

B. The primary function of the PET/CT technologist is to provide PET/CT imaging services to outpatients.

C. The technologist is responsible for the coordination of patient care. (S)he follows established protocols, policies, procedures, and specific instructions.

D. The technologist is registered/certified by the ARRT/NMTCB in the following modalities: Nuclear Medicine/PET.

E. This position reports to the Manager PET/CT Operations.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) General Diagnostic Duties 50%

a) Performs daily quality control testing/calibration on all imaging and non-imaging equipment and reviews data for equipment accuracy.

b) Operates radiation detection and measurement instrumentation.

c) Participates in procurement, preparation, quality control, calculation, identification, documentation, administration, disposal, storage, and safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals and other radioactive materials.

d) Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals as required for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in accordance with regulatory and policy guidelines.

e) Starting and maintaining intravenous access for PET/CT procedures.

f) Administration of oral and/or IV contrast when clinically applicable for certain PET/CT procedures as per departmental protocols.

g) Coordinates and participates in a variety of technical procedures within the PET/CT Department. Performs ordered procedures in a safe, efficient and professional manner in accordance with lab protocols and ALARA principles.

h) Processes, reconstructs, and performs quantitative calculations (e.g., SUV’s) on acquired image data sets for interpretation and archiving.

i) Maintains and provides all aspects of PET/CT services in accordance with all regulatory guidelines set forth by the NRC and NC State Radiation Protection Division.

j) Assesses patient’s condition (physical and psychosocial); prioritizes needs, sets goals, and responds appropriately to meet those needs, which includes discharge teaching.

k) Assists with / or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse occurrences in patients.

l) Maintains a clean, safe, and well-maintained supplied environment for patients and staff.

m) On a regular, sustained basis, cooperates with other staff members both inside and outside the department in accomplishment of own job duties as well as assisting others in accomplishing theirs; serves as a team player and role model for other employees in the organization, always exhibiting traits of courtesy, caring, helpfulness, and respect; conducts oneself in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, cooperative, sensitive, respectful and kind when dealing with team members, visitors, public and all employees.

n) Utilizes teaching opportunities with patients and other significant individuals.

o) Works independently and with minimal supervision to achieve expectations.

p) Performs other duties and accepts responsibility, as assigned.

2) Patient Care Activities 35%

a) Engages with patients to ensure a positive patient experience. Practices AIDET:

i) Acknowledge – properly greet the patient.

ii) Introduce – proper self-introduction

iii) Duration – provide accurate expectations of the duration of the procedure.

iv) Explanation – provide a step-by-step explanation of the procedure.

v) Thank you – thank the patient for choosing our service upon completion and discharge.

b) Performs initial patient assessment which may include:

i) Reviewing clinical indication for appropriate use criteria

ii) Obtaining brief pertinent medical history

iii) Determining pregnancy/breastfeeding status

iv) Other pertinent information such as LMP, height/weight

v) Obtaining and reviewing critical lab values (BUN, creatinine) when applicable (e.g., contrast studies)

vi) Obtaining the complete list of medications and dosages, when applicable

vii) Reviewing allergies, when applicable (e.g., contrast studies) viii) Performing glucometer testing

ix) Obtaining vital signs when applicable (e.g. cardiac studies)

x) EKG preparation for gated and/or cardiac studies

xi) Proper documentation and archiving of ALL patient assessment information obtained.

c) Observes and assesses patients on an ongoing basis throughout patient visit

i) Assesses the patient’s physical and psychological state as well his or her

responses to the procedure.

ii) Assesses and reflects the condition of the patient accurately.

iii) Notifies appropriate entity when emergency situations arise and implements emergency procedures for sudden adverse occurrences, up to and including BLS.

iv) Documents assessments/changes in condition in EPIC.

v) Explain the procedure to patients.

vi) Assesses and documents patient knowledge and understanding of the procedure and aftercare, when appropriate to the procedure being performed.

(1) Documents in EPIC that teaching, or after-care instructions provided.

(2) Documents when referring MD is contacted in EPIC and provides written instruction to patient to assure follow-through.

(3) Follow up in an appropriate time frame on the condition of patients who suffer adverse reactions.

vii) Assists cardiologists, APRN, EKG/cardiac technicians in PET Cardiology procedures (i.e, MPI studies) in a competent and professional manner.

d) Provide accurate information regarding patient history to the Radiologist in order for him/her to interpret images with accuracy and proper history.

i) Concisely and accurately reflects physiological facts regarding each patient.

ii) Relay reports immediately upon completion of procedure when instructed to do so (Quick Read/Call Report)

iii) Initiate communication directly with peers or other appropriate personnel relative to providing continuous quality patient care.

e) Preserve the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of every patient and comply with all HIPAA requirements.

3) Safety/Infection Control 10%

a) Adheres to safety/infection control policies and procedures.

b) Adherence to and participation in the Radiation Safety Program.

c) Participates in QC/QA activities and maintains documentation as required by regulatory and accreditation agencies.

d) Reports unsafe equipment and assures appropriate follow-up.

e) Assesses patients and plans appropriately for safety/infection control.

f) Assures that all equipment necessary for the provision of care is readily available and in working order.

g) Reports incidents and unusual occurrences according to department policies.

h) Wears personal protective equipment (i.e., lab coat, eyewear, masks, gloves) and radiation monitoring devices, as required for each procedure.

i) Utilizes and documents safety procedures to protect personnel and patients from unnecessary radiation exposure, including in the event of a radioactive spill.

4) Other Duties 5%

a) In the absence of the Associate Director, the Senior Technologist will be responsible for

all daily operational activities within the department, including, but not limited to radiopharmaceutical inventory, medical & non-medical supply inventory, staff supervision, and workflow efficiency.

b) Uses the principles of growth and development to assess each patient’s age.

specific needs and provide age-specific treatment and care.

c) Positively promotes the mission, values, and goals of the organization.

d) Maintains the strictest confidentiality of all facility and facility-related employee/patient information.

100%

I. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE

A. Education:

Graduate from an AMA-approved Nuclear Medicine Technology training program.

B. Experience:

MINIMUM 2 years experience in PET/CT required; 3-5 years preferred. Must be able to work independently.

C. Certification:

1. Registered/certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist – ARRT (N) and/or NMTCB, and NMTCB PET certification.

2. Maintenance of continuing education credits as required by the credentialing agency (ARRT and/or NMTCB).

3. BLS is required or must be obtained within the first 6-months of employment. Continuous certification in BLS is required.

D. Licensure: N/A in North Carolina

II. DESIRED SKILLS

Basic patient care skills, including first-aid and BLS. Excellent technical skills in PET/NM are required and CT experience is preferred. Ability to work independently, make sound decisions based on patient condition, and ability to follow directions. Flexibility, dependability, and professionalism are required.

III. WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to read without strain printed material the size of typewriter characters (glasses permitted) and the ability to hear the conversational voice (with or without a hearing aid) or the ability to compensate satisfactorily; may be exposed to infections and contagious diseases. Frequent, prolonged periods of standing and/or walking. Lifts, positions, pushes or transfers patients. Lifts and moves supply boxes. Ability to use, move, and lift heavy items necessary to safely perform job duties such as, but not limited to collimators, lead/tungsten syringe shields, lead carrying cases, lead/tungsten unit dose “pigs” and radioactive shipping containers. Subject to rotating holidays or shifts.

IV. NATURE OF SUPERVISION

A. Supervised by: Associate Director of Molecular Imaging & Theragnostic Senior PET/CT Technologist

B. Supervises: None

C. Instruction / Assistance / Review of Work:

The PET/CT technologist functions with oversight by the Radiologists and Manager PET/CT Operations, although considerable independent work is required. Review of work is generally limited to assurance that work performed is in accordance with policies and procedures as judged by the Radiologist. The employee is expected to inform management when unforeseen events/circumstances require significant changes.