Nuclear Med/PET Technologist

SUMMARY

Function: Provides highly skilled technical performance and supervision of all procedures in the field of Nuclear Medicine including diagnostic imaging, function testing radioassay testing and therapeutic procedures.

Scope: Impacts patient care related to Nuclear Medicine Services

SHIFT
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Patient Care  
1.  Performs patient care activities within professional scope of practice including but not limited to:   POCT, IV insertion, patient interview/assessment/discharge/ phone education and confirmation, patient transportation, preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals, etc.

2.  Ensures patient/family/staff and visitor safety at all times by monitoring his/her environment.

a.  Safely screens patients, and manages the clinical and research driven clinical

/evaluation process for implanted devices to obtain clearance for the imaging procedure. This includes all aspects of patient event reporting (UHC/ PSN) & Stop the Line.

b.  Maintains strict control of access to clinical areas. (i.e., Hot Lab, technical, supply, etc.)

c.  Follows ALARA safety guidelines.

3.  Recognizes patient distress signs, initiates and assists with emergency response teams. (nurse/physician, DIURT, MERIT, Code Blue)

4.  Adheres to all infection control practices

a.  Utilizes sterile or aseptic technique where applicable.

b.  Handles contrast media and contrast delivery equipment within manufacturer/division standards, properly administering contrast agents, carefully observing the six rights of drug administration 1.) Right Patient, 2.) Right Route, 3.) Right Dose, 4.) Right Time, 5.) Right Medication 6) Right Documentation

5.  Applies knowledge of Age Specific Criteria in carrying out work duties and tasks

6.  Recognizes examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the interpreting radiologist (i.e., Critical result findings.)

7.  Demonstrates ability to work effectively in all assigned areas.

8.  Demonstrates flexibility to the demands of patient care, including but not limited to: coming in early, staying late, alternative shift coverage, emergency “ride out team” and rotational call coverage etc., as needed/assigned.

9.  Travel to off-site regional patient care facilities (e.g., Bellaire Imaging Center, West

Houston Imaging Center, CABI).

10. Maintains cleanliness/orderliness of all imaging rooms, dressing rooms, and work area.

a. Responsible for stocking, transporting, and distribution of supplies within the section.

b. Disposes of used linens as needed.

c. Monitors personnel, work areas, and patient care areas to ensure that the levels of radioactive materials are in accordance with regulations.

i. Decontaminate work and patient care areas as needed.

ii. Disposes of radioactive materials.

11.  Adheres to HIPAA requirements to protect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.

12.  Assures all necessary patient documentation is complete and accurate.

       a. Clearly writes required information on all necessary forms (i.e., PR-1, PR-4, Universal Time Out).

       b. Enters data into computers that is accurate and free from errors.

       c. Confirms patient using approved identifiers, employing the “best practices” of the section to ensure patient demographic accuracy.

Critical Thinking/Strategic Alignment  Applies critical thinking using information from clinical history, medical records, and imaging to ensure the clinical needs of the patients are addressed and discussed with appropriate personnel as necessary.  Employs appropriate and varied modes of communication and escalation.

1.  Maximizes productivity and operational effectiveness by working with entire multi- disciplinary care team to resolve associated clinical care questions.

2.  Applies knowledge of area specific processes and scheduling capacity to manage patient flow, minimize patient appointment delays and positively impact daily operations for patient on-time starts.

3.  Consistently engages in practices to expedite patient care and decrease room turn- around-time. (prepare rooms, escort patients, etc.)

4.  During system failure, performs section down-time procedures and immediately reports to supervisor for reassignment of duties.

5.  Demonstrates effective communication skills. Practices responsible use of the communication tools (Whiteboard, paging systems, telephones, e-mail, fax, etc.)

6.  Ensures accurate, complete and timely transfer of images to PACS.

7.  Ensures completion of all duties and conducts verbal hand-off using (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) technique.

8.  Completes shift reports and follows up with supervisors/peers.

9.  Actively participates in quality and performance improvement activities/projects to improve workflow and the overall patient experience. (i.e. Press Ganey scores, patient on-time starts etc.)

10.  Participates in on-going learning activities and demonstrates application of it in his/her role.

11. Fosters, assists, and encourages a receptive and nurturing environment by actively contributing to the education activities of patients, family members, faculty, radiology residents, co-workers, volunteers, and students.

a.  Coaches and mentors others relating to specific aspects of the job.

b.  Provides leadership and training to students, technologists, and other staff members.

12.  Suggests ways to improve efficiency in the workplace (i.e. reduces supply and equipment waste).

13.  Adheres to Joint Commission standards, initiatives and to applicable state/federal licensure requirements and guidelines

14.  Maintains position required licensure and certifications.

15.  Attends, contributes, and participates in regularly scheduled departmental meetings.

16.  Documents incidents, variances, unusual circumstances, or patient concerns (PSN)

and escalates/ notifies the appropriate personnel within twenty four hours (i.e. radiologist, section leadership).

17.  In a self-directed and timely manner, completes mandatory in-services and continuing education requirements for the institution, division, and section, including but not limited to

a. Orientation to new equipment, safety preparedness, Employee Education Event.

18.  Aligns with American College of Radiology Accreditation standards and recommendations.

Technical Acumen   
1.  Demonstrates technical proficiency required to provide high quality exams while performing all protocols including routine/advanced, immediate care, in-patient, and on-call procedures.

a.  Ensures correct imaging site, positioning, annotation, and parameters.

b.  Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to identify pathology, and obtain necessary diagnostic information.

c.  Demonstrates understanding of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging principles and diagnostic imaging parameters that affect image quality.

2.  Maintains productivity standards as defined in the section.

3.  Error rates are minimized to benchmarked levels.

4.  Responsible for independent and proficient operation of all assigned nuclear medicine

& hot lab equipment including quality assurance activities and collaborating with appropriate parties to resolve image quality issues or concerns.

5.  Relays all equipment malfunctions to the DI Engineering Team, Physics team, supervisor and manager with appropriate information readily available.

6.  Performs CT procedures.

7.  Responsible for accurately entering data, into all clinical computer systems i.e., Radiology Information System, Clinic-Station, Whiteboards, CARE, and modality imaging systems.   Exam Charges, Billable Medical Supplies, CPT/Procedure Codes, Patient Demographics, etc.) Maintain up to date knowledge of billing, coding, national coverage decisions, ICD9 etc.

8.  Assists with equipment maintenance logs (e.g., Zip Rounds, crash cart, refrigerator, temperature logs etc.).

9.  Other duties as assigned.