Nuclear Cardiac Technologist
General Summary of Duties: Assist with the day-to-day operations of the Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory.
Essential Functions:
- Order radio pharmaceuticals while working closely with the “Stress Tech” to assure patients are confirmed.
- Question patient regarding medical history, especially females of child bearing age, to determine possible pregnancy or nursing status in order to avoid unintended exposure of fetus or child to radiation.
- Administer radio pharmaceuticals for imaging studies, taking care to insure the material is administered to the correct patient in the correct form and amount. Record details of each administration.
- Operate imaging equipment to perform requested Nuclear Cardiology procedures. Inspect results to determine if additional information is required.
- Process images using the computer and high-resolution printer. Insure results get to appropriate Physician.
- Perform all required quality control and safety testing of equipment which includes cameras, computers, high resolution printer, dose calibrator and radiation detectors (GM & Well-counter). This is to be done in accordance to regulatory specifications in terms of type of test, frequency of test, actions required by test results and any subsequent reports that may need to be prepared.
- Survey and visually inspect all incoming packages to insure compliance with regulations. Take appropriate measures if possible contamination is discovered.
- Insure that check sources are of sufficient activity to allow for quality assurance testing to be performed competently.
- Perform ambient room surveys and wipe tests as scheduled to identify and minimize contamination.
- Complete required records related to receipt, use and disposal of radioactive materials.
- Contain spills and perform decontamination procedures when required.
- Maintain a clean work area at all times with adequately stocked supplies.
- Examine reports, patient identity and consent forms when required to insure accuracy and adequacy of information.
- Wear appropriate radiation monitoring devises. Return them for processing at the end of the designated monitoring period.
- Control access to restricted areas by persons not required to be present in order to perform the procedure.
- Provide input into considerations of new procedures and or nuclear equipment.
- Enhance personal development through Nuclear Conferences and Study Guides and Exams.
Stress Testing (Exercise (GXT) and Pharmacologic (Lexiscan) Tests):
- Responsible for the preliminary screening of patients prior to each study
- Informed Consent is obtained.
- Medical history is summarized.
- Recognize the need for modifying the GXT protocol based on the age, health status, and fitness level of the patient.
- Prepares patient for ECG or sees that patient is prepped correctly.
- Monitor the ECG with full attention given to the signs and symptoms expressed by the patient.
- Recognize abnormal responses during the testing and recovery stages and respond appropriately.
- Recognize the clinical and electrocardiographic reasons for terminating the test (AHA Guidelines)
- Provide an organized and accurate descriptive summary of the GXT results to the supervising physician.
- Implement, if necessary, the appropriate emergency procedures.
- Enhance personal development through study guides.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
- Lifting heavy objects and assisting patients onto and off imaging tables may be required.
Experience: Minimum of one year in a clinical setting, Prefer Cardiology experience.
Requirement’s: BLS/ACLS certification, CNMT and/or AART and/or LRT (Kansas)
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of nuclear cardiology procedures and protocols
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology necessary to perform testing
- Knowledge of Electronic Health Records.
- Knowledge of customer service concepts.
Skills:
- Skill in positioning patients properly
- Skill in identifying equipment problems and corrects or notifies practice administrator
- Skill in time management and organization
Abilities:
- Ability to apply written instructions and standardized work practices.
- Ability to communicate clearly
- Ability to work in a team setting
Environmental/Working Conditions:
Primarily works in the lab and exam room setting. Exposure to conditions including, communicable disease, sharp instruments, and bodily fluids. Exposure to radiation.
Physical/Mental Demands:
Combination of sitting, walking, bending, reaching. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Must be able to assist patient on and off the exam table if needed.
This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.