Nuclear Medicine Technologist - Royal Columbian Hospital

Detailed Overview Reporting to the Supervisor, Nuclear Medicine, the Nuclear Medicine Technologist practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice as well as utilizing a client and family centered care model and the vision and values of the department within Fraser Health (FH). Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures in accordance with departmental policies. Duties include preparing patients for examination, operating nuclear medicine equipment, monitoring patient during procedures, preparing and dispensing and administering radiopharmaceuticals. Performs routine quality control tests on imaging equipment, monitors area utilizing appropriate detection devices and disposes of radioactive substances and contaminated items by following established guidelines. Responsibilities Performs a full range of technical work by performing duties such as correlating clinical history with examination to be performed, providing an explanation regarding the test procedure, positioning patients, administering radiopharmaceuticals by intravenous injection, inhalation or orally, and operating Nuclear Medicine cameras, computers and counting equipment in accordance with established standards and procedures. Performs patient care duties before, during and after the examination until the patient has left the department, by methods such as checking intravenous lines, monitoring oxygen delivery to patient, monitoring urinary catheter systems, observing ECG tracings, taking blood pressure readings and responding to emergent situations in accordance to policies and procedures. May be required to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of an emergency. Receives, measures, dispenses, records, stores and disposes of radioactive materials in compliance with license regulations. Reports any hazards immediately to Supervisor/Site Radiation Safety Officer. Monitors physical areas where radioactive substances are used using appropriate detection devices. Actively uses “As Low As Reasonably Achievable’ (ALARA) principles with respect to radiation exposure. Under aseptic and pyrogen free conditions, prepares diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals as required and dispenses patient doses in accordance with standard operating procedures, best practices and department policy. Performs quality control on preparations and completes required documentation. Under aseptic and pyrogen free conditions, prepares, dispenses and administers radioactive therapeutic agents according to standard operating procedures Performs quality control on preparations as required and completes required documentation. Under aseptic and pyrogen free conditions, prepares leukocyte labelling in accordance to current regulations and standard procedures. Performs quality control on preparations and completes required documentation. Performs non-imaging in-vivo and in-vitro Nuclear Medicine procedures by methods such as withdrawing blood samples from patients, performing labeling techniques and administering labeled blood product through intravenous catheter. Under aseptic and pyrogen free conditions, prepares interventional pharmacologic agents as required in the proper form and in accordance with procedure protocols and the pharmacy parenteral drug therapy manual. Under Delegated Medical Act (DMA) approval, administers interventional pharmacologic agents in accordance with department and pharmacy policies. Completes all record archiving and retrieving for patient data in patient information systems as required; ensures correct exams are recorded for billing and workload purposes. Performs administrative duties such as entering and editing patient demographics in radio pharmacy information systems; orders supplies such as pharmaceuticals, radiopharmaceuticals and general supplies, and monitors supply levels. Assesses and triages patients to reflect changes in scheduled workflow or suitability of camera depending on patient conditions. Performs routine quality control procedures on all Nuclear Medicine equipment and checks that results meet performance standards. Performs basic troubleshooting procedures on malfunctioning equipment and advises supervisor and/or service personal of equipment status. Observes a safe work environment according to radiation safety standards and regulations, OH&S recommendations, WorkSafe BC regulations and infection control policies; completes documentation as required. Reports incidents of overexposure to ionizing radiation and incidents involving radioactive materials or losses of radioactive material as required to the Site Radiation Safety Officer and Regional Radiation Safety Officer. Maintains current CPR and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification. Participates in ongoing training deemed necessary for department operations such as infection control, radiation safety and other workplace safety modules. Orients, instructs and demonstrates procedures and techniques to staff including medical residents and technologists. Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with Supervisor and other health care professionals Participates in departmental Continuous Quality Improvement/LEAN programs by using established monitoring and auditing methodologies to perform quality assurance checks such as patient/physician satisfaction or booking protocols. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Certification with the CAMRT (Nuclear Medicine). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification - Basic Life Support (BCLS) level. Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS), i.e. digital imaging, image archiving and retrieval. Demonstrated knowledge and practice of safe work procedures with nuclear medicine equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Regulations. Demonstrated ability to perform radioisotope examinations in compliance with departmental standards. Demonstrated knowledge of research process and methodology. Demonstrated knowledge of PACS/Radiology Information Systems, i.e. digital imaging, image archiving and retrieval. Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and deal effectively with clients and their families, coworkers, physicians, other health care staff, and staff of external agencies. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability to plan and establish workload priorities in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques. Demonstrated computer skills with current computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.