Nuclear Medicine Technologist, San Diego, On-Call

Nuclear Medicine Technologist, San Diego, On-Call at Kaiser Permanente summary :

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using radiopharmaceuticals under direct supervision, ensuring radiation safety and patient care. They operate complex nuclear medicine equipment, prepare and administer appropriate doses, and document clinical activities accurately. The role requires professional communication, adherence to policies, and occasional leadership responsibilities within a healthcare setting.

Job Summary :

Under direct supervision, performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures utilizing radiopharmaceuticals. Prepares pharmaceuticals for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Applies principle of radiation protection. Calibrates radiation detection equipment. Exercises professional judgment in performance of service. Provides patient care.

Essential Responsibilities :

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Customer Service : Is responsive to the needs of others by maintaining a professional behavior toward members and coworkers and creating a positive image for the department, as demonstrated by : willingness to take the initiative to resolve member issues. handling a high number of member contacts. dealing with customer complaints in a positive way. providing compassionate service. treating coworkers with respect and appreciation. fostering teamwork and thinking positively.
• Identifies the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and makes accommodations for such differences.
• Demonstrates competence in the operation of complex Nuclear Medicine equipment, both mobile and stationary in various patient care settings. consistently selects correct technical factors relative to the requirements of the study. consistently selects other equipment settings / parameters appropriately. consistently processes electronic images properly, utilizing automated equipment. consistently selects, prepares and assays the correct radiopharmaceutical for the required exam. routinely selects and operates quality control monitoring equipment appropriately to produce accurate results.
• Administers radiopharmaceuticals safely and properly. always administers the correct isotope. always measures and administers the correct dose. always verifies the identity of the patient before administration. routinely adheres to infection control techniques relative to radiopharmaceutical administration. routinely performs venipuncture in accordance with established department procedure.
• Age Specific Criteria : Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in delivery of services to patients of the age group served. Able to assess data reflective of the patients status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed in accordance with department policy. neonatal. pediatric. adolescent. adult. geriatric. adjusts dosage and technical factors relative to the requirements of the study and the physical maturation of the patient. modifies patient positioning techniques relative to the patients physical and cognitive abilities. always takes special care in handling, positioning and / or restraining infants and geriatric patients to avoid injury or excessive radiation exposure. never leaves infant, pediatric or disoriented geriatric patient unattended.
• Exercises Good Clinical Judgment. consults with the radiologist or nuclear medicine physician for purposes of clarifying orders. selects alternate or additional view appropriately relative to the patients condition. does not attempt to perform an exam in any case in which it cannot be performed safely and / or properly.
• Documents clinical activities in a timely, comprehensive, and accurate manner. completes and initials the standard consultation form and the Radiology Processing Record accurately and immediately following each procedure. consistently documents required statistics relative to the use of radiopharmaceuticals (e.g. dosage, dose administered, disposal records, etc.) Additional Performance Standards for Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
• Provides effective, functional direction to assigned staff. consistently assigns work to staff appropriately so that exams are performed in a timely manner. routinely provides timely feedback to management regarding operational problems and personnel issues. communicates effectively with other departments to promote positive interdepartmental relationships. demonstrates organizational skills and creativity in the resolution of operational problems within the department.
• Organizational Rules, Policies and Procedures.
• Observes all organizational, regional, medical service area and Diagnostic Imaging Department policies and procedures. oIs compliant with organizational, regional and medical service area policies and procedures. observes Regional Radiation Safety Standards and Department Safety Policies. Quality of Service.
• Maintains standards or professional behavior established to enhance quality of service. greets members promptly and courteously with eye contact and a pleasant expression and tone of voice. informs members of reason for any delays or anticipated delays in their care. treats patients in accordance with the Patients Bill of Rights. conducts only work related conversations when members are waiting for service. Communication.
• Demonstrates good communication skills. communicates verbally in a clear and concise manner. Communicates verbal instruction to member in a manner that is conducive to understanding and compliance. demonstrates courteous and appropriate telephone skills. speaks English in the presence of patients except as required to interpret for non English speaking patients. communicates in writing accurately, completely and legibly, and routes such communication appropriately and in a timely manner. Professional Maturity.
• Demonstrates professional maturity in all interactions with patients and staff. strives to maintain good working relationships and rapport with patients, other members of the department and the health care team. oIs flexible and cooperative about schedule changes made to maximize productivity and efficiency. responds appropriately to constructive criticism from supervisors and peers. functions independently within the defined scope of position. Productivity.
• Meets productivity norms achieved by peers within the department or the Region. Equipment, Supplies, and Work Area. Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines. keeps equipment and work area clean at all times. routinely handles equipment with care to avoid damage. reports equipment malfunctions to supervisory staff promptly. orders, receives, handles, and stores radiopharmaceuticals appropriately and in accordance with Regional Radiation Safety policies.
• Reports to Assistant Director, Diagnostic Imaging.
• Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.

Basic Qualifications :

Experience

Education

License, Certification, Registration

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Nuclear Medicine Technologist from American Registry of Radiologic Technologists OR Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certificate from Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board

Nuclear Medical Technologist Certificate (California)

Additional Requirements :

Preferred Qualifications :

Notes :

This position requires working every weekend at all locations in the San Diego service area.

Keywords :

nuclear medicine technologist, radiopharmaceuticals, diagnostic imaging, radiation safety, patient care, calibration of equipment, venipuncture, nuclear medicine procedures, medical imaging technologist, clinical documentation