About the position
Northwest Medical Center- Springdale is an accredited chest pain and stroke facility, specializing in acute inpatient behavioral health, high acuity medical services including cardiac, bariatric, and robotic surgical procedures, where our seasoned professionals are patient focused, united as a family and challenged to meet critical community health care needs. About Northwest Health Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic regions in America—a perfect blend of urban sophistication and small town charm. If you aren't local and haven't already discovered this, check out www.northwestarkansas.org to see why NWA keeps winning awards as a best place to live. Job Summary The Nuclear Medicine Technologist I is responsible for performing diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures under the supervision of a physician. This role includes preparing and administering radiopharmaceuticals, operating imaging equipment, ensuring radiation safety, and maintaining accurate records in compliance with regulatory standards. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist I collaborates with Radiologists, Cardiologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnostic imaging and high-quality patient care.
Responsibilities
- Performs nuclear medicine imaging procedures and therapies, following established protocols and physician orders to ensure high-quality diagnostic images.
- Prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals intravenously or orally, adhering to safety protocols, regulatory guidelines, and facility policies.
- Assesses patient condition before procedures, verifying proper identification, screening for contraindications, and ensuring the appropriateness of the exam.
- Operates and calibrates nuclear medicine imaging equipment, including gamma cameras and PET scanners, ensuring optimal image acquisition and quality control.
- Performs routine quality control (QC) checks on imaging equipment and maintains accurate documentation for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or state regulatory compliance.
- Ensures proper handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials, following all radiation safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrates knowledge of disease abnormalities and physiological processes, recognizing when additional imaging views or modifications are needed to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Responds to and reports isotope spills, ensuring compliance with radiation safety officer (RSO) protocols and regulatory reporting guidelines.
- Provides clear instructions to patients and family members, explaining the procedure, potential side effects, and post-procedure care as needed.
- Documents all procedures, radiopharmaceutical usage, and patient interactions in the electronic medical record (EMR), ensuring accuracy and compliance with facility policies.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Requirements
- 0-2 years of experience performing nuclear medicine procedures in a clinical or hospital setting required.
- 2-4 years of experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in an acute care hospital setting preferred.
- Proficiency in nuclear medicine imaging techniques, radiopharmaceutical preparation, and radiation safety procedures.
- Strong knowledge of NRC, state, and federal regulations for nuclear medicine and radiation protection.
- Ability to recognize abnormal scan results and identify technical errors to improve imaging accuracy.
- Effective communication and patient care skills, ensuring comfort and understanding throughout procedures.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, particularly in equipment calibration and image optimization.
- Attention to detail in record-keeping, documentation, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with radiologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare providers.
Benefits
- Part-time schedule
- On-call shift
