Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist)

VA Portland Health Care System is a Complexity Level 1a Facility and provides extensive primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and community settings. VAPORHCS is a multi-site medical system that includes a major medical facility in Portland, Oregon, outpatient and residential facilities in Vancouver, Washington, and 10 Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
Duties

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:
The Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Multi-Modality Technologist) has responsibility for performing a wide range of specialized clinical procedures using radioactive materials at a higher level of duties which consists of significant scope and complexity, ranging in a wide variety. This assignment performs fusion imaging such as complex PET-CT procedures, diagnostic imaging in general Nuclear Medicine, stress testing and SPECTCT imaging in Nuclear Cardiology, radionuclide therapy for various cancers; operation and required quality assurance of various gamma cameras, PET-CT scanner, and monitoring instrumentation; working within radiation safety guidelines of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Health Physics Program (NHPP), Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), Joint Commission, among others. Incumbent may be required to perform some diagnostic CT duties. These complex assignments are carried out independently. This Multi-Modality Technologist must hold appropriate specific certification in nuclear medicine (NMTCB or ARRT(N)), as well as CT (NMTCB(CT) or ARRT (CT)) and/or MR (ARRT (MR)) applicable to independently perform the assignment duties. Assignments may include injection of contrast and recognition of allergic reaction, contraindications, and medication interactions.
Serves as a technologist for the PET/CT modality, performing daily and periodic quality control testing of PET/CT scanner (and other supporting equipment), organizing workflow, and performing patient studies.
Receives patient, explains procedure, answers questions relating to the procedure, positions patient for all necessary views and tends to patient comfort.
Obtains clinical data from the patient, electronic chart, requisition, and interviewing the patient and/or family for choosing appropriate imaging protocol.
Qualified to obtain patient blood glucose level prior to injecting imaging tracer to determine if scan is appropriate based on that level. Routinely passes quality control testing to stay current on operating glucometer. Performs daily quality control test to check glucometer accuracy.
Prepares, assays, and administers F-18 FDG or other prescribed positron emitting radiopharmaceuticals, recording, patient and dose parameters essential to interpretation of scan.
Under radiologist supervision, administers IV contrast to enhance CT images after reviewing patient chart for contraindications and renal lab values (impaired renal function or hypersensitivity).
Utilizes knowledge and proficiency in the performance of CT scans with optimization of scanning parameters (mA, kVp, pitch, FOV, etc).
Documents on the use of CT contrast, including any allergic reactions, on all paperwork and in the computerized patient data system (i.e. CPRS).
Prepares studies for nuclear medicine physician's and general radiologist's interpretation by ensuring completeness of all forms involved in the procedure, processing, and transmitting images to fusion workstation/PACS.
Troubleshoot clinical and/or instrumentation problems with the PET-CT modality, interfacing with biomedical engineering as necessary.
Instructs nuclear medicine students, radiology students, new technologists, residents, and others on techniques, procedures, and equipment use; along with motivating all to obtain a greater knowledge of the field of nuclear medicine.
Maintains PET hot lab with prescribed dose calibrator quality assurance and stocking of supplies.
Properly uses and maintains quality assurance of the PET F-18 injector, Medrad Intego.
Displays thorough knowledge of molecular level physiological function that relates to glucose metabolism, blood flow, and 3-D anatomy.
Receives extensive training and education on scanners through onsite training.
Is responsible for researching and developing new protocols as required for expansion of PET-CT procedures (example: cardiology, radiation therapy planning, NaF bone imaging).
Provides patient studies to the oncology department and tumor board for therapy planning and tracking of disease progression
Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 07:30am-4:00pm with rotating on call
Telework : Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized