Nuclear Medicine Technologist - West Houston Imaging Center
- Full-Time
- Houston, TX
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Posted 2 years ago – Accepting applications
Job Description
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Nuclear Medicine Technologist position is to provide technical and specialized skills to maintain business operations in the Section of Clinical Nuclear Medicine in the interest of MDACC patients. Duties and responsibilities are conducted in a manner that effectively supports efficient patient services. The technologist ensures the environment is safe for patients and peers. Practices and maintains radiation safety using ALARA concepts by appropriately shielding oneself, the patient and others while performing exams and/or protocols as prescribed by DI Faculty. Communicates and works with radiologists, physicists, clinicians, nursing staff, management and other patient care providers to ensure high quality diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures are performed. The technologist provides training, education and mentoring to patients, families, students, technologists, visitors, observers, nursing and faculty members.
CORE VALUES
Caring Behaviors
Integrity Behaviors
Discovery Behaviors
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Patient Care 1. Performs patient care activities within professional scope of practice including but not limited to: POCT, IV insertion, patient interview/assessment/discharge/ phone education and confirmation, patient transportation, preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals, etc.
2. Ensures patient/family/staff and visitor safety at all times by monitoring his/her environment.
a. Safely screens patients, and manages the clinical and research driven clinical /evaluation process for implanted devices to obtain clearance for the imaging procedure. This includes all aspects of patient event reporting (UHC/ PSN) & Stop the Line.
b. Maintains strict control of access to clinical areas. (i.e., Hot Lab, technical, supply,etc.)
c. Follows ALARA safety guidelines.
3. Recognizes patient distress signs, initiates and assists with emergency response teams. (nurse/physician, DIURT, MERIT, Code Blue)
4. Adheres to all infection control practices
a. Utilizes sterile or aseptic technique where applicable.
b. Handles contrast media and contrast delivery equipment within manufacturer/division standards, properly administering contrast agents, carefully observing the six rights of drug administration 1.) Right Patient, 2.) Right Route, 3.) Right Dose, 4.) Right Time, 5.) Right Medication 6) Right Documentation
5. Applies knowledge of Age Specific Criteria in carrying out work duties and tasks
6. Recognizes examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the interpreting radiologist (i.e., Critical result findings.)
7. Demonstrates ability to work effectively in all assigned areas.
8. Demonstrates flexibility to the demands of patient care, including but not limited to: coming in early, staying late, alternative shift coverage, emergency "ride out team" and rotational call coverage etc., as needed/assigned.
9. Travel to off-site regional patient care facilities (e.g., Bellaire Imaging Center, West Houston Imaging Center, CABI).
10. Maintains cleanliness/orderliness of all imaging rooms, dressing rooms, and work area.
a.Responsible for stocking, transporting, and distribution of supplies within the section.
b.Disposes of used linens as needed.
c.Monitors personnel, work areas, and patient care areas to ensure that the levels of radioactive materials are in accordance with regulations.
i. Decontaminate work and patient care areas as needed.
ii.Disposes of radioactive materials.
11. Adheres to HIPAA requirements to protect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
12. Assures all necessary patient documentation is complete and accurate.
a. Clearly writes required information on all necessary forms (i.e., PR-1, PR-4, Universal Time Out).
b. Enters data into computers that is accurate and free from errors.
c.Confirms patient using approved identifiers, employing the "best practices" of the section to ensure patient demographic accuracy.
Critical Thinking/Strategic Alignment Applies critical thinking using information from clinical history, medical records, and imaging to ensure the clinical needs of the patients are addressed and discussed with appropriate personnel as necessary. Employs appropriate and varied modes of communication and escalation.
1. Maximizes productivity and operational effectiveness by working with entire multi-disciplinary care team to resolve associated clinical care questions.
2. Applies knowledge of area specific processes and scheduling capacity to manage patient flow, minimize patient appointment delays and positively impact daily operations for patient on-time starts.
3. Consistently engages in practices to expedite patient care and decrease room turn-around-time. (prepare rooms, escort patients, etc.)
4. During system failure, performs section down-time procedures and immediately reports to supervisor for reassignment of duties.
5. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Practices responsible use of the communication tools (Whiteboard, paging systems, telephones, e-mail, fax, etc.)
6. Ensures accurate, complete and timely transfer of images to PACS.
7. Ensures completion of all duties and conducts verbal hand-off using (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) technique.
8. Completes shift reports and follows up with supervisors/peers.
9. Actively participates in quality and performance improvement activities/projects to improve workflow and the overall patient experience. (i.e. Press Ganey scores, patient on-time starts etc.)
10. Participates in on-going learning activities and demonstrates application of it in his/her role.
11. Fosters, assists, and encourages a receptive and nurturing environment by actively contributing to the education activities of patients, family members, faculty, radiology residents, co-workers, volunteers, and students.
a. Coaches and mentors others relating to specific aspects of the job.
b. Provides leadership and training to students, technologists, and other staff members.
12. Suggests ways to improve efficiency in the workplace (i.e. reduces supply and equipment waste).
13. Adheres to Joint Commission standards, initiatives and to applicable state/federal licensure requirements and guidelines
14. Maintains position required licensure and certifications.
15. Attends, contributes, and participates in regularly scheduled departmental meetings.
16. Documents incidents, variances, unusual circumstances, or patient concerns (PSN) and escalates/ notifies the appropriate personnel within twenty four hours (i.e. radiologist, section leadership).
17. In a self-directed and timely manner, completes mandatory in-services and continuing education requirements for the institution, division, and section, including but not limited to
a. Orientation to new equipment, safety preparedness, Employee Education Event.
18. Aligns with American College of Radiology Accreditation standards and recommendations.
Technical Acumen 1. Demonstrates technical proficiency required to provide high quality exams while performing all protocols including routine/advanced, immediate care, in-patient, and on-call procedures.
a. Ensures correct imaging site, positioning, annotation, and parameters.
b. Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to identify pathology, and obtain necessary diagnostic information.
c. Demonstrates understanding of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging principles and diagnostic imaging parameters that affect image quality.
2. Maintains productivity standards as defined in the section.
3. Error rates are minimized to benchmarked levels.
4. Responsible for independent and proficient operation of all assigned nuclear medicine & hot lab equipment including quality assurance activities and collaborating with appropriate parties to resolve image quality issues or concerns.
5. Relays all equipment malfunctions to the DI Engineering Team, Physics team, supervisor and manager with appropriate information readily available.
6. Performs CT procedures.
7. Responsible for accurately entering data, into all clinical computer systems i.e., Radiology Information System, Clinic-Station, Whiteboards, CARE, and modality imaging systems. Exam Charges, Billable Medical Supplies, CPT/Procedure Codes, Patient Demographics, etc.) Maintain up to date knowledge of billing, coding, national coverage decisions, ICD9 etc.
8. Assists with equipment maintenance logs (e.g., Zip Rounds, crash cart, refrigerator, temperature logs etc.).
9. Other duties as assigned.
Other duties as assigned
COMPETENCIES
Self-Adaptability - Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.
Professionalism - Employee demonstrates commitment to collaborative professional relationships with physicians and all members of the heath care team.
Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.
Service Orientation
Provide service to our stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, colleagues and each other, in a safe, courteous, accountable, efficient and innovative manner to include:
Customer Focus
Builds and maintains customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization through skills demonstrated in communication, personalization of interaction, regulation of emotions, and proactive problem solving.
Performance Statement Examples
Talks to customers (internal and external) with a pleasant tone to find out what they need and how satisfied they are with the service. Remains in control of own reactions and responds in a manner that demonstrates appropriate nonverbal cues and complements the customer's emotions in the situation. Recognizes when its is necessary to escalate situations to leadership to ensure customer satisfaction.
EDUCATION
Required: Associate's degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or completion of a formal training in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree or higher in the Arts or Sciences from a JRCNMT or JRCERT program or related field
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
Required: All of the following:
Must be registry eligible in one of the following: Nuclear Medicine Technologist by American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) and licensed by the Texas Medical Board (TMB); OR Certified Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and licensed by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT).
Preferred:
EXPERIENCE
Required: None
Preferred: 2 years of post-certification experience working in nuclear medicine
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
Apply to this Job
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Nuclear Medicine Technologist position is to provide technical and specialized skills to maintain business operations in the Section of Clinical Nuclear Medicine in the interest of MDACC patients. Duties and responsibilities are conducted in a manner that effectively supports efficient patient services. The technologist ensures the environment is safe for patients and peers. Practices and maintains radiation safety using ALARA concepts by appropriately shielding oneself, the patient and others while performing exams and/or protocols as prescribed by DI Faculty. Communicates and works with radiologists, physicists, clinicians, nursing staff, management and other patient care providers to ensure high quality diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures are performed. The technologist provides training, education and mentoring to patients, families, students, technologists, visitors, observers, nursing and faculty members.
CORE VALUES
Caring Behaviors
- Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times.
- Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers.
Integrity Behaviors
- Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly.
- Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values.
- Safety: Models safe behavior (wears badge and personal protective equipment, washes hands, and keeps work area clean and orderly); Notices a safety concern or emergency, understands role and uses proper procedures to report it; Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior
Discovery Behaviors
- Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas.
- Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Patient Care 1. Performs patient care activities within professional scope of practice including but not limited to: POCT, IV insertion, patient interview/assessment/discharge/ phone education and confirmation, patient transportation, preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals, etc.
2. Ensures patient/family/staff and visitor safety at all times by monitoring his/her environment.
a. Safely screens patients, and manages the clinical and research driven clinical /evaluation process for implanted devices to obtain clearance for the imaging procedure. This includes all aspects of patient event reporting (UHC/ PSN) & Stop the Line.
b. Maintains strict control of access to clinical areas. (i.e., Hot Lab, technical, supply,etc.)
c. Follows ALARA safety guidelines.
3. Recognizes patient distress signs, initiates and assists with emergency response teams. (nurse/physician, DIURT, MERIT, Code Blue)
4. Adheres to all infection control practices
a. Utilizes sterile or aseptic technique where applicable.
b. Handles contrast media and contrast delivery equipment within manufacturer/division standards, properly administering contrast agents, carefully observing the six rights of drug administration 1.) Right Patient, 2.) Right Route, 3.) Right Dose, 4.) Right Time, 5.) Right Medication 6) Right Documentation
5. Applies knowledge of Age Specific Criteria in carrying out work duties and tasks
6. Recognizes examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the interpreting radiologist (i.e., Critical result findings.)
7. Demonstrates ability to work effectively in all assigned areas.
8. Demonstrates flexibility to the demands of patient care, including but not limited to: coming in early, staying late, alternative shift coverage, emergency "ride out team" and rotational call coverage etc., as needed/assigned.
9. Travel to off-site regional patient care facilities (e.g., Bellaire Imaging Center, West Houston Imaging Center, CABI).
10. Maintains cleanliness/orderliness of all imaging rooms, dressing rooms, and work area.
a.Responsible for stocking, transporting, and distribution of supplies within the section.
b.Disposes of used linens as needed.
c.Monitors personnel, work areas, and patient care areas to ensure that the levels of radioactive materials are in accordance with regulations.
i. Decontaminate work and patient care areas as needed.
ii.Disposes of radioactive materials.
11. Adheres to HIPAA requirements to protect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
12. Assures all necessary patient documentation is complete and accurate.
a. Clearly writes required information on all necessary forms (i.e., PR-1, PR-4, Universal Time Out).
b. Enters data into computers that is accurate and free from errors.
c.Confirms patient using approved identifiers, employing the "best practices" of the section to ensure patient demographic accuracy.
Critical Thinking/Strategic Alignment Applies critical thinking using information from clinical history, medical records, and imaging to ensure the clinical needs of the patients are addressed and discussed with appropriate personnel as necessary. Employs appropriate and varied modes of communication and escalation.
1. Maximizes productivity and operational effectiveness by working with entire multi-disciplinary care team to resolve associated clinical care questions.
2. Applies knowledge of area specific processes and scheduling capacity to manage patient flow, minimize patient appointment delays and positively impact daily operations for patient on-time starts.
3. Consistently engages in practices to expedite patient care and decrease room turn-around-time. (prepare rooms, escort patients, etc.)
4. During system failure, performs section down-time procedures and immediately reports to supervisor for reassignment of duties.
5. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Practices responsible use of the communication tools (Whiteboard, paging systems, telephones, e-mail, fax, etc.)
6. Ensures accurate, complete and timely transfer of images to PACS.
7. Ensures completion of all duties and conducts verbal hand-off using (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) technique.
8. Completes shift reports and follows up with supervisors/peers.
9. Actively participates in quality and performance improvement activities/projects to improve workflow and the overall patient experience. (i.e. Press Ganey scores, patient on-time starts etc.)
10. Participates in on-going learning activities and demonstrates application of it in his/her role.
11. Fosters, assists, and encourages a receptive and nurturing environment by actively contributing to the education activities of patients, family members, faculty, radiology residents, co-workers, volunteers, and students.
a. Coaches and mentors others relating to specific aspects of the job.
b. Provides leadership and training to students, technologists, and other staff members.
12. Suggests ways to improve efficiency in the workplace (i.e. reduces supply and equipment waste).
13. Adheres to Joint Commission standards, initiatives and to applicable state/federal licensure requirements and guidelines
14. Maintains position required licensure and certifications.
15. Attends, contributes, and participates in regularly scheduled departmental meetings.
16. Documents incidents, variances, unusual circumstances, or patient concerns (PSN) and escalates/ notifies the appropriate personnel within twenty four hours (i.e. radiologist, section leadership).
17. In a self-directed and timely manner, completes mandatory in-services and continuing education requirements for the institution, division, and section, including but not limited to
a. Orientation to new equipment, safety preparedness, Employee Education Event.
18. Aligns with American College of Radiology Accreditation standards and recommendations.
Technical Acumen 1. Demonstrates technical proficiency required to provide high quality exams while performing all protocols including routine/advanced, immediate care, in-patient, and on-call procedures.
a. Ensures correct imaging site, positioning, annotation, and parameters.
b. Demonstrates knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to identify pathology, and obtain necessary diagnostic information.
c. Demonstrates understanding of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging principles and diagnostic imaging parameters that affect image quality.
2. Maintains productivity standards as defined in the section.
3. Error rates are minimized to benchmarked levels.
4. Responsible for independent and proficient operation of all assigned nuclear medicine & hot lab equipment including quality assurance activities and collaborating with appropriate parties to resolve image quality issues or concerns.
5. Relays all equipment malfunctions to the DI Engineering Team, Physics team, supervisor and manager with appropriate information readily available.
6. Performs CT procedures.
7. Responsible for accurately entering data, into all clinical computer systems i.e., Radiology Information System, Clinic-Station, Whiteboards, CARE, and modality imaging systems. Exam Charges, Billable Medical Supplies, CPT/Procedure Codes, Patient Demographics, etc.) Maintain up to date knowledge of billing, coding, national coverage decisions, ICD9 etc.
8. Assists with equipment maintenance logs (e.g., Zip Rounds, crash cart, refrigerator, temperature logs etc.).
9. Other duties as assigned.
Other duties as assigned
COMPETENCIES
Self-Adaptability - Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.
Professionalism - Employee demonstrates commitment to collaborative professional relationships with physicians and all members of the heath care team.
Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.
Service Orientation
Provide service to our stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, colleagues and each other, in a safe, courteous, accountable, efficient and innovative manner to include:
- Promoting inclusiveness and collegiality that demonstrates respect and professionalism to our stakeholders at all times
- Modeling safe, ethical behavior that mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson's Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures
- Responding to requests in a timely manner while proactively communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to stakeholders
- Using the steps to HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) the relationship when service recovery is needed
Customer Focus
Builds and maintains customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization through skills demonstrated in communication, personalization of interaction, regulation of emotions, and proactive problem solving.
Performance Statement Examples
- Presents a cheerful, positive manner with customers either on the phone or in person. Shows interest in, actively listens to and responds in a clear and timely manner to customer's expressed needs.
- Focuses on the customer's results, rather than own. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers implement complete solutions through personalized service that anticipates the customer's unspoken needs.
- Delivers services when and where the customer needs them. Explores options when unable to deliver a requested product or service, and pursues solutions until the customer is satisfied by addressing the root cause of the issue. Problem solves with patient, family member, care giver or clinical team to aid in proactively resolving issues and concerns.
- Provides to customers status reports and progress updates. Seeks customer feedback and ensures needs have been fully met.
Talks to customers (internal and external) with a pleasant tone to find out what they need and how satisfied they are with the service. Remains in control of own reactions and responds in a manner that demonstrates appropriate nonverbal cues and complements the customer's emotions in the situation. Recognizes when its is necessary to escalate situations to leadership to ensure customer satisfaction.
EDUCATION
Required: Associate's degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology or completion of a formal training in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree or higher in the Arts or Sciences from a JRCNMT or JRCERT program or related field
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
Required: All of the following:
Must be registry eligible in one of the following: Nuclear Medicine Technologist by American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) and licensed by the Texas Medical Board (TMB); OR Certified Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) and licensed by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT).
Preferred:
- ARRT in CT certification
- Additional certifications (NMTCB-NCT/ CNMT, PET; ARRT - N/R/T/QM)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
EXPERIENCE
Required: None
Preferred: 2 years of post-certification experience working in nuclear medicine
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 148196
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- FLSA: non-exempt, eligible for overtime, and is subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Work Week: Days
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: No
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 71,000
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 89,000
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 107,000
- Science Jobs: No