Lead Technologist, PET CT

NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn is a full-service teaching hospital and Level I trauma center located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The hospital is central to a comprehensive network of affiliated ambulatory and outpatient practices, and serves as NYU Langone Health’s anchor for healthcare access, growth, and delivery in the entire borough. At NYU Langone Health, equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental values. We strive to be a place where our exceptionally talented faculty, staff, and students of all identities can thrive. We embrace diversity, inclusion, and individual skills, ideas, and knowledge. Learn more about NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, and interact with us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Position Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Lead Technologist, PET CT.

In this role, the successful candidate is responsible for performing medically prescribed nuclear medicine procedures and PET/CT imaging procedures, leads technical staff, and facilitates patient flow through the department. Works under general direction.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of the organization’s Service Standards and incorporates them into the performance of duties.

2. Operates hospital and radiology information systems as they relate to nuclear medicine. Correctly chooses appropriate patient information from HIS/RIS system in accordance with HIPPA regulations. Demonstrates ability to access patient information such as appointment times, type of exam, and patient reports. Is knowledgeable of the total cycle of RIS patient tracking. Follows departmental policy of documenting beginning, completion and departure times, when appropriate, in the RIS. Demonstrates knowledge of the HIS and is able to access patient data for verification of orders. Competent in scheduling exams in RIS from the order entry queue and/or demonstrates the ability to modify exams when necessary.

3. Effectively assesses patient’s information and status and follows appropriate procedure(s) accordingly. Uses standard procedures to identify the correct patient. Introduces self to the patient. Reviews patient’s order and understands the type of exam required by each order and confers with Radiologist regarding clarification when necessary. Seeks information or asks for assistance from supervisor regarding difficult or questionable results. Follows accepted nuclear medicine procedures and uses medical information to determine type of protocol required for radiographic examination. Consults policy and procedure manuals and/or other reference materials as necessary to ensure actions conform to established protocols. Follows special instructions as indicated on the order. Recognizes need for and follows isolation precautions.

4. Independently implements patient procedures in accordance with departmental protocols and standards. Explains the procedure and equipment to the patient clearly and when necessary, obtaining the assistance of the hospital interpreter or translator. Obtains formal consent when necessary. Provides for patient comfort before, during and after procedure, and maintains an ongoing rapport with the patient throughout the procedure to ease any anxiety the patient may have. Provides for patient privacy at all times. Knowledgeable about patient preparation, considering patient comfort, clothing, pre-medications and any other preparations necessary for the imaging procedure being performed. Prepares radiopharmaceutical dose using proper procedures, and dose calculations.

5. Verifies label on radiopharmaceutical vial. Calculates activity remaining and activity needed for procedure and determines required patient dose and verifies the radioactivity of the dose using a dose calibrator. Calibrates and dispenses radioactive gas from bulk load system or unit dose system. Positions patient and equipment appropriate to the body part (s) to be studied and adjust equipment settings accordingly to ensure maximum information is obtained. Determines how to display and format data as needed. Performs filming of optimum quality and archives the data. Analyzes data acquired and reports results to physician for interpretation. Solves problems that arise during patient examinations using both technical knowledge and innovation. Alters examination to maximize information in response to patient’s condition. Confers with other technologists concerning previous approaches utilized.

6. Assists physicians as needed during the course of the procedure. Uses efficient methods and completes examinations assigned in reasonable amount of time. Performs transmission and/or segmentation for transmission to PACS in a proper anatomic fashion. Maintains cleanliness of procedure. Prepares equipment and supplies in advance for future exams. Makes alterations in work schedule for STAT and emergency cases. Alter work patterns to satisfy the needs of the patient and medical staff as needed. Can recognize a medical emergency and notify RN, PA and/or MD immediately.

7. Radiopharmacy – Prepares doses and standards properly by quantitating exact dose, activity, and confirming calculated activity using a dose calibrator. Chooses an appropriate container for dilution of standard. Performs “wipe tests” of the exterior package on all radioactive shipments received. Monitors all packaging materials and deface radiation symbols on boxes before discarding. Removes all labels from lead containers being stored for disposal. Stores radioactive materials and non-radioactive kits in the appropriate area. Assembles generator and positions it correctly behind barriers. Obtains generator eluate according to manufacturer’s instructions. Prepares compound radiopharmaceuticals according to manufacturer’s specifications and in sufficient amounts to meet the day’s exam activity.

8. Radiation Control- Disposes of radioactive waste according to department policies and procedures, radiation safety guidelines, license specifications, and applicable regulating bodies. Follows radiation protection procedures in order to adhere to local, state, and federal license requirements governing the use of radioactive materials. Takes appropriate measures to reduce exposure whenever possible. Carries out contamination surveys of work areas on a periodic basis according to regulatory guidelines. Performs decontamination procedures when necessary in accordance with departmental procedures; notifies supervisor of any contamination incident.

9. Quality Control-Performs routine imaging system evaluations on all scintillation cameras according to established industry practice. Calibrates and dispenses radioactive gas from bulk load system or unit dose system by loading radioactive gas into administration machine if appropriate. Evaluates the performance of the dose calibrator (ionization chamber) by following appropriate departmental procedures. Develops and maintains quality control procedures for all assays, using appropriate control area and assessment techniques in order to achieve validity and accuracy.

10. Documentation-Maintains all required records pertinent to all quality control procedures performed both before and during imaging procedures. Records all data required pertaining to dose preparation and administration, receipt of radioactive materials, radiopharmaceuticals, and radioactive waste disposal in appropriate logbook and NMIS. Records all data required pertaining to contamination surveys and decontamination procedures performed in appropriate logbook. Provides patients with a dose exposure letter.

11. Executes equipment set-up, utilization and proper maintenance procedure. Prepares instrument for procedure and correctly chooses proper collimator, imaging parameters, settings, etc. Uses imaging and peripheral equipment, in a safe and productive manner in accordance with prescribed hospital, departmental and manufacturer’s procedures. Observes and reports any malfunctioning of the equipment and notifies appropriate persons in case of missing or damaged equipment. Demonstrates knowledge of proper use of computer product printers, i.e. label printers, report printers, etc., and minor adjustments to correct malfunctions.

12. Performs Nuclear OMIT Cardiac PET/CT imaging using PET radioisotopes and non-PET cardiac radioisotopes for diagnostic purposes.

13 . Demonstrates skill in setup and administration of IV contrast media. Explains PET CT procedure and process of administration of contrast to patient and engages radiologist and/or LIP as appropriate per policy. Ensures contrast media questionnaire has been filled out by patient. Assesses any existing intravenous line or selects appropriate venipuncture site and attaches injector tubing to patient’s intravenous line. Loads and programs contrast media power injector according to established departmental procedures and assigns appropriate injection rates based on access and protocol. Ensures that all emergency equipment is readily available. Injects intravenous contrast using the power injector and monitors patient for signs of contrast media reaction and/or evidence of extravasation. Notifies radiologist or LIP in case of reaction or extravasation.

14.Provides direction to the technical staff, facilitates patient flow through the department, and provides support to management. Utilizes advanced expertise and problem-solving skills to assist staff in the performance of difficult cases and troubleshooting technical problems. Offers continuing guidance on work activities and procedures. Orients employees to new procedures and changes in existing procedures. Trains newly hired technical staff in the procedures of the department and pertinent medical center policies. Understands quality control procedures, identifies problems and implements solutions. Inspects finished radiographs for quality and completion prior to submission for reading. Reports malfunctioning, damaged, or missing equipment to management and appropriate service personnel. Helps to clarify problems with equipment and develops solutions to minor equipment malfunctions. Understands and recognizes the importance of various reports from the HIS and RIS in follow-up and status of work completed, knows how to run these reports, and uses them to maintain these systems as precision tools for the nuclear medicine department. Example: Scheduled Exam Report, Complete-not-dictated. Etc.

15. Directs and monitors student clinical training. Observes the student during clinical training guide them to perform optimal exams. Conveys information to the students to increase their level of understanding. Evaluates the students progress in clinical areas. Monitors the work performed by students.

16. Performs other duties as assigned.
 

Minimum Qualifications:
To qualify you must have a Associate Degree
Completion of a Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) recognized nuclear medicine technology program.
Certification/registration in Nuclear Medicine by either the: Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
New York State License (Nuclear Medicine)
New York State License (X-ray)
Advanced Certification in CT to perform diagnostic CT and to perform PET CT fusion imaging.
Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) and with IV Contrast Certification within 3 months of employment
Four years experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Required Licenses: Nuc Med Technologist License, Radiologic TechLic IV-Cert-NYS, Am Registry Of Radiologic Tech

Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents.

NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender dysphoria, national origin, age, religion, disability, military and veteran status, marital or parental status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision. We require applications to be completed online.
If you wish to view NYU Langone Hospital- Brooklyn’s EEO policies, please click here. Please click here to view the Federal “EEO is the law” poster or visit https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm for more information.

NYU Langone Health provides a salary range to comply with the New York state Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $119,333.59 – $131,715.59 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.

To view the Pay Transparency Notice, please click here