The Massachusetts General Hospital Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) lab is a vibrant clinical and research laboratory that serves as a national referral center for evaluating symptoms relating to heart failure, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, unexplained dyspnea and other populations. Types of evaluations range from resting measurements of metabolic rate to altitude simulation studies and comprehensive exercise studies that may include direct hemodynamic measurements. Individualized testing allows precise definition of which organ system is limiting exercise capacity and thereby helps guide treatment decisions for patients. The laboratory also serves as a core laboratory for the National Institutes of Health and performs innovative research related to improving exercise capacity across a wide spectrum of patients with heart and lung conditions.
The CPET lab is seeking a full-time Nuclear Medicine Technologist to work with the rest of the team to provide care for our patients. The main responsibility of this position is to perform Cardiac First Pass Radionuclide Ventriculography studies at rest and exercise. Independence, strong interpersonal skills, robust clinical proficiency, and an aptitude for problem solving while working within a dedicated professional team is required.
- Per aseptic technique guidelines, prepares radiopharmaceuticals from commercially available kits and/or recipes for use in patient studies. Assures quality control of radiopharmaceuticals, including calibration, chemicals purity checks, radionuclide purity checks, and to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
- Determines radiopharmaceutical to be utilized based upon established guidelines, consulting with PIs when necessary. Calculates patient dosage.
- Explains procedure, reassuring subject and securing his/her full cooperation during testing.
- Administers radiopharmaceuticals to subject and completes testing to include: Cardiac First Pass Radionuclide Ventriculography at rest and exercise.
- Performs intra-venous peripheral catheter insertion as authorized by the PI.
- Acquires/processes/reconstructs images when appropriate. Labels subject images according to HIPPA and with such data as radiopharmaceutical amount, time of the injection, equipment utilized, and additional subject study related information etc., in accordance with ACR requirements. Archives patient data for long term storage. Retrieves appropriate subject studies for review and comparison with previous studies.
- Observes radiation safety techniques, including use of protective shielding and handling and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals. Takes appropriate precautions to minimize exposure to infectious, radioactive or biohazard agents.
- Ensures that correct protocol and radiation dose are administered to subject for scanning, when ordered as such.
- Lifts, moves, transports and positions subjects for research studies.
- Follows Institutional/ Departmental guidelines for patient safety and patient care.
- Interfaces with appropriate computer systems related to duties of the position.
- Alerts Unit Technical/Operations Manager regarding equipment problems, problems encountered during testing, etc.
- Assists in on-the-job training of RAs as assigned.
- Follows area policies/guidelines in order to perform imaging studies of superior technical quality.
Skills and Competencies Required:
- Calculation of statistical data
- Computer analysis of image data
- Imaging systems include: OnePass Cardiac Radionuclide Ventriculography system.
- Excellent, effective communication and organizational skills.
- Must be able to lift/carry up to 50lbs, be able to lift, position, push or transfer subjects, have manual dexterity and mobility, be able to see clearly at 20 feet or more, be able to see clearly at 20 inches or less, be able to judge distance and space relationships, be able to see peripherally, and be able to distinguish and identify different colors.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the subjects served (all age groups) on assigned unit.
- Ability to foster and promote a positive image and a professional appearance.
Required Licenses & Certification:
License: Radiologic technologist (Nuclear Medicine) in the state of Massachusetts
Certification: ARRT or NMTCB