PET/CT Technologist

Job details

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Role Overview:

Under the direct supervision of the Imaging Supervisor, performs all Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT and diagnostic CT procedures with minimal supervision on patients of all age groups as directed by a Nuclear Medicine physician or a radiologist.

Key Qualifications:

IMAGING

Time: 40%

Performs all diagnostic Nuclear Medicine and CT procedures accurately following department protocols.
Performance Expectations:
Calculates, prepares and dispenses radiopharmaceuticals to patient. Documents radiopharmaceuticals dispensed.
Places patient on equipment table properly for optimum scan, patient safety and patient comfort.
Select proper scanning protocol, adjust technical settings and ensures that algorithm, slice thickness, tables, kv, ma, and FOV are properly selected and utilized to achieve the highest image quality possible.
Ensures that all data fields are properly populated in SPECT/CT, PET/CT, and Gamma Camera systems with the correct clinical and demographical patient information.
Performs examinations only on properly prepared patients and assesses the need for further prep prior to scanning (additional drink time).
Accurately measures for both size and density areas of interest as requested by a radiologist.
Selects proper window width and level settings on the scanner monitor and in PACS when viewing and/or transferring images per established protocols.
Monitors contrast enhancement for appropriate development of requested anatomy.
Notify the nuclear medicine physician or the radiologist upon completion of exam as requested and performs additional views when requested.
Identifies emergent clinical findings and notifies the radiologist or the nuclear medicine Physician prior to releasing the patient. Offers appropriate technical options to further evaluate findings.
Stays with patient during entire procedure.
Keeps patient informed when leaving room as to time of return.
Completes all scans per requisitions and physician instructions.
Completes scans according to established protocols as listed in the Nuclear Medicine procedure manual and CT procedure manual
Alerts supervisor when conditions (e.g., systems, supplies, equipment) that have the potential to have a negative impact patient safety are identified.

IMAGE PROCESSING

Time: 15%

Processes and manipulates all images to produce readable results.
Performance Expectations:
Manipulates data to produce required image for physician diagnosis.
Rotate through the 3D lab following all the protocols for proper 3D imaging.
Process quantitative lung scans.
Ensures computer image has sufficient resolution, information, density and contrast including the complete area of interest required for diagnostic purposes.
Chooses proper regions of interest for dynamic studies according to protocol for data requested and makes adjustments for patient’s specific anomalies.
Processes ejection fraction for rest and stress MUGA studies.
Processes attenuated and non-attenuated Myocardial SPECT images.
Processes parathyroid, thyroid dosimetry images and I-131 post therapy images.
Calculates concentrations of isotopes accurately, as assigned.
Operates EKG monitor and annotates data as necessary during cardiac stress exams as per established protocols.
Verifies results to ensure they are within expected range indicated by visual parameters.
Processes PET data on GE and CTI PET scanners following established protocols.
Rotates through the 3D lab following all the protocols for proper 3D image processing.

DATA MANAGEMENT

Time: 10%

Completely, and accurately enters required data into the appropriate information systems.
Performance Expectations:
Accurately enters patient demographics, name, MRN, patient type, account number, requesting physician, and clinical information into the Radiology Information System (RIS).
Escalates to manager or supervisor when procedure codes must be changed.
Ensures all orders are correct, and consults with supervisor or Radiologist if order is unclear. Initials all forms when performing procedures. Re-verifies patient ID by obtaining patient signature in exam room.
Records accurate completed information on each patient; tracking patient status, staff present during the procedure, supplies used, and completion of procedure. Puts log label into logbook.
Documents reason why patient cannot be scanned and whom they spoke to on the request.
Ensures all information is on images and is correct before pushing the images into PACs (e.g. demographics, name, etc).
Pushes the selected procedure images into PACs after each procedure is performed.
Reviews all images in PACs to confirm correct patient with correct images and correct image count. Notifies supervisor when there are problems with images or images are unspecified.
Verifies images in PACs.
Labels all specimens with the correct and required information.
Works in an efficient manner to complete all paper/computer work within 5 minutes.
Informs supervisor of any employee or patient incidents and assist in documenting such events by filling out the appropriate incident report in the established time frame.
Completes appropriate daily/weekly room checklist and quality assurance.
Writes all information neatly and legibly.
Follows all applicable departmental and institutional policies and procedures related to billing. Participates in and promotes the prevention, detection, and resolution of instances of noncompliance with departmental and institutional billing policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Time: 10%

Sets-up and maintains scanning equipment per departmental specifications. Evaluates equipment per departmental guidelines.
Performance Expectations:
Performs daily visual and manual quality control check as established to assure that all systems are performing at peak capacity.
Sets-up and adjusts camera and equipment in morning.
Records equipment condition specifically for permanent record.
Performs tests and logs uniformity and center of rotation, and verifies energy level.
Calls outside service to repair machines outside of tolerance.
Operates and maintains all equipment carefully and according to procedures; reports malfunctions requiring more than routine correction to supervisor immediately. Discontinues procedure as soon as malfunctions are identified.
Conducts quality control tasks and exams as per department guidelines and established timeframes.
Performs routine machine calibration daily.
Performs blank scans, visually inspects topograms and gains update to meet departmental specifications.
Makes decision to continue using equipment or takes out of service.
Assist with maintenance and care of department equipment and supplies.
Maintain stock levels of supplies and materials.

CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT/SAFETY

Time: 10%

Maintains safe, clean, well organized, and visually pleasant administrative, patient care, and waiting areas throughout the day.
Performance Expectations:
Follows hospital guidelines for room preparation for isolation procedures.
Takes initiative to help maintain commonly used equipment and areas (e.g., patient position aides, wipes up spills).
Monitors inventory of supplies in assigned rooms and replenishes, as needed, to assure availability at all times.
Follows departmental guidelines regarding eating, drinking, gum chewing, and smoking.
Performs daily radiation survey check and notifies supervisor of any unexpected contamination.
Performs wipe test weekly and properly documents results.
Performs evening monitoring of all waste for radioactive contamination; separates radioactive waste by type of nuclide for appropriate storage decay and removal procedures.
Alerts supervisor when conditions (e.g., systems, supplies, equipment) that have the potential to have a negative impact on patient safety are identified.
Responsible for meeting MSKCC established quality control standards and those set by Federal, State and City Agencies.
Observe radiation safety techniques including use of protective shielding, handling and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals waste.

MONITORING AND SUPPORT

Time: 5%

Performs clinical monitoring, cardiac stress testing, and EKG and treadmill tests. Performs wet lab procedures and measurement.
Performance Expectations:
Ensures availability of all needed equipment and supplies throughout the scheduled procedure in a proactive manner.
Prepares patient for, and sets up and utilizes monitoring equipment effectively to monitor patients throughout any procedure.
Uses proper sterile technique / aseptic precautions.
Recognizes problems with IVs and IVACs, corrects when possible or notifies nursing staff when appropriate.
Recognizes signs and systems of reactions (allergies, seizures, and arrhythmia) and notifies physician immediately; assures that necessary equipment and medicine are immediately available.
Monitors patient physical conditions (e.g. vital signs, color, and demeanor) through procedures when patients appear to have significantly changed.

OPERATIONS

Time: 5%

Assists in providing direction to ensure the smooth operations of the department.
Performance Expectations:
Modifies patient and employee schedule, as needed, to accommodate departmental needs.
Modifies patient scheduling board, as needed, to ensure best use of departmental resources and meet patient needs.
Prioritizes and adjusts patient flow, as needed, to adapt to emergencies.
Intervenes to solve problems/complaints with patients as needed; monitors their resolution.
Responds to equipment breakdowns by obtaining appropriate repair services.
Escalates problems beyond department if necessary.

Core Skills:

ADD IN

Pay Range: $51.18 - $81.95

FSLA Status: Exempt

Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK 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, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.