Nuclear Med Associate Radiation Safety Officer, Full-time, 8hr. Day Shift

Job Description

Make a difference every day!

Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and its staff aim to exceed the expectations of our patients, their families and the community with a service-oriented attitude. We seek excellence, courtesy, teamwork, respect, communication and enthusiasm in our future colleagues. If you are looking for exciting career opportunities with growth potential, come and join the team at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital!

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist works under general supervision and performs diagnostic procedures within their scope of practice. Procures, prepares, administers radiopharmaceuticals and adjunctive medications in accordance with the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Scope of Practice. Always ensures medication security. May perform procedures on the neonatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric population.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The Associate Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO) under the supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) is responsible for ensuring radiological safety and compliance with California, US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the conditions of the Institution's Broad Scope Radioactive Materials License (RAM). Ensure that requirements outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations Section 10, Part 20 and Part 35 levels are adhered to. The ARSO ensures that all elements listed in the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) "Duties and Responsibilities of the Associate Radiation Safety Officer and Delegation of Authority, ARSO Duties and Responsibilities for Medical Use" are performed at the highest level of quality.

The ARSO ensures that all potential radiation exposures are ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable).

The ARSO is responsible for the implementation, coordination, and day-to-day oversight of the Radiation Protection Program. In addition, the ARSO enforces radiation safety policies and procedures and ensures regulatory compliance.

The ARSO reports to the Radiation Safety Officer and Imaging department leadership as well as accountable to Administration, Hospital and Senior Leadership for regulatory compliance and program results. The incumbent works day-to-day with minimal supervision, making independent judgments and decisions within the scope of their delegated authority and activities. This position supervises other radiation safety staff.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs routine and advanced nuclear medicine procedures and patient documentation of care, per the NMT’s scope of practice, and in accordance with institutional and departmental policies and procedures, receives and transcribes verbal orders from licensed independent practitioner. Documents at a senior level imaging technical studies and equipment QC in accordance with state licensure, institutional policy and scope of practice. Responsible for maintaining competencies to perform studies. Effectively communicates and explains procedures based on the patients population and makes adjustments accordingly.

• Ensure possession, use, and storage of all radioactive materials are consistent with the limitations in the License, applicable regulations, the NSSDR Certificate(s), manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions, and best safety practice.

• Serve as member of the Radiation Safety Committee (RSC) providing link between RSC and the users of ionizing radiation. Plan committee agenda and help guide agenda. Support Committee Chair(s).

• Identify, investigate and notify management of radiation safety issues and events.

• Initiate, recommend, provide and oversee corrective actions and verify successful implementation of corrective action.

• Be available for, and provide consultations with Leadership, facility and staff regarding regulations and license requirements and obligations. Generate and provide reports to administrative leadership.

• Consult, review and provide recommendations for all new construction and renovations that involve RAM and radiation producing machines, including shielding, layout, regulatory compliance, and monitoring.

• Ensure personnel monitoring, ALARA investigations, pregnancy consults, and employee radiation safety issues are addressed comprehensively and compassionately.

• Collaboratively and collegiately investigate medical events following Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and other investigatory protocol.

• Ensure the security of radioactive materials according to regulatory obligations and expectations. Identify restricted areas.

• Maintain and ensure calibrations, testing, machine registrations, dosimetry and Quality Controls (QC) are performed as required.

• Develop, implement, communicate and monitor effectiveness of new and established policies, practices, and protocol.

• Respond to hazardous materials incidents, spills, releases and exposures as a first responder. Assist with investigating causative factors to prevent reoccurrences. Serve as consultant to all radioactive material incidents. Provide mentorship to department and Institutional executive leadership with regard to radiation safety program direction and future.

• Maintenance and audit of radiation safety records, including those associated with the shipping, receiving,administration, and disposal of radioactive materials (RAM).

• Assist or perform the maintenance, renewal, and or amendments of the RAM license for the facility.

• Management of the personnel exposure monitoring including dosimeter badge ordering, reviewing prior exposure history, declared pregnant radiation workers, and/or reviewing dosimeter reports.

• Monitoring of Incoming Shipments: The ARSO independently oversees compliance with the regulations governing the receipt, inspection, monitoring and recording of incoming shipments of radioactive materials

• Under the supervision of the RSO, the ARSO analyzes and prepares personnel radiation exposure records (Dosimetry reports, urine assays and thyroid counts). The ARSO will notify individuals and their supervisors of exposures approaching specified levels, and recommend remedial measures.

• The ARSO shall have the requisite Knowledge, Skills and Ability to act as Radiation Safety Officer in the prolonged absence of the Facility Radiation Safety Officer.

• The ARSO will act as RSO in the RSO's absence, assuming all responsibilities and authority of the Office. The ARSO may provide leadership and guidance to lower graded technical and professional employees in the area of radiation safety and compliance.

• ARSO may assist with Nuclear Medicine department duties when necessary. This includes but is not limited to direct patient care.

• Supervises the Nuclear Medicine Laboratory and staff.

• Other duties and functions as delegated by Imaging leadership

Qualifications

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Health Science, Medical Physics, Physics, or similar discipline - minimum

• Master's Degree in Health Science, Medical Physics, Physics, or similar discipline preferred

License/Certifications:

• Current California Nuclear Medicine Technologist License - minimum

• Current Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) certification through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or Registered Technologist, Nuclear Medicine [R.T.(N)] certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) - minimum

• Board Certified Medical Physicist by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and/or the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (ABSNM) preferred

• Current CT certification through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (preferred)

• Board Certified Medical Physicist by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) and/or the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (ABSNM) (preferred)

• Current BLS certification (required)

Experience:

• 5 years Experience as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist - minimum

• 5 years Experience in health physics, radioactive materials, and State and federal regulations preferred

Cedars-Sinai is an EEO employer. Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law.