Profession nuclear medicine radiographer

Nuclear Medicine Radiographers plan, prepare and perform nuclear medicine examinations, post-processing and treatment with a wide range of equipment and techniques using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and radiopharmaceuticals.

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Personality Type

• Social / Investigative
• Investigative / Social
• Artistic / Social

Knowledge

• Radiation physics in healthcare

  The radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations and radiation hazards.

• Radiation protection

  The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

• Human anatomy

  The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.

• Medical oncology

  The characteristics, development, diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancer in human organisms.

• Pharmaceutical products

  The offered pharmaceutical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

• Medical terminology

  The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.

• Health care legislation

  The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.

• Health care occupation-specific ethics

  The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.

• Medical contrast agents

  Substances used in medical imaging techniques to reinforce the visibility of certain features in organs or cells.

• Hygiene in a health care setting

  The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.

• Human physiology

  The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.

• Paediatrics

  Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

• First aid

  The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.

• Radiobiology

  The way ionising radiation interacts with a living organism, how it can be used to treat various cancers and its effects.

• Evidence-based radiography practice

  The radiography principles that require the application of quality decision-making and radiography care based on proven clinical expertise as well as the most recent research developments in the field.

Skills

• Prepare for nuclear medicine procedures

  Prepare the patient, supplies and room for nuclear medicine treatment and imaging.

• Deal with emergency care situations

  Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.  

• Apply radiological health sciences

  Use and apply radiological health sciences according to the situation and patient's response to treatment.

• Empathise with the healthcare user

  Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.

• Listen actively

  Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

• Work in multidisciplinary health teams

  Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.

• Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations

  Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

• Handle radiopharmaceuticals

  Properly label and store radiopharmaceuticals to be used for treatment. Ensure that they are handled safely.

• Apply organisational techniques

  Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the goals set. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.

• Perform nuclear medicine procedures

  Undertake nuclear medicine procedures such as the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Use appropriate imaging and treatment procedures.

• Maintain imaging equipment

  Inspect imaging equipment and quality assurance processes. Report malfunctions.

• Respond to changing situations in health care

  Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.

• Administer radiopharmaceuticals

  Administer radioisotopes by several methods, depending on the type of drug and the test being performed, selecting the amount of the radioisotope and the form it will be used in.

• Ensure safety of healthcare users

  Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

• Provide psychological support to patients

  Provide accurate psychological and emotional support to anxious, vulnerable and confused healthcare users related to the treatment undergone.

• Adhere to organisational code of ethics

  Adhere to organisational European and regional specific standards and code of ethics, understanding the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and apply this awareness.

• Undertake post-examination activities

  Perform post-examination activities such as liaising with the doctor, cleaning the room and speaking with the patient.

• Follow clinical guidelines

  Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.

• Communicate effectively in healthcare

  Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.

• Manage radiology information system

  Develop and maintain a database to store, manage and distribute radiological images and data.

• Use nuclear medicine techniques

  Utilise nuclear medicine techniques such as the administration of radiopharmaceuticals to treat and diagnose the patient. Use a wide range of technology and equipment.

• Interact with healthcare users

  Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.

• Calculate exposure to radiation

  Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.

• Determine patient's exposure factors

  Determine the exposure factors to be used for producing a clear image of the pathology or trauma.

• Administer contrast media

  Use and administer contrast agents to enhance the visibility of the body in medical imaging.

• Apply context specific clinical competences

  Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.

• Comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

  Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

• Manage healthcare users' data

  Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.

• Determine imaging techniques to be performed

  Determine the appropriate imaging techniques to provide the appropriate diagnostic information to the doctor who requested it.

• Prepare patients for imaging procedures

  Instruct patients prior to their exposure to imaging equipment, correctly positioning the patient and imaging equipment to obtain the best image of the area being examined.

• Contribute to continuity of health care

  Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.

• Determine medical images' diagnostic suitability

  Appraise the medical images to make sure that they are clear. Determine if they are suitable for further use or if new images need to be taken. Analyse the images for their suitability in treatment planning.

• Post-process medical images

  Perform post-processing on medical images, or develop X-ray films, checking processed images to determine if further care is necessary.

• Comply with legislation related to health care

  Comply with the regional and national legislation that is relevant to one`s work and apply it in practice.

• Operate medical imaging equipment

  Produce high quality medical images using technologically advanced medical imaging equipment such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mobile X-ray machines, ultrasound (US), nuclear medicine with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

• Apply radiation protection procedures

  Inspect rules related to ionising radiation and ensure these abide by the Medical Exposure Directive (MED).

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB