Nuclear Medicine Nurse Specialist

Job overview

In Nuclear Medicine we administer radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients for diagnosis and therapy. For diagnostic scans, gamma rays are emitted from the patient in the organ of interest, and are detected by giant radiation detectors to form an image. For therapy, we administered pharmaceuticals that get taken up in the area of disease, and emit beta or alpha particles. These travel a couple of mm in tissue, so deliver a very localised radiation dose to the disease, sparing healthy tissue.

Duties:

• Injecting
• Checking
• Potassium iodate administration
• PET propranolol admin/observation
• Stock ordering
• Morning duties i.e. call bell checks/oxygen checks/tap flushing
• Help with stress room appointment booking ect
• In patient assessments (are they fit for scanning ect)
• PET patient prep

Main duties of the job

Coventry nuclear medicine is in the process of having 2 of their 3 gamma cameras replaced with state of the art (including a UK first) gamma cameras with CT, and their PET scanner replaced with a digital system – the first in the midlands, and will be a reference site for the manufacturer, showcasing their work and technology. We have an onsite Radiopharmacy, where we are one of 8 centres in the UK to have a gallium generator, for Gallium-68 PET scans. We’re involved in a number of research trials, including molecular radiotherapy trials with the latest therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. We’re also participating in a local research trial, being the first (and only) centre in the UK to have a mobile PET CT scanner for theatre use. We administer patients (Head and Neck and prostate surgeries) with a radiotracer that localises in the patients tumour. This is removed and scanned immediately in theatres, and indicates to the surgeon if the tumour margins have been successfully removed, without having to wait for histopathology results. This work could have massive implications for patients and the NHS as a whole, and we’re really excited to be part of this. We’re also investigating the use of drones to carry radioactive material from one nuclear medicine department to another, to ensure equality of access (e.g. gallium-68) across the country. Again this is cutting edge innovation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Accountable for own professional actions in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct. Contribute to corporate objectives, acting within local, Trust and statutory guidelines and policies at all times.
• Effectively communicate information regarding clinical decisions, policy and care pathways to patients/carers and the multi-professional team ensuring timely management and resolution of unexpected events and situations.
• To administer radioactive and non-radioactive pharmaceuticals required to perform Nuclear Medicine imaging and non-imaging investigations.
• To participate in all aspects of the nuclear cardiology stressing service, working in conjunction with Nuclear Medicine technologists, Clinical scientists, Consultants, cardiology Consultants and relevant Speciality Registrars.
• A skilled practitioner and clinical leader providing support to the management team and participating in service / policy development.
• To promote a patient focused, multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients and their carers attending the Nuclear Medicine department.
• To educate patients and their carers in a way they can understand so they can make informed choices about their investigations
• Implement policies and proposes changes to practices in own area and contributes to the development of specialised protocols including development and implementation of competency packages for junior / new staff.
• Demonstrate highly technical and/or practical skills to ensure optimum patient management including; complex patient monitoring, equipment management and frequent administration of invasive tests/procedures.
• Develop and educate staff, participating in teaching, supervision and mentorship as required.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.