Nuclear Medicine Nurse

Job title : Nuclear Medicine Nurse

Job Purpose

• The Nuclear Medicine Nurse will be responsible for providing specialized nursing care to patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. The role involves ensuring patient safety, administering radiopharmaceuticals, monitoring patient responses, and collaborating with the nuclear medicine team to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in accordance with international standards and radiation safety protocols.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Preparation

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments for patients scheduled for nuclear medicine procedures.
• Verify patient identity, procedural consent, and medical history prior to radiopharmaceutical administration.
• Assess patient’s psychological readiness and provide reassurance and emotional support.
• Ensure patients follow specific pre-procedure instructions (e.g., fasting, medication holds).

Radiopharmaceutical Administration & Management

• Support the safe preparation, handling, and administration of prescribed radiopharmaceuticals via IV, oral, or other routes.
• Calculate and verify correct dosage and activity in collaboration with pharmacists or technologists.
• Monitor patients for immediate adverse reactions during and after administration.
• Maintain strict aseptic technique and radiation safety during all handling procedures.

Radiation Safety & Protection

• Implement ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles for patient, self, and public safety.
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) and radiation shielding devices appropriately.
• Monitor and record personal radiation exposure using dosimetry badges.
• Ensure proper contamination control, spill management, and radioactive waste disposal.

Patient Monitoring & Post-Procedure Care

• Continuously monitor patient’s vital signs and clinical status during uptake periods and imaging/therapy.
• Provide specialized care for patients receiving therapeutic doses, including isolation precautions.
• Educate patients and caregivers on post-procedure radiation safety precautions (e.g., contact time, fluid intake).
• Identify and manage late adverse effects or complications, documenting and reporting as required.

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

• Accurately document all aspects of patient care, radiopharmaceutical administration, and radiation safety data in the EHR.
• Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations governing nuclear medicine and radiation safety.
• Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits and accreditation surveys. 
• Maintain accurate inventory logs for controlled substances and radioactive materials.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a key communication link between patients, nuclear medicine staff, and referring physicians.
• Participate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings and tumor boards for therapy patients.
• Provide clear handover reports to relevant units (e.g., inpatient wards) for patients admitted post-therapy.
• Collaborate with the Radiation Safety Officer to review and improve safety protocols.

Professional Development & Unit Contribution

• Maintain and enhance clinical competency through ongoing education in nuclear nursing.
• Participate in quality improvement (QI) projects to enhance patient safety, satisfaction, or workflow.
• Stay current with evidence-based practices and integrate new research findings into clinical care.

Must have skills

Nuclear Medicine

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSc. Nursing) or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a nuclear medicine nurse
• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid and current nursing license.
• Certification in Nuclear Medicine Nursing, Oncology Nursing, or relevant post-basic training is preferred.
• Proficiency in intravenous therapy, cardiac monitoring, and emergency response.
• In-depth knowledge of radiopharmaceuticals, radiation physics, and protection principles.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and patient/family education skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-tech, multidisciplinary environment.