Physician Assistant - Nuclear Medicine

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About Duke University Hospital

 

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

 

JOB LOCATION

Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Cardiology, Duke Medical Pavilion, 10 Medicine Circle, Durham, NC

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Nuclear Medicine PA performs and interprets cardiac stress testing on inpatients and outpatients in the division of Nuclear Cardiology, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center and PET department in Duke Cancer Center.   This PA also performs exercise perfusion studies and pharmacologic stress studies using Dipyridamole and Regadenoson as stress agents.  Sestimibi, Thallium, Tetrofosmin, and Rubidium are used as standard imaging agents.  This PA will also interview and examine patients prior to diagnostic testing to screen for indications and contraindications of stress testing.  When indicated, this PA will notify and present recommendations to the ordering physicians. This PA may also perform and assist in Nuclear Medicine procedures i.e. lymphoscintigraphies, giving Lasix to renal scans, giving CCK for HIDA scans, etc.  This provider provides emergency lifesaving measures as necessary. 

 

JOB DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Elicit brief history and physical examination pertaining to the cardiovascular system, including medications, past medical history, cardiac risk factors, and history of present illness.
• Educate patients regarding potential risks of the study, procedures, and requirements.
• Screen patients to determine if the attending physician ordered the proper test (exercise vs. pharmacologic stress) and to determine which pharmacologic agent is most appropriate based upon patient’s medical history and exam.
• Acquire patient consent prior to stress testing, explaining risks and benefits of procedures. 
• Perform exercise stress testing while continuously monitoring the electrocardiogram.
• Enter data in reporting software after stressing patients. Must be proficient in reading ECGs.
• Monitor the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and pulse ox when indicated, during pharmacologic stress testing.  Entering data in reporting software.
• Instruct nuclear technologist when to inject isotopes during stress testing.
• Initiate lifesaving measures as required during stress testing.  Direct the staff during a code using advanced cardiac life support until the EMS or Code Team arrive.
• Interpret the stress electrocardiograms upon completion of the test.
• Assist with stress testing for clinical research projects conducted by the attending physicians in the department.
• Teach PA students, nursing students, radiology residents, cardiology fellows and visiting physicians in the techniques and procedures used during standard stress testing.
• Maintain emergency drug boxes with appropriate drugs, monitor code carts, narcotics, defibrillators, and the glucometer in conjunction with the pharmacy.  Complete review documents on potential future Lutathera and Azedra patients for PRMO review.  Assist with therapies i.e. giving normal saline for Pluvictos, order and give amino acids for Lutathera and edotreotide patients, order and give anti-emetics as needed. 

 

JOB ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (PAs only, no NPs)