Job Summary
The Radio-pharmacist is a critical member of the Diagnostic Services team, responsible for the preparation, quality assurance, and safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine procedures. As a highly specialized healthcare professional, the Radio-pharmacist ensures that patients receive the correct dosage of safe and effective radioactive drugs, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
With a strong foundation in pharmacy and radiation physics, the Radio-pharmacist collaborates closely with nuclear medicine physicians, technologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional patient care. They maintain a thorough understanding of the legal requirements and proper procedures governing the use of radioactive substances, ensuring the safety of both patients and staff.
The Radio-pharmacist's responsibilities extend beyond the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals. They actively participate in research aimed at increasing our understanding of radiopharmaceutical interactions, improving their performance, and developing new radioactive drugs for future use. Through their dedication to quality, safety, and innovation, the Radio-pharmacist plays a vital role in advancing the field of nuclear medicine and improving patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
As a Radio-pharmacist, you will be responsible for the preparation, quality control, and safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine procedures. This includes:
• Preparing radiopharmaceuticals under aseptic conditions, ensuring the correct dosage and sterility
• Conducting quality assurance and quality control testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of radiopharmaceuticals
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of radiation protection issues and implementing appropriate safety measures
• Collaborating with nuclear medicine physicians and technologists to ensure the appropriate use of radiopharmaceuticals
• Providing guidance and support to team members on the proper handling and administration of radioactive substances
• Participating in research and development activities aimed at improving radiopharmaceutical performance and developing new radioactive drugs
• Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in radio-pharmacy and nuclear medicine, and sharing knowledge with colleagues
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements governing the use of radioactive substances
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to radiopharmaceutical preparation, quality control, and patient administration
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of radio-pharmacy practices and procedures within the department
Equality and Diversity
• Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.
Personal and Staff Development
• Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team.
• Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
• Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.
Communications And Working Relationships
• Nuclear medicine physicians: Discuss patient cases, treatment plans, and the appropriate use of radiopharmaceuticals
• Nuclear medicine technologists: Coordinate the preparation and administration of radiopharmaceuticals
• Nursing staff: Provide guidance on the safe handling and administration of radioactive substances
• Patients: Explain the purpose and process of nuclear medicine procedures, and address any concerns or questions
• Radiation safety officers: Ensure compliance with radiation protection protocols and address any safety concerns
• Hospital administrators: Provide input on budgetary and resource allocation decisions related to radio-pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical suppliers: Manage relationships with vendors and ensure the timely delivery of radiopharmaceuticals and related supplies
• Regulatory bodies: Comply with reporting requirements and respond to any inquiries or inspections
• Research collaborators: Engage in joint research projects and share findings with the broader scientific community
• Multidisciplinary teams: Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and contribute to the development of patient care plans
• Radio-pharmacy colleagues: Share best practices, discuss challenging cases, and support each other's professional development
• Pharmacy department: Maintain strong working relationships with pharmacists in other specialties to ensure seamless patient care
• Quality assurance and improvement teams: Contribute to the development and implementation of quality assurance initiatives
• Continuing education providers: Participate in professional development activities and share knowledge with the broader radio-pharmacy community
• International radio-pharmacy organizations: Network with colleagues from around the world and stay informed about global trends and best practices in the field
Line Management
• Developing and implementing team goals and objectives that align with the department's strategic priorities
• Conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to team members
• Identifying training and development needs and creating opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth
• Fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Delegating tasks and responsibilities based on individual strengths and workload
• Monitoring team performance and taking corrective actions when necessary to ensure targets are met
• Recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance and contributions to the team
• Addressing any conflicts or issues that may arise within the team and facilitating conflict resolution
• Representing the radio-pharmacy team in interdepartmental meetings and advocating for their interests
• Providing mentorship and guidance to team members on professional development and career advancement
• Ensuring that all team members adhere to relevant policies, procedures, and safety protocols
• Participating in the recruitment and selection process for new team members
• Facilitating team-building activities and promoting a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose
• Continuously evaluating and improving radio-pharmacy workflows and processes to enhance efficiency and productivity
• Serving as a role model and demonstrating the values and behaviors expected of a leader in the radio-pharmacy profession.
Organizational Responsibilities
• Participating in the development and implementation of the department's strategic plan
• Contributing to the budgeting and resource allocation process for the radio-pharmacy department
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities for growth, innovation, and improvement within the radio-pharmacy service
• Representing the radio-pharmacy department in hospital-wide committees and initiatives
• Collaborating with other departments and services to ensure seamless patient care and optimize resource utilization
• Developing and implementing quality assurance and improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and outcomes
• Staying informed about the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in radio-pharmacy and nuclear medicine
• Advocating for the radio-pharmacy department's interests and ensuring that its voice is heard in decision-making processes
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the radio-pharmacy team
• Serving as a subject matter expert and providing guidance and support to other healthcare professionals on radio-pharmacy-related issues.
Confidentiality
The post holder must be aware that Confidential Information and data to which the post holder will have knowledge and access to in the course of their employment with the AMCE is to be kept confidential, and this confidentiality is a condition of employment. The duty to maintain confidentiality continues even when the post holder is no longer employed.
This information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the AMCE under any circumstances, except to the extent necessary to fulfil any duties and responsibilities required within the role. Furthermore, upon termination with the AMCE Abuja, the post holder will return to the AMCE all confidential information held.
General
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of AMCE together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients, staff and visitors.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an AMCE email account, which will be the AMCE's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures, which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.
ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Qualifications Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy
Registration with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN)
Evidence of commitment to continuing professional
Development Master's degree in Radio-pharmacy or related field
Postgraduate diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Technology
Professional qualification in a relevant subject
Experience Minimum of 5 years of experience as a practicing pharmacist
Experience in the preparation and handling of sterile products
Experience in quality assurance and control procedures
Management and Leadership Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Previous experience in managing a team
Familiarity with budgeting and resource allocation processes
Participation in continuous improvement initiatives
Shares the AMCE’s vision and values
Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
Personal attributes Professional attitude towards work
Shares the AMCE’s vision
Proactive and organised
Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues peers
Is supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
Commitment to caring for others
Ability to adapt to living in a new country and new culture accordingly
High levels of honesty and integrity
Languages All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues Skills in languages other than English
AMCE Values Able to demonstrate an understanding of the AMCE’s values
Commitment to uphold the AMCE’s values