JOB PURPOSE OR MISSION: To perform radiographic exams to include all modalities covered under the staff radiographer’s license. To monitor and evaluate patient care quality and efficiency as part of a multi-disciplinary team and appropriate for the age population served, as defined in the department’s scope of service.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:

1. Provides technical skills for the operating functions of the treatment area(s).

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Works with other patient care personnel in the facility to improve service delivery.
• Encourages and facilitates open communication within department to identify and resolve problems.
• Functions as departmental resource and ensures effective communication on exam charges, through advanced knowledge of same.
• Maintains knowledge of PACS and computer systems.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the principles and theories of advanced technical procedures, and serves as a resource by sharing knowledge on technical issues.
• Coordinates all patient care activities in assigned treatment area.
• Ensures that patient scheduling, treatment, record keeping, calculations, and machine functions are maintained at an optimal level.

2. Performs radiologic procedures in accordance with unit-based standards of practice.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Moves X-ray equipment into specified position and adjusts equipment controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
• Demonstrates effective knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques and protocols.
• Transfers, positions and instructs patients regarding the procedure.
• Consistently produces images of high technical quality.
• Positions patients and operates equipment to produce most reliable and informational data.
• Transports patient to radiographic room; prepares and maintains room following BRGMC Safety Guidelines.
• Obtains optimum views of specific areas of the body while maintaining patient safety and comfort.
• Assesses data reflective of each patient’s status and interprets information needed in order to identify each patient’s age requirements relative to his or her age specific health care needs.
• Utilizes advanced knowledge to perform procedures across modalities and in unusual situations.
• Performs diagnostic radiographic procedures.
• Corroborates patient’s clinical history with procedure, assuring that the proper procedure has been ordered.
• Prepares patient for procedure(s); providing instructions to obtain desired results, gain cooperation and minimize anxiety.
• Applies principles of radiation protection to minimize risks to patient, self, and others.
• Selects and operates radiography equipment, imaging and/or associated accessories to successfully perform procedures.
• Positions patient to best demonstrate anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability and comfort.
• Practices aseptic techniques as necessary.
• Evaluates images for technical quality, manipulates display parameters, and prepares patient record in electronic chart.
• Assumes responsibility for assigned area and reports equipment malfunction.
• Coordinates ordering of supplies for area of responsibility
• Ensures all necessary lab work has been completed and meets Radiologists established protocols.
• Ensures the physician has completed all areas of the hospital approved informed consent forms.
• In agreement with state statue(s) and/or where institutional policy permits. Prepares, identifies, and/or administers contrast media and/or medications as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
• Demonstrates courtesy and caring to other staff, patients, and physicians.
• Requires extensive contact and the ability to communicate effectively with staff radiologists, other physicians and their staff, co-workers, and patients.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Completes all hospital required education on time and makes sure employees do as well.
• Maintains all licensure and CPR in good standing and makes sure employees do as well.
• Ensures the area is regulatory ready at all times (Joint Commission, DEQ, CMS, ACR, FDA, MQSA, etc.)
• Promptly and courteously answers the telephone and receives guests using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank you)

3. Demonstrates correct and safe operation of radiographic equipment.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Demonstrates compliance with radiation safety procedures — correctly shields patient/techs/visitors.
• Correctly uses monitoring devices.
• Complies with room technique.
• Demonstrates correct preparation and use of contrast media (Oral contrast, IV administration, Lower GI contrast, Retrograde Administration).

4. Practices effective communication that enhances teamwork and quality of care.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Explains procedures to patient to reduce anxiety and obtain patient cooperation.
• Recognizes adverse reactions and responds appropriately through action and communication with other staff and physicians.
• Demonstrates age specific care awareness by communicating at appropriate level of complexity and word choice for the age of patient undergoing procedure.

5. Provides direct or indirect supervision or training for radiologic technology students.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Demonstrates radiographic examinations in accordance with policies established by the School of Radiologic Technology.
• Assures that all student radiographic examinations are performed in accordance with department policy and procedure.
• Works with School of Radiologic Technology staff to assure all student radiographic examinations are of high technical quality.

6. Performs additional duties as required

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1-2 years experience as a radiographer, preferred.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelors in health related field preferred

Graduate of an accredited radiography program or equivalent required.

SPECIAL SKILL, LICENSE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

Must be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and hold a current LA state license to perform in the capacity of radiographer.

HIPAA REQUIREMENTS:

Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable HIPAA regulations appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: Medical records w/o limitation both paper and electronic, patient demographics, lab and radiology results, patient information related to surgery or appointment schedules, information related to patient location, religious beliefs and/or public health records, medical records related to quality/data, patient financial information and/or 3rd party billing, patient-related complaints.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

Maintains knowledge of and adherence to all applicable safety practices appropriate to Job Position including but not limited to: Incident reporting, handling of wastes, sharps and linen, PPE, exposure control plans, hand washing, environment of care, patient identification, administers/receives/collects meds/blood, orders or products, validates, transports, monitors or observes patients for procedures including infusion pumps, monitors clinical alarms for all ages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Reference DOT 078.362-026 – RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST (medical serv.) alternate titles: radiographer; x-ray technologist – STRENGTH: L – Light Work – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly (Constantly: activity or condition exits 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling or far or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.