Radiology Technical Employees

MAIN FUNCTION:

Operate under the direction of the Imaging Services Director, and/or Manager. For clinical direction the Medical Director of Radiology will have direct influence over the tasks performed. The Imaging Services Technologist will perform exams that include Diagnostic Testing, Therapeutic Exams, and Moderate Interventional Procedures.

All Technologists will be responsible to identify the correct patient for the exam, evaluate the physician order for accuracy and pertinent clinical information, and perform a complete, accurate, quality; Diagnostic or Therapeutic exam. It should be known that the patient population whom the exam is performed on may vary from neonate to geriatric. Upon completion of the exam the Technologist will be required to complete the paperwork (computer completion) and inform the Radiologist the examination is available for interpretation. The technologist at times based on patient workload volume may be required to assist and manage other responsibility demands as requested by Imaging management. The Technologist will at all times be responsible for maintaining a HIPPA compliant, safe environment for each patient they serve.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Imaging Services, as well as the Manager of Imaging Services

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent intrapersonal skills
• Maintained BLS certification (Must be maintained while in the position)
• Technologists are required to be registered –
  • For Radiographic, CT, MRI, Cardiac Cath Lab, Bone Density, Mammography, and Special Procedures Lab the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists will be the credentialing organization accepted. Registered Technologists in Imaging Services wishing to transfer to a different modality are permitted to transfer with the expectation they become registered within 18 months of their transfer date.
  • For Nuclear Medicine staff the Nuclear Medicine Certification Board or the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists will be the credentialing organizations accepted.
  • For Ultrasound and Vascular Lab staff the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers will be credentialing organization accepted. Registry eligible technologists can be hired in Imaging Services with the expectation they become registered within 18 months of hiring date.
• ODH License will be needed for all modalities with the exception of Ultrasound
• Proven clinical and didactic capabilities
• Maintain required Continuing Education credits to hold current registration organization membership
• No written disciplinary action within the last 12 months

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Basic Computers skills with ability to navigate PACS / RIS
• 3 years previous experience in the field of Medical Imaging

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

• Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens, and are required to wear protective barriers.
• Employees in this position must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, turn, crouch, and bend as necessary to complete radiology exam tasks.
• Employees may be expected to work weekends, Holidays or possibly take call
• Subject to STHR (Short Term Hours Reduction) according to policy
• Practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) concept when performing exams resulting in radiation exposure to the patient

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.

Teamwork

• Embraces teamwork
• Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
• Demonstrates appropriate work place behavior and competence within job duties
• Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills

Communication

• Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
• Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
• Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
• Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) strategies to foster positive communication
• Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance, and instruction. Follows appropriate chain of command.
• Participates in team collaboration
• Reports patient observations and specific problems appropriately

Duties:

• Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner. Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills
• Safely transports patients via wheelchair, beds, carts throughout facility
• Maintain patient observation to identify needs, safety issues, or fall risk
• Uses appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and follow infection control guidelines and safety precautions.
• Accurately documents examination specific information in PACS, RIS, and addition areas as needed
• Demonstrate reasonable and rational judgment in decision making
• Assist with flow of department

Other duties as assigned by unit leadership may include but are not limited to the following:

• Support other modalities as needed to maintain patient flow with increased volumes
• Assist with clerical management of cases to assure reports are timely and accurate including the support of the Radiologists
• Enter correct charges and exams based on study completion
• Answers phone promptly and courteously. Relays pertinent information in timely manner.

Unit Specific Requirements:

Radiation Generating Equipment

POSITIONS – Diagnostic X-Ray Technologist, Computed Tomography Technologist, Mammography Technologist, Cath/Specials Technologist, and Bone Density Technologist

Key Functions

• Perform QC as outlined below
  • Perform appropriate tube warm up practices
  • Perform quality control specific to modality (Phantom Imaging and evaluation, cassette cleaning, etc…)
  • Work with Field Service Engineer to maintain equipment functionality and image quality
• Apply appropriate radiation safety practices to daily activities
  • Practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) methods to minimize radiation exposure to patients and coworkers
  • Utilize protective barriers, lead aprons, and shields when possible
  • Collimate and shield to minimize patient radiation exposure
  • Participate in data collection for quarterly Radiology Quality Assurance Committee
  • Always follow the Safe Operating Procedures specific to the equipment
  • Work closely with the medical physicist to follow ODH (Ohio Department of Health) rules regarding radiation safety practices
• Routine responsibilities
  • Evaluate the physicians order for accuracy
  • Identify the patient utilizing two forms of ID
  • Set appropriate KVP, MAS settings for exposure
  • Accurately position the patient so that all projections can be obtained
  • Perform exam to provide quality images for physician interpretation
  • Post process image data for physician interpretation
  • Provide patient education when required
  • Provide hospital personnel education as needed
  • Work under the direction of the Radiologist/Physician during procedures to achieve the goal of appropriate care
  • In an emergent situation operate quickly, and in control, provide the procedure to achieve the best patient outcome