JOB SUMMARY
Performs specialized technical duties that require the ability to set up computed tomography equipment, position patients, and acquire cross sectional diagnostic images of internal body structures for the detection, diagnosis, and evaluation of pathology. Provides computed tomography service coverage after normal business hours and on weekends and holidays. Performs computed tomography procedures on a variety of patients including scheduled exams, inpatients, outpatients, and emergency department patients. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Produces high quality radiographic images through appropriate positioning and technical factors. Operates CT scanner, power injector and post processing equipment. Adjusts protocols to meet patient needs when necessary. Critiques completed procedures for high diagnostic quality. Able to independently perform advanced CT procedures including, but not limited to, the following:
- CT guidance for invasive procedures
- CT Perfusion of the brain and other blood-filled organs
- Cardiac CT
- CT Angiography and advanced vessel analysis including 3D modelling and post processing
- Advanced joint imaging and reconstruction for orthopedic surgical planning
- Trauma and acute stroke imaging
- Lung Cancer Screening
- Produces high quality radiographic images unassisted through appropriate positioning and technical factors, quality assurance, and documentation. These imaging procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bedside imaging using portable x-ray equipment
- Surgical imaging using fixed and portable surgical c-arm units
- Digital Subtraction Angiography and Interventional Radiography using a fixed and/or portable c-arm unit
- Fluoroscopic procedures including deglutition studies and related fluoro procedures using oral, rectal, and intravenous contrast
- Pain Clinic imaging procedures using a portable c-arm
- Joint Arthrogram
- Spinal Myelogram
- Provides optimal patient care. Identifying and responding to emergency situations.
- Receiving, relaying, and documenting verbal, written and electronic orders.
- Corroborating a patient’s clinical history with procedure and ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed practitioner.
- Verifying informed consent for applicable procedures.
- Assuming responsibility for patient needs during procedures.
- Preparing patients for procedures.
- Applying principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others. Optimizes technical exposure factors in accordance with the principles of ALARA. Selecting the appropriate protocol and optimizing technical factors to produce diagnostic images while minimizing patient radiation dose.
- Performing venipuncture as prescribed by a licensed practitioner. Starting, maintaining, and/or removing intravenous access as prescribed.
- Identifying, preparing, and/or administering medications as prescribed including intravenous and/or oral contrast.
- Evaluating images for technical quality and ensuring proper identification
- Providing education to patients, Imaging Students, and other health care providers.
- Performing ongoing quality assurance activities.
- Performing diagnostic radiographic and noninterpretive fluoroscopic procedures as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
- Assisting the Radiologist or other licensed practitioner with fluoroscopic and specialized radiologic procedures.
- Performing computed tomography procedures as prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
- Assisting a licensed practitioner with interventional computed tomography procedures.
- Postprocessing data for interpretation.
- Verifying archival storage of image data and dose report as appropriate.
Lead Tech Role (If assigned)
- Expert. Perform as a subject matter expert in assigned modality. Performs ACR and all other accreditation needs related to their modality.
- Leader. Lead by example with a commitment to teamwork and communication. Ensuring smooth flow of operations within modality daily. A keen sense of foresight, pointing out potential issues in the days ahead.
- Teacher. Training and educating all existing and new staff members in protocol and operations. Responsible for working with the Radiologists and other Technologists to establish and perform imaging protocols and other related operations
- Checker. Ensure patient care is uninterrupted and smooth consistently by checking that protocols and process is being followed
- Advocate. Ensure that the patient is properly cared for by exemplifying patient satisfaction goals and standards.
DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Consistently treats patients and co-workers with dignity and respect. Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of Memorial Healthcare and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital's mission, vision and value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, imaging exam protocols, and the code of ethical behavior. Promotes a culture of safety, quality services, and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrates safe and effective use as well as calibrates and performs preventive maintenance of all equipment associated with assigned duties.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.
- Identifies problems or issues and brings them to the attention of the appropriate individual. Assumes responsibility and confirms that the problem has been resolved.
- Informs Diagnostic Imaging Management of unusual events or variations in normal business or clinical activities and shares ideas for improvement.
- Participates in educational and staff meetings. Attends all department meetings and/or reads minutes. Participates as assigned with student/new employee education.
- Performs and/or accepts all other duties as assigned.
- Performs routine cleaning of work area and associated equipment. Maintains a complete stock of necessary supplies.
- Transports and transfers patients in a safe manner and adheres to patient transport policy. Utilizes proper restraints, side rails, and other associated measures when transporting patients.
- Participates in continuous quality improvement activities or committees.
- Adheres to dress code requirements and standards. Wears identification badge clearly visible at chest level while on duty.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registered in Radiography.
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) advanced registry in Computed Tomography preferred.
- Minimum: Document of at least 20 hours of training and experience in operating CT equipment, radiation physics, and radiation protection in guidelines as described in the State of Michigan requirements for CT Operators.
- Two-year allied health degree preferred.
EXPERIENCE
- Able to perform computer tomography imaging procedures independently and accurately.
- Able to establish and maintain sterile venous access via intravenous catheter.
- Two years of experience as an ARRT registered radiologic technologist preferred.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS
These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
- Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
- Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
- Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
- Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES
- Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES
- Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
- Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
- Able to hear for work-related purposes.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
- Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
- Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
- Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
- Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
- Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
