Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Performs standard radiographic examinations of the head, trunk and extremities for diagnoses of illness and injuries with minimal to no assistance. Receives patients and explains examinations to be performed, ensuring patients are properly attired and prepared before positioning patient for requested examination. Performs procedures as defined by the equipment and scope of services, possibly including GI and small bowel series, cholecystograms, cholangiograms, urethorograms, barium and air contrast enemas, myelograms, arthrograms, venograms, DXA Scans, and contrast injections as it correlates to exam. Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain radiographic images of optimal value.

Able to assist radiologists in fluoroscopic examinations which require incumbent to prepare and administer intravenous, oral, and/or rectal contrast media. Fluoroscopic studies such as upper GI's, barium enemas, esophagrams and small bowel follow through are performed on a digital fluoroscopy unit employing direct digital radiography.

Assists in training employees and student technologists, coordinates radiation safety, receives patients and explains procedures, prepares x-ray room and equipment; performs portables, OR procedures, emergency room (Triage), and recovery room.

Maintains records of patients examined, and studies performed in the VISTA hospital information system and CPRS.

Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges patient priorities to accommodate these more urgent requirements.

Responsible for explaining exams to competent patients so that the patient understands what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Incumbent may be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor vital signs, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Properly identifies patient images using left and right markers. This is essential so that mistaken identity of films to patients does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient ID band and the request are identical.

Performs operator maintenance on equipment as required.

Responsible to the radiologists and supervisors for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed to ensure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs.

Performs quality control/assurance checks on studies performed to ensure that only optimally diagnostic images are forwarded to the radiologist(s) for interpretation.

Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists to assure compliance with radiation regulations. The incumbent must also be aware of and practice the safety policies and procedures of the ALM VA Hospital and participate in quality assurance activities as directed.

The technologist is responsible for performing call duties to include after-hour tours, weekends, and holidays.

Is familiar with PACS, providing adequate and proper radiographs.