Veterinary Care Generalist - Imaging

Veterinary Care Generalist - Imaging Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The Veterinary Care Generalist assigned to Imaging will be responsible for technical assistance in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Imaging service and will specifically be responsible for performing routine diagnostic procedures on animal patients under the direction of the radiologist or staff veterinarians, performing advanced imaging modality exams, and maintaining the equipment, records and supplies in the assigned area. The Veterinary Technician may be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital. Due to the teaching emphasis of the hospital, the Veterinary Technician will assist in the training of veterinary students, veterinary technician students and others in diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in veterinary imaging.

Learn to provide paramedical and technical support in performing imaging procedures:

• Assist in performing imaging procedures on Large and Small animals under the direction of the radiologist or senior technician.
• Open Radiology Section. Perform warm-up procedures on x-ray equipment. Perform equipment calibration as required.
• Prepare the x-ray room, restrain and/or position the patient and equipment to perform the requested diagnostic procedure (small and large animals).
• Set proper x-ray exposure technique for the patient size and equipment type. Follow ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Acceptable) principle.
• Perform image critique for image quality, artifacts, patient position, proper anatomical markers, and patient demographics. Perform repeat images as needed. Perform additional views as needed.
• Assist in performing mobile exams in OR and large animal wards utilizing the Min-X portable machine.
• Assist in special procedures including but not limited to myelograms, esophagrams, cystograms, upper Gl's, fistulograms and excretory urograms. Ability to operate the fluoroscopy unit under the direction of the radiologist.
• Assist in directing patient flow through department. Determine amount of oral or IV contrast to be used for a specific exam and patient. Administer contrast material under the supervision of a senior technician.
• Begin cross-training on advanced modalities consisting of Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or Nuclear Medicine.
• Assist in special projects and/or committees including collection and organization of data as requested by the radiologist, section chief, or animal imaging coordinator.
• Assist in research projects that require imaging modalities as requested by residents or faculty.
• Perform maintenance needed to keep the rooms and machines clean and operable. Report any malfunctioning of equipment to higher level AIT or animal imaging coordinator. Contact vendor regarding equipment malfunction and maintenance as directed.

Learn to provide teaching and instruction to students and new staff on performing imaging procedures:

• Assist higher level techs and students administer sedation as needed to complete exam, under the direction of the radiologist.
• Assist in the instruction of new staff, veterinary technician students, and veterinary professional students on how to perform radiographs-including correct collimation, proper technique selection, proper anatomical position, and image evaluation. Demonstrate correct small and large animal restraint techniques. Review student- performed images before being submitted to the PACS.
• Assist in the instruction of new staff, veterinary technician students and veterinary professional students on how to evaluate digital radiographs.
• Evaluate and provide input regarding veterinary professional students for teamwork, initiative, dependability, response to guidance, practice of radiation safety, patient handling skills, positioning, technical skills, ability to recognize quality images and how to correct errors, written and oral communications skills with technicians and radiologists.
• Evaluate and provide input for the junior college instructional program for veterinary technician students. Assist in providing rounds to the veterinary technician students.
• Participate in the evaluation of students during the OSCEE.
• Prepare and give rounds to fourth year veterinary students including but not limited to orientation and safety lectures as required by the curriculum.

Learn to provide support of EMR, the digital imaging interface and storage system (PACS) and other digital image manipulations:

• Demonstrate competency using PACS. Can effectively network images from imaging equipment. Can provide instruction for new staff and students on locating patient by using filters on browser, correcting patient and exam demographics, merging patients/studies, splitting studies, RIS-sync exams, sticky note function, measurement tools and filming.
• Submit images to teleradiology vendor and complete required electronic form.
• Transfer digital images from referring veterinarians to PACS.
• Reconcile patient and exam demographics in the PACS.
• Review radiology orders for appropriate patient history and clinical data for exam ordered. Obtain additional information when needed.
• Enter charges for daily cases into SANDI.
• Enter patient and exam information on required logs and as required by the Radiations Safety department.

Other duties:

• Stock medications and supplies needed in each exam room. Order medications and supplies through the IMS system.
• Recognize an emergency, take proper precautions and call for help. Notify Senior Imaging Specialist, radiologist, or animal imaging coordinator of any unusual occurrence.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information as regulated by the University of Illinois and Veterinary Teaching Hospital policy.
• Maintain all radiation safety training required per IEMA and the Division of Radiation Safety regulations.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

An environment of stress may be anticipated. The person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the technician may be lifting a 40lb. dog on and off an examination table. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with a large animal (i.e., cattle and horses) during diagnostic or surgical procedures; the technician may restrain a large animal. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with animals during diagnostic or surgical procedures. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experienced under such conditions. This position entails operating equipment, administering medications, and restraining animals of various species for examination. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste and fluids, syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care. Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc., may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused.

Minimum Qualifications:

Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Familiar with federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances. Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment. Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment. Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols. Able to instruct veterinary medical/technician students in patient care protocol and procedures and in the use of equipment or instrumentation. Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients, assess charges observed, and take necessary action in the absence of a veterinarian. Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care. Able to observe, record, compile and assimilate data. Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine. Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gases. Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure. Able to work independently and be self-motivated. Strong interpersonal skills. Courteous and polite.