Mammography Technologist-Per Diem

Multimodality Tech - Mammography Tech

The Mammographer performs routine and/or specialized diagnostic imaging exams. Follow established Medical Imaging requirements and regulations to ensure safe patient care and to ensure safety of all. Works collaboratively with healthcare team, and independently while also interacting with all patients from newborn through geriatrics.

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Obtain and examine requisition for radiographic procedure in order to be aware of study requested and patient's condition. Consistently produce mammograms and radiographs of diagnostic quality.
• Question patients before procedure to obtain history; ask female patients as to pregnancy; document all relevant information.
• Always check patient ID before procedure is performed.
• Solicit and/or check consent forms and screening sheets assuring that patients have had no allergic reactions or other contraindications to radiographic contrast media.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of human structure and function, patient care, positioning, principles of radiographic exposure, and specialized techniques as required.
• Calculate proper voltage, current, and exposure time; select proper film and place proper markers on cassettes; refer to department procedure manual and reference material to obtain required views.
• Operate mammographic and radiologic equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes. Position equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance according to specification of examination. Take images following established radiologic requirements and regulations to ensure patient care and safety.
• Perform collimation, position x-ray tube at correct distance and angulations from patient's body part in order to present a clear, undistorted view to produce a radiograph of diagnostic quality.
• Perform basic nursing functions in regard to patient care.
• Perform mammography in an efficient and compassionate manner, alleviating anxiety while adhering to MQSA standards and department schedule.
• Understand ACR/MQSA criteria for mammography screening sheets.
• Maintain eligibility to take the Mammography Certification with the ARRT.
• Participate in Mammography follow-up procedures
• Be knowledgeable of Quality Assurance procedures with regard to mammography
• Schedule mammography studies according to departmental policies
• Be familiar with all ACR/MQSA regulations pertaining to mammography accreditation
• Maintain familiarity of Quality Assurance requirements of all equipment in assigned area.
• Perform aseptic technique and procedures pertaining to all exams
• Prepare patients for radiologic procedures. Escort patients to dressing and x-ray rooms, provide verbal and/or written instructions and assist patients in positioning body parts to be radiographed. Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure patient care, safety and comfort during scan.
• Ensure equipment remains in working order. Report equipment malfunctions to Practice Manager or supervisor.
• Perform related administrative duties including completing necessary forms, and maintaining procedure logs.
• Retrieve orders from and input related data into the electronic medical record.
• Maintain adequate supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Functionality:

• Responsible for the completion of all procedures scheduled during the shift without interference to the quality of work.
• Responds to changes in work schedule as necessary.
• Consistently completes work left from previous shifts; always reports any incomplete assignments.
• Demonstrates willingness and ability to assist others as requested; regularly assists in other areas of the department such as receptionist and clerical duties. Requests the assistance of other staff members as needed.
• Participates in departmental cross-training.

Documentation:

• Uses computer programs, including order entry, per policy and procedure as assigned.
• Documents patient requisitions per policy and procedure regarding patient education, shielding, pregnancy and signature (initials).
• Accurately, clearly and concisely records all pertinent information on the patient's medical record, according to policy and procedures.
• Documents all incidences of contrast reactions on patient's permanent medical records.
• Assists in documenting reports and histories on mammography computer.
• Assists in completing and sending patient follow-up letters assuring adherence to ACR/MQSA regulations
• Shows competence in all documentation on mammography screening sheets

Equipment:

• Demonstrates competence and proficiency with all mammographic and radiographic equipment in all areas of the Medical Imaging Department.
• Demonstrates competence and proficiency with all equipment in areas of cross-training.
• Regularly checks equipment, accessories and supplies; keeps areas stocked at all times, cleans and disinfects equipment after each use; daily cleans assigned room.
• Knows the general condition of equipment and is able to trouble-shoot problems.
• Demonstrates competence and proficiency in the operation of mammography equipment
• Demonstrates competence in mammography computer.

Safety:

• Transports patient safely, on the proper transportation device to and from Medical Imaging Department.
• Competently transfers patients to and from examining table/couch maintaining safety and modesty.
• Competently arranges, attaches, or adjusts immobilization devices to prevent patient from moving or falling and to lessen discomfort.
• Patients with allergies are properly identified.
• Strictly follows principles of asepsis and infection control guidelines when performing patient care.
• Always informs nursing personnel of any changes in patient's condition.
• Promptly reports malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
• Always checks patient's records or obtains screening information to see if patient is at risk for contrast reactions and charts all incidences of contrast reactions on patient's permanent medical record.
• Demonstrates complete knowledge of safety policies and procedures
• Participates in hospital emergency and disaster drills; knows role in event of a fire while on duty.

Radiation Safety:

• Always demonstrates an awareness of radiation safety procedures for self and others; wears protective clothing and remains behind protective enclosure during exposures; minimizes radiation exposure to the patient and self in keeping with the "ALARA" principles of radiation dose/film quality. Uses special care during fluoroscopic procedures.
• Always wears film badge above the collar; monthly turns in film badge for evaluation monthly.
• Always adjusts lead shield or provides protective shielding to protect unaffected parts of the body on patients receiving radiographic procedures, staff or relatives assisting in care.
• Always questions female patients as to pregnancy possibility. Documents all relevant information.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to ensure safety of patients and team members.

Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific):

• Knowledge of radiologic standards, requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of radiologic safety, cleanliness and infection control policies and regulations.
• Knowledge of radiologic equipment uses and maintenance.
• Accuracy Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Computer Skills Proficient ability to use a computer and electronic medical record.
• Confidentiality Maintain patient, team member and employer confidentiality. Comply with all HIPAA regulations.
• Customer Service Oriented Friendly, cheerful and helpful to patients and others. Ability to meet patients and others needs while following office policies and procedures.
• Detail Oriented Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
• Flexibility Ability to adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Positivity Display a positive attitude and is a positive agent for change.
• Teamwork Work as part of a team and collaborate with co-workers.
• Working Under Pressure Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.

Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree or higher preferred

• Mammography experience preferred

Radiologic Technologist experience preferred