CT TECHNOLOGIST

Responsibilities Performs computerized tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest and body. These exams are performed with and without the use of contrast materials. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic studies to bring about proper diagnosis and treatment. Schedules exams in a manner so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate emergent patients who may need immediate surgery, etc. Confers with the radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc. to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations, advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. Receives patients by checking name, social security number or date of birth and explaining the procedures to be performed per the request. Verifies that female patients are not pregnant. Selects and sets technical factors using established criteria. Sets up and adjusts accessory equipment as required. Makes exposures necessary for the required procedures. Takes films/images to daylight processor for processing. Edits film/images for quality of images, positioning and appropriate ID. Enters required data into the Decentralized Hospital Computer System (DHCP). Maintains records of patients treated, examinations performed, views, images taken, and settings used. Performs routine examinations of chest, joints, extremities, cholangiography, barium enemas, upper GIs IVPs and other complex examinations, under the technical or professional direction of a Radiologist when required during tour assigned. Checks equipment for working conditions prior to contacting the physician or patient for exam. Notifies the physician and/or technical supervisor of any equipment problems. Sets up x-ray room, assuring that sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters and other requirement equipment are present and laid out. Assures infection control standards are followed. Greets patients arriving in the department and assists in verifying appointments, and/or answering the phone and providing general information as needed or requested. Calls scheduled inpatients for examinations when appropriate equipment is available. Provides portable x-rays thru-out the medical centers, notifying nearby staff/visitors of the need to protect them from possible scattering radiation. Records the nature of, and circumstances surrounding unusual events occurring in the Diagnostic Imaging Service during the assigned tour and notifies the Radiologist on-call or the supervisory technologist. Assures the cleanliness of the exam room and re-stocks supply cabinet at the end of the tour. Assures the safety of patient while in his/her care and adheres to appropriate safe patient handling and movement. Maintains courteous customer service skills towards patients, visitors and staff. Notifies supervisory technologist of absence of coverage and if leaving the Department or work area. Remains on duty until relief of next tour arrives. Reports for duty on time or calls to report absence/tardiness no later than one hour before the beginning of the tour scheduled. Technologists shall follow appropriate Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging Service (DIS) policies for after hour requests across each modality: CT, MRI, Ultra-Sound, and Diagnostic. Any concerns or questions after-hours when there is no radiologist on duty shall be referred. If a local teaching university is available (University of Washington or Oregon Health Science University), then any concerns or questions after-hours when there is no radiologist on duty shall be referred to the teaching universities Resident or On- Call Radiologist or Chief Technologist; this is a location specific determination. The contract technologist shall leave a written documentation for the Chief Technologist detailing the situation. When scheduled, serves as a member of an on-call team providing after hour services in response to emergencies. Responsibilities are based on the VA/Radiology Mission across all modalities as related to the care and services that is provided for the Veterans. Responsibilities across all modalities are based on the same criteria as any Technologists whether CT, MRI, US, or Diagnostic. This is taken from the Specific Functional Statement and Job Performance Standards as outlined by the Chief Technologist, Radiology which can be provided by the Chief Technologist to the temporary technicians. #J-18808-Ljbffr