Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologist

Under the direction of the Department Manager, performs interpretive, patient care and technical functions to insure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients.

Compensation Pay Range: $37.37 - $50.30

Essential Functions:

1 - Patient Care

a - Confirm patient's identity.

b - Evaluate patient's ability to understand and comply with requirements for the requested examination.

c - Explain and confirm patient's preparation (e.g., diet restrictions, preparatory medications) prior to radiographic/fluoroscopic examinations.

d - Examine radiographic requisition to verify accuracy and completeness of information (e.g., patient history, clinical diagnosis).

e - Sequence imaging procedures to avoid residual contrast material affecting future exams.

f - Responsible for medical equipment attached to patients (e.g., IV's, oxygen) during the radiographic procedures.

g - Provide for patient safety, comfort, and modesty.

h - Communicate scheduling delays to waiting patients.

i - Verify or obtain patient consent as necessary (e.g., contrast studies).

j - Explain procedure instructions to patient or patient's family.

2 - (continued from # 1)

a - Practice standard precautions.

b - Follow appropriate procedures when in contact with patient in isolation.

c - Select immobilization devices, when indicated, to prevent patient's movement and/or ensure patients safety.

d - Use proper body mechanics and/or mechanical transfer devices when assisting patient.

e - Prior to administration of contrast agent, gather information to determine appropriate dosage, and to determine if patient is at increased risk of adverse reaction.

f - Confirm type of contrast media and prepare for administration.

g - Use sterile or aseptic technique and prepare for administration.

h - Observe patient after administration of contrast media to detect adverse reactions.

i - Recognize need for prompt medical attention and administer emergency care.

j - Explain post-procedural instructions to patient or patient's family.

3 - (continued from #2)

a - Maintain confidentiality of patient's information.

b - Document required information on patient's medical record (e.g., radiographic requisitions, radiographs).

c - Quality assures exams performed to capture the technical and room time.

d - Performs work of equal skill, effort and responsibility as directed and may perform work of a higher level in preparation for increase responsibility.

4 - Radiation Protection

a - Clean, disinfect or sterilize facilities and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for next examination.

b - Evaluate the need for and use of protective shielding.

c - Take appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure to patient.

d - Question female patient of child-bearing age about possible pregnancy and take appropriate action (i.e., document response, contact physician).

e - Restrict beam to limit exposure area, improve image quality, and reduce radiation dose.

f - Set kVp, mA and time or automatic exposure system to achieve optimum image quality, safe operating conditions, and minimum radiation dose.

g - Prevent all unnecessary persons from remaining in area during x-ray exposure.

h - Take appropriate precautions to minimize occupation radiation exposure.

i - Wear a personnel monitoring device while on duty.

j - Evaluate individual occupational exposure reports to determine if values for the reporting period are within established limits.

5 - Equipment Operation

a - Prepare and operate radiographic unit and accessories.a. Three-phrase generator.b. High frequency generator.c. Bone densitometry unit.

b - Prepare and operate fluoroscopy unit and accessories.a. Fixed fluoroscopic unit and accessoriesb. Pulse fluoroscopyc. Digital fluoroscopyd. Mobile fluoroscopic unit

c - Prepare and operate digital imaging devices.a. Computerized radiographyb. Direct digital radiographyc. Picture archival and communication system (PACS)

6 - Image Production

a - Remove all radiopaque materials from patient or table that could interfere with the radiographic image.

b - Select equipment and accessories (e.g., grid, compensating filters, shielding for the examination requested.

c - Use radiopaque markers to indicate anatomical side, position or other relevant information (e.g., time, upright, decubitis, post-void).

d - Explain breathing instructions prior to making the exposure.

e - Position patient to demonstrate the desired anatomy using body landmarks.

f - Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers and technique charts.a. Fixed kVp technique chartb. Variable kVp technique chartc. Calipers (to determine patient thickness for exposure)d. Automatic exposure control (AEC)

g - Modify exposure factors for circumstances such as involuntary motion, casts and splints, pathological conditions, or patient's inability to cooperate.

h - Process exposed image.

i - Reload cassettes and magazines by selecting film of proper size and type.

j - Prepare digital/computed image receptor for exposure.

7 - (continued from #6)

a - Verify accuracy of patient identification on radiograph.

b - Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality.

c - Determine corrective measures if radiograph is not of diagnostic quality and take appropriate action.

d - Store and handle film/cassette in a manner which will reduce the possibility of artifact production.

8 - Equipment Maintenance

a - Recognize and report malfunctions in the radiographic or fluoroscopic unit and accessories.a. Visual inspection of equipment.

b - Perform basic evaluations of radiographic equipment and accessories.a. Beam restriction systemb. Beam alignmentc. Source-to-image receptor distance indicatord. Radiation protection devices (lead aprons and gloves).

9 - Safety Awareness – Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

a - Prior to the start of any invasive procedures, a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information is done.

b - Verifies patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications.

c - Follows approved procedure for verifying MD orders including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order.

d - Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing, as observed by nurse manager and peers.

e - Consistently follows the South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites.

f - Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

g - Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.

h - Adheres to universal precautions.

i - Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.

j - Adheres to electrical safety guidelines.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Education - Preferred: Graduate of an approved two-year program.

Minimum Work Experience: Six (6) months to be fully proficient.

Required Licenses / Registrations: RT- Radiography Technology (MA state license) or RT Temp - Radiography Technology Temporary (MA state license)