Radiology Technologist

Job Description Summary

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

Job Description

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 accessories
  b.Pulse fluoroscopy
  c.Digital fluoroscopy
  d.Mobile fluoroscopic unit
• c - Prepare and operate digital imaging devices.
  a.Computerized radiography
  b.Direct digital radiography
  c.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 chart
  b.Variable kVp technique chart
  c. 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 system
  b.Beam alignment
  c.Source-to-image receptor distance indicator
  d. 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)

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities

Employees must produce their CEU records to their manager prior to start date and on an ongoing basis thereafter. Technologists in this position are responsible to maintain CEU activity on-site for a period of two years longer than the technologist’s last licensure renewal date