CT Technologist - PRN

Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois currently has openings for the following positions:

Position: CT Technologist - PRN

Location: O'Fallon, IL

Job Id: 350

# of Openings: 1

CT Technologist - PRN

SUMMARY: Under general supervision of Medical and Radiation Oncologists, the CT Technologist provides CT and/or Bone Densitometry exams as prescribed by the Medical and Radiation Oncologists and in accordance with established procedures. The CT Technologist is responsible to ensure proper patient care and treatment, and assist coworkers in addressing patient needs, workflow and potential problems in order to ensure smooth operation of Radiology services. The CT Technologist operates CT and ancillary equipment, processes exposed films, critiques images, and maintains equipment as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

CT Technologist Duties

• Participates in CT and/or Bone Densitometry scanning as necessary to maintain competency and ensure quality of care during operating hours.
• Monitors imaging and reviews images, ensuring exams are done timely.
• Assists with the development of radiology policies and procedures to enhance workflow and accuracy of exams.
• Serves as contact for Radiation and Medical Oncologists, Radiologists, Radiology staff, and others working with Radiology.

Clinical Practice

• Performs a variety of CT and/or Bone Densitometry procedures according to physician orders.
• Prepares CT room and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Transports patients to and from CT area as needed.
• Gives patients consent forms and obtains required signatures.
• Explains all steps in the procedure to the patient and answers any questions concerning procedures.
• Administers contrast media, as needed, including:
  • Evaluates patient veins and places needle in appropriate injection site for IV contrast administration.
  • Monitors IV contrast during injection and checks for infiltrates and patient reactions to contrast media.
• Positions patients under equipment in accordance with established procedures and standards of accuracy.
• Assesses and monitors the physical and psychological condition of patients throughout procedures and communicates findings to physician.
• Documents all aspects of exam in medical record.
• Ensures and maintains all exams are archived and documented in appropriate manner.
• Performs ordered examinations of appropriate anatomical regions in accordance with accepted standards of practice and protocols of the individual site reading physician:
  • Determine appropriate imaging parameters
  • Position the patient and obtain images
  • Perform data collection, processing and analysis of images
• Maintains patient care, comfort and safety during the exam.
• Maintains technical competency through continued education.
• Under guidance and approval of the Radiologist, administers contrast agents according to site specific protocols.
• Radiation Safety: Involves practicing techniques that will minimize radiation exposure to the patient, health care personnel, and general public. Practice ALARA principles.
• Exhibits competency in the proper operation and use of all radiology equipment.
• Inspects all equipment, monitors equipment and performs quality assurance tests. Follows established procedures relating to: machine warm-ups, service requests, and incident reports. Reports malfunctions and variances to appropriate contacts. Participates in quality assurance and improvement activities as assigned.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and linen, as needed in each technical area assigned.
• Complies with all applicable safety and health regulations, and center and hospital policies and procedures. Complies with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to blood and body fluids, ionizing radiation, chemical disinfectants, radiology chemicals, metal alloys and other hazardous substances.
• Demonstrates ability to operate all areas of the CT software.
• Coordinates scheduling of CT procedures with Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology to provide smooth and efficient patient flow with consideration for shared equipment.
• Maintains written operating procedures.
• Maintains radiation protection procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Assures CT software and hardware are functioning properly. Reports any malfunctions to Supervisor and assists in troubleshooting minor problems when necessary. Assists in upgrading software and hardware when necessary.
• Submits billing in an accurate and timely manner for CT procedures through EPIC Radiant system.
• Completes required continuing education and training.
• Retrieves reports when requested.
• Makes appropriate copies of exams when requested.
• Provides assistance to Radiation Oncology on an as needed basis, including: assists radiation therapists with positioning of patients during CT simulations as needed; provides technical support to Radiation Oncology as needed.

Professional Communication

• Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to all aspects of employment, including patient/family/significant other confidentiality.
• Interacts with patients/family/significant others with a variety of developmental and sociocultural backgrounds.
• Provides information to patients and family/significant others that reduces anxiety and conveys an attitude of acceptance, sensitivity and caring.
• Maintains professional relationships and conveys relevant information to other members of the health care team.

Internal Contacts: Physicians, other radiology Technologists, secretaries, nursing staff, laboratory staff, billing representatives, etc.

External Contacts: Physicists, vendors, contract maintenance personnel, hospitals, x-ray departments, couriers, pharmacies, laboratories, floor nurses, other physician offices, etc.

• Relays information appropriately over telephones, facsimiles, pagers, and other communication devices, and follows-through as needed.
• Communicates appropriate information to physicians, supervisors, and/or other members of the healthcare team as needed and follows-through on physician orders and requests.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively as a health care team member.
• Reports on patient conditions as needed to those who require information, including physicians, lead radiation therapists, and other professional staff (such as medical Technologists, chemotherapy nurses, and pharmacists).
• Assists with tasks necessary for the general operation and organization of the Radiation Oncology unit.
• Maintains positive attitude with patients, family/significant others and coworkers.

Professional Development

• Attends staff meetings and mandatory in-services.
• Participates in continuing education opportunities.
• Obtains necessary certifications and licensure, such as CPR certification, Radiology Technologist, and CT Technologist licenses.
• Contributes to the quality of patient care and participates in quality improvement initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES:

Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

American Registry of Radiologic Technology in Radiologic Technology RT(R) certification or registry eligible is required. American Registry of Radiologic Technology in Radiology and CT certification (ARRT/RT (CT)) or registry eligible (preferred). Current licensure in the State of Illinois for practice in Radiology Certification by or eligibility for the computed tomography certification board is preferred. Current CPR certification or willingness to become certified. Must take EPIC training and successfully pass required tests.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

One to three years of CT experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Knowledge of CT procedures, equipment operation, basic radiation physics and safety, basic Radiology safety as required through an approved program in Radiology, and patient care techniques as required through an approved program in Radiology. Ability to function in a sometimes demanding and fast-paced work environment related to changing patient needs, including work with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes and those who are dying. Verbal and written English communication skills for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards. Organization and interpersonal skills. Understands and practices patient confidentiality. A positive attitude towards health care team members and diverse patient populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:

Standing, walking, sitting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, twisting, reaching, handling, kneeling, and wrist and digital dexterity. Patient lifting, ambulating, and transfer of patients in wheelchairs, on gurneys and beds. Speaking, hearing, and visual acuity to assess patients and administer treatments; receive and interpret instructions; communicate with other health care professionals; chart; and operate equipment. Exerting force (frequently up to 10-20