Mammography Technologist

SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the Lead Mammography Technologist, the Mammography Manager, and following ACR standards of practice for mammography, the Mammography Technologist performs a variety of examinations utilizing low dose radiation to produce high resolution, high contrast images and assists the radiologist in performing invasive procedures of the breast. The technologist also maintains an orderly clean work area and performs routine clerical tasks.
All essential functions performed in the position reflect age specific needs of the geriatric, adult, and pediatric patients. Fosters patient and family centered care and nursing services in accordance with the Brown University Health and Rhode Island Hospital mission, vision, and values, with consideration of the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.
In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
Instill Trust and Value Differences
Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instructs patient regarding procedure and proper positioning to produce high quality mammography images. Answer questions regarding the exam within the Technologist scope of practice.
Reviews and/or records pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
Understands and practices ALARA principles of radiation protection including the use and exchange of personal dosimeters.
Selects proper technical factors as recommended by Hologic utilizing appropriate paddles.
Checks equipment and accessories to ensure they are in proper operating condition.
Ensures proper patient identification for images and completeness of requisition used for billing.
Operates mammography equipment according to specific procedure to produce images of optimal quality while in a safe environment.
Performs screening and diagnostic mammography including additional views required for completeness of examination as listed in procedure manual.
Assists physician in the performance of specialized examinations such as pre-operative needle localization, large core stereotactic breast biopsy - all using sterile technique when indicated and in accordance with established guidelines.
Properly stocks supply and equipment required for mammography procedures and stocks dressing rooms with gowns and/or robes.
Maintains work area and department in a clean and orderly condition including cleaning room after each examination and weekly cleaning of screens. Insures that examination rooms are properly supplied with equipment and materials.
Assist in daily Quality Control testing of equipment to ensure that the requirements established by the Federal Registry stated in the Mammography Quality Standards Act are met.
Ensues efficient patient flow.
Monitors the schedule in advance to ensure smooth workflow by conducting Tech Checks which evaluates upcoming diagnostic exams. This check will review if the order is correct, if the Epic data is accurate, and if the patient has prior images in place.
Performs all duties in a highly professional manner-treating all patients with respect and using patient confidentiality as outlined in the code of ethics.
Adheres to all policies as published by Brown University Health, Rhode Island Hospital, or Diagnostic Imaging such as, but not limited to, Dress Code, Personal Electronics in Workplace, Patient Identification, etc. Dresses appropriately as outlined in the Diagnostic Imaging Dress Code.
Provides guidance to mammography students in positioning, technique and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
Two years formal training in an accredited School of Radiologic Technology, plus registration through the American Registry of Radiology Technology in Mammography.
Must maintain requirements as outlined by the Mammography Quality Standards Act and the American College of Radiology.
Current and valid license from the Department of Health to practice in the State of Rhode Island.
Must hold a current CPR certification from AHA, BLS for Healthcare Providers.
Must have the conceptual ability to determine the means of providing the requested mammography images of acceptable diagnostic quality based on the specifics of each use.
Must have analytical skills to determine best method of obtaining the desired results.
Must have the interpersonal skills to work amicably with radiologists, technologists, clerical staff, and referring physicians.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
EXPERIENCE:
Between one and three months orientation and on the job training.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Exposure to radiation, but there is little chance of injury when established safety precautions are followed.
Continuous standing along with walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and positioning of patients required.
Possibility of needle sticks. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures.

Pay Range:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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