Mammography Technologist- FT AM

Job Description

Job Description

Major Responsibilities:

• Understand the operation, technique factors, and function of the mammographic systems in department.
  • 1)Operates all mammographic equipment and can select and modify technical factors as needed.
  • 2)Set equipment for every exam in fashion to optimize image quality with lowest possible dose.
  • 3)Checks all equipment on a daily basis, inspects for physical hazards in mammographic rooms, darkroom areas, and reports to the coordinator any malfunctions or hazards.
  • 4)Must be able to do job related problem solving such as malfunction of equipment, alternate patient positioning and views, realizing equipment or patient limitations.
• Operate all equipment in a consistent and professional manner, with appropriate respect for patient dose and image quality (demonstrated by adequate collimation/shielding and low repeat rate).
  • 1)Is familiar with and understands the common projections in a routine mammographic examination.
  • 2)Must be skilled in the selection and adjustment of technical controls and factors governing the filming of patients, or the operation of equipment.
  • 3)Must have experienced background in the use and operation of mammographic equipment.
  • 4)Must have knowledge in the principals of physics, anatomy, medical terminology, and radiation protection as set forth by the State and physicist.
  • 5)Controls the positioning and transferring of patients undergoing mammographic examinations, and supervises their welfare and care, as well as the use of radiation protection devices and/or immobilization devices on all patients under our care and supervision.
  • 6)Required to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the State and physicist regarding radiation protection.
  • 7)Prepare/position patient for exam; collimate/shield as advisable.
  • 8)Must be skilled in the use, handling, and care of equipment, cassettes, film and other supplies. Provides protection to patients in accordance with prescribed radiation safety standards.
  • 9)Able to perform specialized techniques using magnification and compression equipment when such views are necessary. Check films with the radiologists as needed. Consistently produce high quality mammography.
  • 10)Able to perform specific tasks as documented in skills task list. Can perform start up and shut down of processor, i.e., water adjustment, remove and clean crossovers. Can identify artifacts on film; know method needed to correct problem.
• Perform procedure setup/support/clean -up/patient care functions to permit the smooth performance of all radiographic studies.
  • 1)Adhere to patient schedule on a timely basis.
  • 2)Bring patient to dressing room, and give instruction.
  • 3)Must be able to explain, instruct, and communicate the nature of the mammographic procedure to patients to ensure proper cooperation.
  • 4)Provide for patient comfort by: 1. familiarize patient with equipment 2. familiarize patient with procedure aspect of exam 3. respond to patient’s questions accurately and gently 4. use a gentle tone of voice when communicating 5. provide support to the anxious and fearful patient 6. maintain patient modesty during the exam 7. maintain the patient’s confidentiality by speaking with patient in private exam room
  • 5)Maintain order and cleanliness within the Mammography suites; is responsible for the condition of mammography rooms after use and that adequate supplies are available; replace deficiency of supplies by ordering from storeroom, outside vendors, ACS; check to be sure that imaging and supplies are present prior to bringing patient to procedure area.
  • 6)Obtain consent indicating that patient is not pregnant as needed.
  • 7)Document the status of previous films and advise the patient of the benefits and necessity of obtaining previous films
  • 8)Perform and have radiologist approve preliminary films, if needed for specialized exams.
  • 9)Reassurance/supportive care of patient pre-, intra-, post-procedure care for processing films.
  • 10)Can perform skin calcification views when directed by radiologist. Can perform post-mastectomy views when directed by radiologist. Obtain accurate patient history. Mark lump, moles, other skin lesions with B.B. and then label drawing correctly. Able to identify need for additional views if history warrants. Instruct patient in American Cancer Society Guideline for screening mammography. Able to communicate accurate information about the American College of Radiology Accreditation Program, and FDA Certification. Able to call back patients for additional views in a professional, accurate, courteous manner when requested by radiologist. Correctly label film with technical factors to evaluate dose.
• Bill all patient exams by means of DMI system, downtime requisitions; enter data in department software to help track room utilization and staffing needs.
  • 1)Bill patient appropriately.
• Support emergency care of department patients.
  • 1)Maintain CPR Certification on an annual basis
  • 2)Assist in “Code Blue” and “First Aid” procedures during medical emergencies and department procedures in the care of acutely ill patients.
• Perform associated transport/clerical duties as needed.
  • 1)Must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the day to day operation and organization of the department of Radiology to include department policy and practices, scheduling, reception, darkroom, and film library areas.
  • 2)Processed films as needed, and checks for proper functioning of processors and need for chemical replenishment.
  • 3)Assist patient from procedure area by prescribed means
  • 4)May be required to assist in the Film Library, including using copy machine.
• Perform Mammography Department clerical duties:
  • 1)Update patient history
  • 2)Pull previous mammograms and sort into separate envelopes by exam date
  • 3)Place current year sticker on main file
  • 4)Update front of main file and mammography jacket with correct label
  • 5)Order supplies from storeroom
  • 6)Notify centralized scheduling of changing personnel schedule via phone and written statement.

Education/Experience Required:

• -Completion ARRT approved Radiologic Technology Program -ARRT Registered or registry eligible -Must be able to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging; prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• -Understanding of positioning and technique factors as in Merrill’s Directory
• -Must be licensed by State to perform mammographic procedures -Must complete a program of formal training -Must have 5 years experience performing radiologic procedures with minimum of 1 year performing screening mammograms Proof of specialized training in positioning, compression, technical factors, 1 hr. A & P, 1 hr. mammo equipment and technique, 1 hr. film evaluation, 1 hr. special mammography procedures. -or have license in Mammography ARRT -Must complete this training every 24 months -Must be knowledgeable in all areas skills orientation -ARRT Registry within one year of employment -CPR Certification

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• -Able to respond to request to work on short notice -Flexible in starting times to meet demand -Willing to work overtime as requested -Musculoskeletal hazard from repetitive motions -May be exposed to ionizing radiation -Attends additional seminars; minimum of 8 hours mammography
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Schedule Details/Additional Information

Typical shifts are: 7:00a-3:30p, 7:30a-4:00p, 9:00-5:30p, or 10:30a-7:00p shifts

Hours are based on need

Minimal Weekend requirement

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate’s job
• Incentive pay for select positions
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.