Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist II (Evenings)

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist II (Evenings)

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive healthcare system includes a 473-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.

Equal Employment Opportunities: We believe equity is essential for optimal health outcomes and are committed to achieve optimal health for all by actively eliminating barriers due to racism, poverty, gender identity, and other determinants of health. We are committed to equitable care and working in an environment that celebrates, promotes, and protects diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to bringing in individuals with new cultural perspectives to assist in creating a more equitable healthcare organization.

Purpose of this position: Under the direction of the area supervisor, performs patient care and technical functions to insure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients.

Responsibilities:

• Performs Computed Tomography exams under the order of a licensed medical practitioner
• Follows ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principle; modifies radiation dose for individual patient's exams in accordance with established age/weight specific protocols (including pediatric techniques and dosing), utilizing dose reduction software
• Reviews and verifies CT exam orders, radiologist's protocol instructions, and patient identification in accordance with hospital policy to ensure correct exam is performed on the correct patient
• Assesses patient risk via patient interviews and chart review; alerts nurses and/or physicians to possible contraindications for procedure (labs, allergies, etc.)
• Ensures patient is prepared and radiologist-ordered protocols for pre-medications have been completed (e.g. contrast allergy pre-medication)
• Provides education to patient and family members and assesses understanding
• Provides for the physical and psychological needs of patients during CT exams, including monitoring of patient's oxygen saturation levels when caring for patients with orders for "continuous" O2 sat monitoring; addresses issues according to hospital protocol; assesses patient's level of pain and notifies nurse / provider as needed
• Performs venipuncture for contrast administration, evaluates patency of IV access; administers saline flush per protocol pre/post IV contrast administration
• Performs Point-of-Care lab tests for evaluating renal function prior to contrast administration
• Prepares and administers oral and/or IV contrast per department protocols as prescribed by a licensed practitioner
• Ensures personnel caring for patient follow safety procedures (e.g. infection prevention)
• Documents clinical and required regulatory information in patient's electronic chart (e.g. IV documentation, signs / symptoms relevant to exam, contrast administration in MAR); performs order entry / modification / cancelation in accordance with hospital policies
• Initiates response to complications and emergencies arising during exams; requests assistance from nurses, providers, and other personnel as needed
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and effects of disease processes; evaluates images, recognizes normal vs. abnormal anatomy and notifies the appropriate Radiologist as needed
• Handles and secures medications and equipment in accordance with hospital policies
• Utilizes the image management system; acquire, format, manipulate, archives images to the PACS system
• Assists physicians and residents as required with CT-Guided exams/procedures using aseptic technique as needed
• Implements downtime procedures (manual operations) when computer systems or equipment fails
• Instructs new staff and students in CT procedures and techniques
• Performs competency evaluations for new CT personnel
• Assists with education and training of medical staff (Radiology Residents, Fellows, RPA's etc.)
• Maintains equipment and room in proper working condition and trouble-shoots malfunctioning equipment; takes appropriate action to address image quality issues
• Performs quality control procedures
• Demonstrates and promotes a healthy work environment and good teamwork; makes suggestions for improvements; demonstrates and promotes patient and family-centered care behaviors
• Assists in organizing work flow utilizing available staff and rooms
• Assists performing exams identified for approved IRB research
• Assists in coordinating and participates in departmental continuing education in-services
• Provides peer feedback for staff performance evaluations
• Performs various clerical duties and completes additional duties/projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Completion of a formal educational Radiologic Technology program accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the ARRT
• Currently certified with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• Maintains minimum CEU credits as mandated by the ARRT
• Possess CT certification (ARRT)
• Possess current CPR certification or obtain within 6 months of employment
• Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities: Operation of CT scanning systems, related anatomy / pathology; ability to perform CT examinations, venipuncture and contrast administration; ability to work effectively with others and provide patients an exceptionally positive experience