Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologist

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

Compensation Pay Range: $37.37 - $50.30

Essential Functions:

• Patient Care
• Practice standard precautions
• Follow appropriate procedures when in contact with patient in isolation
• Select immobilization devices, when indicated, to prevent patient's movement and/or ensure patients safety
• Use proper body mechanics and/or mechanical transfer devices when assisting patient
• Prior to administration of contrast agent, gather information to determine appropriate dosage, and to determine if patient is at increased risk of adverse reaction
• Confirm type of contrast media and prepare for administration
• Use sterile or aseptic technique and prepare for administration
• Observe patient after administration of contrast media to detect adverse reactions
• Recognize need for prompt medical attention and administer emergency care
• Explain post-procedural instructions to patient or patient's family
• Maintain confidentiality of patient's information
• Document required information on patient's medical record (e.g., radiographic requisitions, radiographs)
• Quality assures exams performed to capture the technical and room time
• Performs work of equal skill, effort and responsibility as directed and may perform work of a higher level in preparation for increase responsibility
• Radiation Protection
• Clean, disinfect or sterilize facilities and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for next examination
• Evaluate the need for and use of protective shielding
• Take appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure to patient
• Question female patient of child-bearing age about possible pregnancy and take appropriate action (i.e., document response, contact physician)
• Restrict beam to limit exposure area, improve image quality, and reduce radiation dose
• Set kVp, mA and time or automatic exposure system to achieve optimum image quality, safe operating conditions, and minimum radiation dose
• Prevent all unnecessary persons from remaining in area during x-ray exposure
• Take appropriate precautions to minimize occupation radiation exposure
• Wear a personnel monitoring device while on duty
• Evaluate individual occupational exposure reports to determine if values for the reporting period are within established limits
• Equipment Operation
• Prepare and operate radiographic unit and accessories
• Prepare and operate fluoroscopy unit and accessories
• Prepare and operate digital imaging devices
• Image Production
• Remove all radiopaque materials from patient or table that could interfere with the radiographic image
• Select equipment and accessories (e.g., grid, compensating filters, shielding for the examination requested
• Use radiopaque markers to indicate anatomical side, position or other relevant information (e.g., time, upright, decubitis, post-void)
• Explain breathing instructions prior to making the exposure
• Position patient to demonstrate the desired anatomy using body landmarks
• Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers and technique charts
• Modify exposure factors for circumstances such as involuntary motion, casts and splints, pathological conditions, or patient's inability to cooperate
• Process exposed image
• Reload cassettes and magazines by selecting film of proper size and type
• Prepare digital/computed image receptor for exposure
• Verify accuracy of patient identification on radiograph
• Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality
• Determine corrective measures if radiograph is not of diagnostic quality and take appropriate action
• Store and handle film/cassette in a manner which will reduce the possibility of artifact production
• Equipment Maintenance
• Recognize and report malfunctions in the radiographic or fluoroscopic unit and accessories
• Perform basic evaluations of radiographic equipment and accessories
• Safety Awareness – Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment
• Prior to the start of any invasive procedures, a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information is done
• Verifies patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications
• Follows approved procedure for verifying MD orders including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order
• Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing, as observed by nurse manager and peers
• Consistently follows the South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites
• Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times
• Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines
• Adheres to universal precautions
• Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials
• 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