Mammographer - Radiology Mammography

Major Responsibilities

Understand the operation, technique factors, and function of the mammographic systems in department.

Operate all mammographic equipment and can select and modify technical factors as needed.

Set equipment for every exam in fashion to optimize image quality with lowest possible dose.

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.

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).

Is familiar with and understands the common projections in a routine mammographic examination.

Must be skilled in the selection and adjustment of technical controls and factors governing the filming of patients, or the operation of equipment.

Must have experienced background in the use and operation of mammographic equipment.

Must have knowledge in the principals of physics, anatomy, medical terminology, and radiation protection as set forth by the State and physicist.

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.

Required to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the State and physicist regarding radiation protection.

Prepare/position patient for exam; collimate/shield as advisable.

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.

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.

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.

Adhere to patient schedule on a timely basis.

Bring patient to dressing room, and give instruction.

Must be able to explain, instruct, and communicate the nature of the mammographic procedure to patients to ensure proper cooperation.

Provide for patient comfort by: familiarize patient with equipment, familiarize patient with procedure aspect of exam, respond to patient’s questions accurately and gently, use a gentle tone of voice when communicating, provide support to the anxious and fearful patient, maintain patient modesty during the exam, maintain the patient’s confidentiality by speaking with patient in private exam room.

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.

Obtain consent indicating that patient is not pregnant as needed.

Document the status of previous films and advise the patient of the benefits and necessity of obtaining previous films.

Perform and have radiologist approve preliminary films, if needed for specialized exams.

Reassurance/supportive care of patient pre-, intra-, post-procedure care for processing films.

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.

Bill patient appropriately.

Support emergency care of department patients.

Maintain CPR Certification on an annual basis.

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.

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.

Processed films as needed, and checks for proper functioning of processors and need for chemical replenishment.

Assist patient from procedure area by prescribed means.

May be required to assist in the Film Library, including using copy machine.

Perform Mammography Department clerical duties:

Update patient history.

Pull previous mammograms and sort into separate envelopes by exam date.

Place current year sticker on main file.

Update front of main file and mammography jacket with correct label.

Order supplies from storeroom.

Notify centralized scheduling of changing personnel schedule via phone and written statement.

Education/Experience Required

Completion of an 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 at least 5 years experience performing radiologic procedures with a minimum of 1 year performing screening mammograms.

Proof of specialized training in positioning, compression, technical factors, 1 hr. A & P, 1 hr. mammography equipment and technique, 1 hr. film evaluation, 1 hr. special mammography procedures, or have an ARRT license in Mammography.

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; a minimum of 8 hours mammography.

For positions with 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.

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