Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Computer Tomography)

Department of Veterans Affairs•Boise, ID

62d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf This position is located in Medical Imaging Service, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Responsibilities

Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention.
Must be able to use commercial PACS to correctly send patient information and images to an outside teleradiology contractor. Be able to correct minor problems as they arise.
Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Starts IVs for contrast administration.
Completes mandatory training to start IVs for administration of intravenous contrast material.
Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technologists in compliance with radiation regulations.
Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system.
Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technologist must be certain that the patient I.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number.
Responsible to explain exams and consent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible.
Continually reviews new developments in the field of and computerized tomography. Is continually on the alert to improve quality of exams utilizing the new technologies available. The purpose of this review is to provide the patients with the best possible scans for diagnostic purposes.