Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Department of Veterans Affairs•Columbia, MO

62d•Onsite

About The Position

Computed Tomography (CT). This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. THIS POSITION REQUIRES OCCASIONAL ON-CALL HOURS. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Confers with requesting services so as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate emergency surgery, etc. B. Confers with radiologists to determine requirement of non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Schedules patients for examinations. Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results. Notifies them of scans requiring their immediate attention. C. Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires "scrub-in technique," preparation of surgical trays, preparation of contrast, supplying of catheters and guide wires, sterile assurance of the patient and equipment that may come in contact with the sterile field with the purpose of assuring that all preventive measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and 'sharps'; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education. D. Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition, sterile field, catheter and guide wire sizes and configurations, etc. The alertness of the individual is essential to prevent contamination, recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. E. 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. ln 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. ls trained to insert lV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Calculates eGFR values and utilizes iStat analyzer. F. Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead lined walls and collimation. Film badges are worn by the technicians to ensure compliance with radiation regulations. G. Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure. H. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes patient registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system. I. Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur. The technician must be certain that the patient l.D. band and the request are identical. Confirms patient identity by verbally confirming patient name and social security number. J. Responsible to explain exams to competent patients so that patients understand what is to be done as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. Obtains consent from the patient or authorized person for invasive procedures. K. Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24 hours per day coverage. Requires the technologist be available within 45 minutes from receipt of call so that proper and effective emergency care can be given to the patient. Performs diagnostic radiographic examinations as required. L. Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography and radiology. ls 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. M. The primary age of patients treated and cared for are normally at the geriatric level, i.e. 60 years of age or older, although occasionally there may be younger patients between the ages of 18-60 years of age that require care. The position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.

Requirements

Specific knowledge of cross sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations.
Ability to prioritize scheduled patients and accommodate emergency patients.
Ability to determine technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans for CT scanning.
Knowledge of surgical sterile techniques, including scrub-in technique, preparation of surgical trays, and sterile assurance of equipment.
Adherence to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques.
Ability to assist and anticipate the needs of radiologists during exams.
Thorough understanding of contrast material usage.
Ability to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
Knowledge of radiation safety practices.
Ability to maintain records and files of exams performed on patients.
Ability to properly identify patient images.
Ability to explain exams to patients and obtain consent for invasive procedures.
Availability for irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24 hours per day coverage (within 45 minutes from receipt of call).
Continuous review of new developments in computerized tomography and radiology.
Understanding of the particular needs of geriatric patients (60 years of age or older).

Responsibilities

Confers with requesting services to optimize scanner times and accommodate emergency cases.
Confers with radiologists to determine requirements of non-standard exams.
Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans for CT scanning.
Schedules patients for examinations.
Advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results.
Notifies them of scans requiring immediate attention.
Performs exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques.
Works with the radiologist as a member of the surgical/radiographic team.
Prepares contrast materials that are used in CT and other exams.
ls trained to insert lV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. Calculates eGFR values and utilizes iStat analyzer.
Practices radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self.
Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients.
Properly identifies patient images.
Explains exams to competent patients and obtains consent for invasive procedures.
Performs irregular hour emergency scans on standby, 24 hours per day coverage.
Continually reviews new developments in the field of computerized tomography and radiology.