Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)

Department of Veterans Affairs•San Juan, PR

29d•Onsite

About The Position

The Computed Tomography (CT) Section currently provides 24/7 coverage for a high-volume Emergency Department, averaging approximately 60 outpatient examinations daily, in addition to a large inpatient workload and a Saturday outpatient clinic. The service also supports a comprehensive Stroke Program, urgent surgical cases, and stat/critical examinations for admitted patients. Computed Tomography 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, cardiac CTAs and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; ability to interpret the examination request accurately, understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs, use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. The technologist performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques.

Requirements

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, cardiac CTAs and peripheral vascular examinations
knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination
ability to interpret the examination request accurately
understand the functioning and inter-relationship of the various organs
use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician
performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques

Responsibilities

CT imaging including the chest, abdomen, pelvis, head, extremities, and neck.
limited interventional procedures in conjunction with the radiologist including but not limited to biopsies, abscess drainages, joint injections, and tube placements.
Transfer patients from stretcher or wheelchair to radiographic table and assist with the transporting of patients to other areas of the hospital.
Prepare pre-procedural activities including room preparation, arrangement of equipment, and material needed for patient procedures.
Prepares oral and injectable contrast and other chemical mixtures as necessary.
Administer contrast material under the direction of the radiologist, according to protocols.
Follow prescribed protocols required to independently perform simple to complex procedures.
Observes patients during procedures and reports complications or unusual events.
Process images with digital image acquisition and processing.
Perform computer work and required forms associated with patient exams, credit of patient visits, complications and /or quality improvement activities of the Imaging Service Line.
Provide excellent customer service to patients during all interactions.
Work with escort, ward secretaries, nursing personnel, etc. to ensure proper hand-off of patients between departments/units and unified coordination of care.
Maintain a clean work area and adequate level of supplies within the assigned rooms.
Provide training to student radiographers from affiliated programs and facilitate the attainment of established program objectives.
Practice hospital safety, radiation safety, infection control and universal precautions in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental procedures
The incumbent is responsible for the quality assurance of images (positioning/label/technique/network information) prior to transmission to the PACS network.
The incumbent assists in transmission of images to offsite locations.
The Technologist maintains the equipment/detector/workstations as directed by the manufacturer and reports equipment problems through the appropriate processes.
Perform a variety of department quality assurance/quality control duties.
Provide education to patients and their families on Imaging procedures.
Reception and clerical duties related to patient care including, but not limited to management of images to outside facilities, check-in of received images, registering exams, answering the phone/calling patients with appointment information, and preparing schedules for future appointments.
Other duties as assigned by Imaging Service Line Leadership