Interventional Radiologic Technologist

Kaiser Permanente • Los Angeles, CA

93d

About The Position

Under general supervision, perform routine and highly specialized diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiology procedures on patients following established parameters/protocols for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of pathologies. Assist in maintaining a smooth operational flow and maximum patient volume. The cardiovascular-interventional technologist assumes many roles within an interventional procedure. Cardiovascular-interventional technologists: Scrub in and assist the physician in the surgical procedure. Circulate within the procedure room and procure all equipment needed for any given procedure. Position the patient, select radiation exposure parameters and image the patient. Maintain a high degree of accuracy and an awareness of all radiation and patient safety issues involved with any invasive procedure. Demonstrate a thorough understanding and working knowledge of normal anatomy, abnormal anatomy and physiology, radiation safety, interventional supplies and equipment operation. Recognize and resolve equipment operations. Recognize and resolve equipment problems and discrepancies anticipate patient needs and concerns and determine the appropriate care needed. Use professional judgment and critical thinking when performing procedures. Will be required to take standby.

Requirements

• Recent (within the last 12 months) minimum three years experience as a Radiologic Technologist, including one year recent experience in Interventional Radiology (IR).
• Graduation from a accredited, ARRT eligible educational program in Radiologic Technology.
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Vascular Interventional Radiography OR American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Cardiac Interventional Radiography OR American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography.
• Radiologic Technologist Certificate (California).
• Certified Radiologic Technologist - Fluoroscopy Certificate (California).
• Basic Life Support.
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certificate - Radiography.

Nice To Haves

• Comprehensive knowledge of radiology principles and practices including anatomy and physiology, radiation protection and physics, radiographic positioning, surgical and nursing procedures.
• Ability to operate all radiology equipment, such as, radiographic machines, radiographic/fluoroscopic machines, Interventional Radiology associated equipment, associated surgical equipment, and image processors.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on the assigned unit.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, medical and nursing personnel.
• Consistently demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service.

Responsibilities

• Operates extremely technical imaging equipment and applies ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Greets and receives patients. Checks patients ID. Explains procedure to patient.
• Positions patients according to departments procedure manual. Moves and or assists patients onto table in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Provides for the patients comfort during the procedures.
• Performs diagnostic & therapeutic procedures, utilizing image-guided surgical procedures, sterile technique and radiographic technique.
• Operates laser imagers, and Radiographic / Fluoroscopic equipment to obtain radiographic images.
• Critiques radiographs for quality and accuracy. Selects and films images for permanent patient record.
• Provides radiation protection in accordance with regulations.
• Selects accurate technical factors on an individual patient basis.
• Reviews history and pertinent images with designated Interventional Radiologist to assure appropriate application of procedure.
• Discusses plan and equipment necessary for the procedure.
• Assists physicians with specialized diagnostic and interventional procedures by handling equipment, preparing procedure and instrument trays, prepping and explaining procedures to patients and other related tasks under the supervision of an Interventional Radiologist.
• May include the insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) with certification and documented training.
• Responds effectively to patient care emergencies.
• Utilizes universal precautions at all times when working with patients.
• Sets up and maintains a sterile field by using sterile technique; opens sterile procedures trays where applicable.
• In conjunction with the IR nurses and radiologists, monitors patient condition throughout the procedure.
• Uses EKG equipment, Intravenous pumps, Blood Pressure equipment, pulse oximeter and related routine equipment to maintain continuous patient care while patient is undergoing procedure.
• Prepares radiopaque materials for administration by Radiologist.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and procedure room.
• Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems, and performs minor maintenance on equipment.
• Records and accumulates patient statistics in daily logbooks, enters data into the Radiology Information (RIS) and supply inventory systems.
• Completes records accurately, including the physician-billing sheet, when applicable.
• Records appropriate ICD-9 and CPT codes.
• Responds to urgent and emergent imaging procedures by being available on a rotating call-in basis.
• Demonstrates basic competencies in processing images and troubleshooting.
• Reviews requests daily for Interventional procedures and assists in prioritizing for a smooth workflow.
• Addresses any issues impeding the workforce.
• Performs minor trouble shooting operations.
• Initiates calls for equipment problems.
• Documents equipment problems in accordance to Kaiser Permanente department policy and procedures manual.
• Communicates effectively with patients, nurses, and physicians, particularly regarding information on angiography procedures requiring specialized patient preparation.
• Acts as a role model for Radiologic Technologists, by respecting the workplace and the other healthcare professionals in the area.
• Handles telephone inquiries regarding physician and/or patient information relative to angiography procedures in an effective and appropriate manner.
• Participates in the scheduling, assignment and review of work performed by Interventional Radiographers.
• Ensures the maintenance of adequate levels of interventional supplies and materials by placing orders in the ordering system.
• Assists in maintaining perpetual inventory count and scans product not in inventory systems.
• Meets with vendors on new products.
• Arranges in-services on new products.
• Provides technical guidance to Interventional staff to help resolve difficult problems or questions.
• May provide input for staff Interventional Radiographers performance evaluations and disciplinary process as requested.
• Provides feedback on daily work performance, correcting procedure errors and recommending alternate work methods.
• Provides in-service training and teaching to other Interventional staff, nurses, and physicians.
• Attends in-service training programs and other relevant training sessions for professional growth and development.

What This Job Offers