Radiographer II CT

Driscoll Children's Hospital•Corpus Christi, TX

2h•Onsite

About The Position

Utilizing ionizing radiation and highly sophisticated computer-assisted technology, this role produces and evaluates computed tomographic images and related data used by physicians for medical diagnosis. The CT Radiographer uses ethical judgment and critical thinking skills. Under the supervision of the CT Coordinator and in collaboration with Radiologists, this position assists with the daily technical operations of Diagnostic CT. The CT Technologist stays informed of departmental and institutional developments by participating in meetings and committees. This role performs all duties of Radiographer I and maintains clinical competency in CT and Radiography. Other duties as deemed necessary will also be performed.

Requirements

Able to perform radiography if licensed with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a radiographer (ARRT RT(R) and with the Texas Medical Board as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT).
Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school in radiologic technology.
2-3 yr. pediatric radiography/CT experience in a hospital setting.
Registered Computerized Technologist (CT) – American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Computerized Technology (ARRT-CT).
Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT-R) if performing radiography.
Current unlimited license with the Texas Medical Board as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT) if performing radiography.
Current CPR Certification.

Responsibilities

Produces and evaluates computed tomographic images and related data.
Uses ethical judgment and critical thinking skills when performing duties.
Assists with the daily technical operations of Diagnostic CT.
Stays informed of ongoing developments and issues within the department and institution.
Performs all duties of Radiographer I as required.
Maintains own clinical competency in CT and Radiography.
Performs other duties as deemed necessary.
Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
Assists in maintaining a quality assurance program that includes quality control procedures to insure safe and effective equipment operation, including electrical and mechanical hazards.
Documents equipment performance service, maintenance.
Maintains a high degree of accuracy in positioning and exposure techniques.
Maintains knowledge of and practices good radiation safety techniques.
Maintains sensitivity to the mental and physical needs of the patient through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring and patient care skills.
Reconfirms patient identification and verifies procedure requested or prescribed.
Uses good age-specific skills in dealing with the psychosocial, developmental and physical needs of the patient.
Uses consistent and appropriate techniques to gather relevant information from the medical record, patient, family and other health care providers.
Verifies patient LMP status when appropriate.
Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the examination.
Assesses factors that may contraindicate the requested procedure, such as medication, renal status, insufficient preparation, etc.
Analyses information obtained during the assessment phase and develops an action plan for completing the procedure.
Uses professional judgment to adapt imaging procedures to improve diagnostic quality.
Consults appropriate medical personnel to determine a modified action plan when necessary.
Determines the need for accessory equipment.
Reviews the medical record and the physician’s request to determine optimal scanning parameters for suspected pathology.
Verifies that the patient/family have consented to the procedure and fully understands any risks, benefits, alternatives and follow-up.
When appropriate, verifies that written consent has been obtained.
Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient/family can understand.
Administers first-aid and provides life support in emergency situations.
Assesses the patient’s physical and mental status during the procedure.
Measures the procedure against established protocols and guidelines.
Identifies any exceptions to the expected outcome.
Documents any exceptions clearly and accurately.
Reviews images to determine if additional scans will enhance the diagnostic value of the procedure.
Notifies appropriate health provider when immediate clinical response is necessary, based on procedural findings and patient condition.
Reassesses the patient’s mental and physical status prior to discharge from the practitioner’s care.
Transfers images to “hard copy” or to PACS system as appropriate.
Archives images to data storage devices according to established guidelines.
Reviews all diagnostic data for completeness and accuracy.
Ensures that all procedural requirements are in place to achieve a quality diagnostic exam.
Refers questions about diagnosis, prognosis or treatment to the patient’s physician.
Assists in counseling staff in regard to performance, conduct attendance and other related matters.
Prepares CT staff work/call schedule.
Ensures that new staff receives proper orientation and timely performance/competency evaluations.
Supervises the technical aspects of CT procedures and maintains prescribed standards.
Assists in developing/maintaining CT procedure manual.
Serves as a resource and support person for CT staff.
Assists in resolving inter and inter departmental problems relating to diagnostic CT section.
Performs weekly inventory of area supplies, orders needed items via computer.
Prepares purchase order requests for non-inventory items, forward to Director for authorization prior to sending to M.M. for purchase.
Maintains the section in full compliance with all requirements of Federal and State regulatory agencies.
Provides basic patient care and comfort including good infection control practices, including good hand washing technique, appropriate use of standard precautions.
Consistently provides the best image quality within the limitations of available resources and patient clinical status.
Recognize significant clinical information and historical facts from the patient and medical record, which may affect the examination.
Recognize the appearance of normal and abnormal anatomical structures.
Recognize examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the interpreting and/or other appropriate physician.
Identifies any artifact producing objects and removes whenever possible.
Identifies life threatening situations and responds appropriately.
Uses oral and written communication skills to interact with interpreting physician.
Assists in resolving inter and interdepartmental problems relating to diagnostic CT.
Performs all duties of Radiographer-CT and Radiographer I.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Ensures that self and CT staff members assist in the collection of pertinent information regarding equipment, the procedures and the work environment.
Ensures that self and CT staff assist in the collection of pertinent data regarding departmental Process Improvement activities.
Ensures that services are performed in a safe environment in accordance with established guidelines.
Ensures that equipment maintenance and operation comply with established guidelines.
Assesses equipment to determine acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
Reviews protocol and procedure manuals as well as Safety, Risk Management, Radiation Safety and other pertinent manuals on at least an annual basis.
Analysis information collected and recommends whether changes need to be made to equipment, procedures or work environment; discusses any recommended changes with appropriate supervisor.
Ensures all QA checks are completed in a timely manner.
Assists in performing departmental safety inspections.
Reports equipment malfunction to service vendors, ensuring all required documentation is completed.
Effectively administers performance management system including: Developmental feedback, goal setting, assesses competency, progressive discipline.
Responsible for sound management of human resources.
Makes and implements decisions compatible with organizational goals.
Maintains composure, effectiveness, and flexibility under pressure.
Participates in administrative on-call.