Radiology Tech

Tenet Healthcare•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Under general supervision and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Radiology Tech performs diagnostic radiological exams using appropriate imaging equipment. The role verifies patient identity and reviews medical records to confirm the exam or procedure is appropriate. It also interviews patients to obtain, verify, or update medical history and assesses risk factors, including medications, pregnancy, and psychological indicators. The Radiology Tech explains procedures, including the side effects of administered pharmaceuticals, risks, benefits, alternatives, and follow-up; prepares equipment; and acquires images according to the script. The role reviews images, makes initial observations, documents exceptions from established protocols, and communicates information to the radiologist. The technologist recognizes and responds to medical emergencies as appropriate, provides physician-prescribed post-care instructions, and participates in radiology practice improvement activities. The position also provides imaging education to residents, student technologists, and new employees, and may be required to take call or standby as required by the department.

Requirements

Registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography (R).
Have or successfully complete American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support—Healthcare Provider (BLS) training by the end of the orientation period.
Analytical and clinical skills to determine an age-appropriate method of providing requested radiographs based on the patient's physical abilities and limitations.
Interpersonal and communication skills to deal with and instruct patients under physical or emotional stress; understand and follow physicians’ verbal and written requests and prescriptions; and work effectively with diverse hospital personnel and patients.
Technical knowledge to operate equipment, including specialized equipment and computers.
Ability to work productively in a complex environment and handle multiple or changing priorities.
Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning patients; physical ability to stand, bend, push, pull, reach, and lift for patient care.
Manual dexterity and visual acuity to operate and use x-ray equipment and supplies to produce radiographs of acceptable diagnostic quality.

Responsibilities

Verify patient identity and review the medical record for appropriateness of the exam or procedure.
Interview patients to obtain, verify, or update medical history and assess risk factors such as medications, pregnancy, and psychological indicators.
Explain procedures to patients, including pharmaceutical side effects, risks, benefits, alternatives, and follow-up.
Set up imaging equipment and acquire images according to the script.
Review images, make initial observations, document protocol exceptions, and communicate data to the radiologist.
Recognize and respond to medical emergencies as appropriate.
Provide physician-prescribed post-care instructions to patients.
Participate in radiology process improvement activities, including quality of care, patient flow, reject-repeat analysis, and patient satisfaction.
Provide imaging education to residents, student technologists, and new employees.
Take call or standby as required by the department.