X-Ray Technologist

Ohio County Healthcare•Hartford, KY

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be construed as all-inclusive of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skills may be required. All employees subject to an annual performance evaluation based on the duties and responsibilities of this position.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required for all positions (may be allowed to sign a GED agreement to obtain within 6 months).
ARRT (R) registered and Kentucky State Certified, preferred.
BLS provider or obtains within six months of employment.
Acceptable pre-employment health screening. (No communicable diseases or disabilities which would prevent the employee from being able to perform the required functions of the job description in accordance with the American Disabilities Act).
Ability to function effectively under stressful circumstances.
Acceptable attendance record.
Must be able to see with or without correction well enough to read, observe signs and symptoms, and read monitoring equipment.
Must be able to hear well enough to conduct a proper patient assessment (blood pressure, breath sounds, etc).

Nice To Haves

ARRRT (R) registered and Kentucky State Certified

Responsibilities

Perform quality radiographs under the direction of the Director of Radiology and the Radiologists.
Lift patients, push portables, work under stress, make independent judgments and deal professionally with others.
Ensure services are provided in a manner that is consistent with Ohio County Hospital policies, procedures and the purpose, vision, and values.
Take vital signs and provide basic first aid if needed.
Perform venipuncture and utilize appropriate techniques.
Assist the radiologist with injections during various radiology procedures as needed.
Perform surgical radiographs as needed following all surgical techniques and methods.
If necessary, will be scheduled to perform x-rays at off-site clinics. Adheres to legal compliance and other regulatory policies.
Supervise radiology students.
If requested, will perform supervising and other reasonable management duties in absence of director.
Communicate any competency or proficiency needs to the department manager and take the initiative to obtain additional surgery training, on days off, if necessary, as needed per individual technologist, to adequately perform job duties.
Consult with the radiologist regarding important patient information i.e. history/labs/most specific test for the diagnosis, any other information that would contribute to safe procedure and optimal reporting.
Frequently access email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.
Demonstrate solid understanding of all basic routine radiology procedures, anatomy, proper techniques and positioning, radiation safety procedures, and maintain proficiencies in all areas as documented on x-ray competency checklist.
Possess solid understanding of the equipment operation and attached components.
Keep room neat and orderly before and after the exam, check supplies for adequate par levels and expiration dates, clean table, change pillowcases after every procedure, and perform proper hand washing technique before/after every patient.
Provide radiation and general safety for patients, fellow employees and self in accordance with the hospital and department standards.
Follow proper patient identification protocol.
Follow radiation safety guidelines (ALARA), properly shield patients, and consistently wear film badge and/or ring badge devices. Always check LMP prior to procedure for all women of childbearing age.
Wear ID badge at all times when on duty.
Review order, patients’ chart, and any other pertinent information before proceeding with the procedure. Check with the radiologist or the attending physician if further clarification is needed.
Properly screen all x-ray patients receiving contrast media for allergies and medication contraindication. Complete “Contrast Consent Form” and “Contrast Worksheet”, before administering any contrast media. Obtain required lab work according to contrast policy before injecting contrast media. Inform the radiologist of any abnormal lab values, allergies, or medication contraindications before injecting contrast. Follow Glucophage policy as needed.
Complete all required patient assessment Forms appropriately and route form to correct area for distribution to Medical Records.
Demonstrate competency with appropriate documentation within the patient chart. Follow hospital/departmental protocol/policy when documenting within the chart. Record the procedure as completed and other pertinent information to the persons responsible for the care of the patient following the procedure, i.e. see “hand off” policy.
Demonstrate competency with the Hospital Information System (CPSI), and Picture Archive Communication System, (PACS). Meticulously record all pertinent patient/ procedure information within CPSI and start/complete each procedure as required before sending the PACS for radiologist review, interpretation, and storage.
Consistently review each completed x-ray exam for quality, technical accuracy, and correct patient demographic information. Ensure correct side marking, and patient identification before sending to PACS for radiologist review and storage. Use appropriate S-values for CR images and follow techniques listed on technique charts.
During computer “Downtime” assure that the proper “Downtime” procedures/processes are carried out.
Complete all work before leaving shift. Inform the next shift of any pending x-ray procedures/ or issues before clocking out, i.e. “hand off” communications.
Demonstrate competency with scheduling, CD/DVD burning, film duplication, and any other paperwork functions. (Completely and accurately fill out call report forms, and any other forms related to job duties)
Participate in orientation and training of new employees and student radiographers.
Maintain inventory to ensure proper quantity of supplies are kept within x-ray procedure rooms. Consistently secure all cabinets and supply doors. Assure all medications/contrast are in date and kept secure at all times. Keep work area neat and orderly.
Maintain continuing education as required by the State of Kentucky and ARRT. Promptly give Manager a copy of renewed certificates in a timely manner and place in Credentials binder.
Assess work area environment for any patient/visitor/employee safety hazards. Report all safety issues immediately to supervisor.
Consistently assure all life support equipment/supplies, oxygen hook-ups, and suction hook-up, are maintained properly and excellent working order at all times. Notify the supervisor of any replacements or problems.
Perform quality portable surgical radiographs in a safe and efficient manner to include the responsibility of maintaining proficiency with surgical c-arm cases. (Competency checklist will identify the exact requirements for c-arm competency) Responsible for identifying the need for more training in low volume procedures, and work additional/different time/shifts to obtain proficiency. Must maintain surgical proficiencies by taking the initiative to come in on the days surgical cases are scheduled.
Routinely review image quality concerns when presented by manager or supervisor. Make improvements based on specific information given.
Perform assigned individual quality control duties in a timely manner. Report quality control issues and equipment malfunctions to Manager and/or Supervisor in a timely manner. Properly utilize all x-ray equipment in regard to safety and has knowledge of equipment service numbers.
Interpret and enforce current standards of practice, policies, and procedures at Ohio County Hospital.
Interpret and enforce all hospital wide policies and procedures to include Infection and Exposure Control Plan, Personnel Policies, and Employee Health Policies.
Participate in Ohio County Hospital's Performance improvement efforts by actively participating in data collection analysis of findings, identification of opportunities for improvement.
Transport patient to and from department in accordance with hospital and department safety standards. (return patient to their bed in a neat and orderly manner).
Sign patient in and out at nurses’ station and bring chart with patient in a gown to department. Return patient to room and perform “hand off” of necessary information to nursing staff and document this information in patient chart.
Make sure patient is covered with a sheet or blanket during transportation, and place a towel or sheet in wheelchair seat.
Perform portable exams when ordered as such, or when patient's condition warrants as established by nurse or physician.
Stock necessary supplies/lines and assure supplies are up to date.
Check room for necessary equipment prior to procedure, i.e., blood pressure cuff, oxygen and suction hookup, drug reaction kit is checked and up-to-date.
Follow all policies for contrast administration, prophylaxis treatment, labeling of contrast, and other patient care related policies.
Provide a private/confidential environment and warm attitude when interacting with the patient. Do not conduct discussions around the patient room and do not congregate around the CR units unless you are the attending technologist, and/or the attending technologist specifically requested help.
Check equipment for proper function prior to placing patient on the table and report failures according to departmental policies.
Perform vital signs and veni-puncture on patients as needed.
Obtain a thorough history from the patient and record on worksheet, requisition, and enter the diagnosis as listed on the physician order into CPSI.
Obtain readings for urgent procedures following Critical Test Results policy. Do not let the OP leave if a Critical Test Result is identified. Contact the ordering physician for instructions.
Explain the x-ray procedure to the patient and family prior to any x-ray procedure. Always confirm correct side with the patient and clarify if indicated, with ordering physician.
Use key words at key times by following department script for introducing self, and providing other key information.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide x-ray services to patients served in relation to growth/development over the life span, and identify their requirements relative to age-specific needs. (Assist the elderly, extra time/precautions when positioning and transporting. Children and infants may require special arrangements during the x-ray procedure, i.e. explain the procedure to the parent or guardian. All patients 17 years or younger must have a parent or guardian signed consent for contrast, surgical, refusal, etc; unless an emancipated minor).
Obtain pregnancy status on all women of child bearing age. Check date of last menstrual period, and document on requisition.
Use proper hand-washing techniques and follow all hospital policies related to hand-washing.
May be requested to be a member of QI team.