Radiographer I

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• Provides the best possible diagnostic study for each patient by applying professional judgment and discretion.
• Anticipates and responds to the needs of the patient while undergoing radiographic examination.
• Works with others to elevate the quality of care delivered.
• Produces quality diagnostic imaging studies.
• Collections pertinent data about the patient and the procedure.
• Reconfirms patient identification and verifies the procedure requested or prescribed.
• Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure.
• Analyzes the information obtained during the assessment phase and develops an action plan for completing the procedure.
• Uses professional judgment to adapt imaging procedures as appropriate to improve diagnostic information and improve outcomes.
• Consults appropriate medical personnel to determine a modified action plan when necessary.
• Selects appropriate shielding devices.
• Determines appropriate type and amount of contrast agent to be administered, based on patient age, weight and medical/physical status.
• Reviews patient chart and the physician request to determine optimal imaging technique for suspected pathology.
• Provides information about the procedure to the patient/family and other health care providers.
• Verifies that the patient/family have consented to the procedure and fully understand any risks, benefits, alternatives and follow-up.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions at the appropriate time and at a level the patient/family can understand.
• Addresses and documents patient questions and concerns regarding the procedure when appropriate.
• Refers questions about diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis to the patient’s physician.
• Provides appropriate information to other individuals involved in the patient’s care.
• Consults with other departments, such as respiratory therapy and anesthesia for patient services.
• Instructs patients regarding preparation prior to imaging procedures, including providing information about oral or bowel preparation and allergy preparation, as appropriate.
• Ensures all procedural requirements are in place to achieve a quality diagnostic examination.
• Implements action plans that fall within established protocols and guidelines.
• Uses and integrated team approach as needed.
• Uses accessory equipment when appropriate.
• Affirms the patient’s physical and mental state while undergoing procedure.
• Monitors the patient for reactions to contrast agent.
• Uses appropriate radiation safety devices.
• Applies appropriate patient immobilization devices when necessary.
• Evaluates goals of the action plan (procedure) to determine that all goals have been achieved.
• Evaluates the patient and the procedure in a timely, accurate and comprehensive manner to identify variances that may affect patient outcome.
• Measures the procedure against established protocols and guidelines.
• Identifies any exceptions to the expected outcome.
• Documents any exceptions clearly and completely.
• Reviews images to determine if additional images will enhance the diagnostic value of the procedure.
• Implements a revised action plan as indicated.
• Bases the revised action plan on the patient’s condition and the most appropriate means of achieving the intended outcome.
• Takes action based on patient and procedural variances.
• Measures and evaluates the results of the revised action plan.
• Notifies appropriate health provider when immediate clinical response is necessary based on procedural findings and/or patient condition.
• Documents information about patient care, the procedure and final outcome.
• Documents diagnostic and patient data in the appropriate record, this may be a computerized record, requisition, patient log, etc.
• Documentation must be timely, accurate, concise and complete.
• Documents any exceptions from the established criteria or procedures.
• 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.
• Aids in the collection of pertinent information regarding equipment, the procedures and the work environment.
• Aids 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.
• Affirms equipment to determine acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Reviews protocol and procedure manuals on at least an annual basis.
• Analyzes information collected and recommends whether changes need to be made to equipment, procedures or work environment, discusses any recommended changes with appropriate supervisor.
• Elicits confidence and cooperation from the patient/family, the public and health care providers by providing timely communication and effective instruction.
• Presents explanations and instructions at the learner’s level of understanding and learning style.
• Instructs students and health care providers regarding radiographic procedures and radiation safety.
• Aids in performing quality assurance activities based on established quality protocols.
• Monitors image production to determine variance from established quality standards.
• Evaluates his/her quality assurance results and establishes an appropriate action plan for improvement as required.
• Implements as self-improvement QA action plan as required.
• Obtains assistance from appropriate personnel to implement his/her quality assurance action plan.
• Presents quality assurance results to established acceptable values.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree (A A) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school accredited by the Committee of Allied Health Education and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
• Registered or registry eligible as an RT-R by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
• Must be registered within one (1) year after the hired date.
• Holds current unlimited Texas CMRT license.