RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

Facility: 55 Fogg Road, Weymouth, MA 02190

Status: Full time, 40 budgeted hours per week, varied shifts

Pay Range: $37.37 - $50.30

About the Role

Under the direction of the Department Manager, performs interpretive, patient care, and technical functions to ensure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients.

Responsibilities

• Patient Care
  • Confirm patient’s identity.
  • Evaluate patient’s ability to understand and comply with requirements for the requested examination.
  • Explain and confirm patient’s preparation (e.g., diet restrictions, preparatory medications) prior to radiographic/fluoroscopic examinations.
  • Examine radiographic requisition to verify accuracy and completeness of information (e.g., patient history, clinical diagnosis).
  • Sequence imaging procedures to avoid residual contrast material affecting future exams.
  • Responsible for medical equipment attached to patients (e.g., IVs, oxygen) during radiographic procedures.
  • Provide for patient safety, comfort, and modesty.
  • Communicate scheduling delays to waiting patients.
  • Verify or obtain patient consent as necessary (e.g., contrast studies).
  • Explain procedure instructions to patient or patient’s family.
  • Practice standard precautions.
  • Follow appropriate procedures when in contact with patients in isolation.
  • Select immobilization devices, when indicated, to prevent patient movement and/or ensure patient safety.
  • Use proper body mechanics and/or mechanical transfer devices when assisting patients.
  • Prior to administration of contrast agent, gather information to determine appropriate dosage and assess patient risk of adverse reaction.
  • Confirm type of contrast media and prepare for administration using sterile or aseptic technique.
  • Observe patient after administration of contrast media to detect adverse reactions.
  • Recognize need for prompt medical attention and administer emergency care.
  • Explain post-procedural instructions to patient or patient’s family.
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
  • Document required information on patient’s medical record (e.g., radiographic requisitions, radiographs).
  • Quality-assure exams performed to capture technical and room time.
  • Perform work of equal skill, effort, and responsibility as directed, including higher-level tasks in preparation for increased responsibility.
• Radiation Protection
  • Clean, disinfect, or sterilize facilities and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for the next examination.
  • Evaluate the need for and use of protective shielding.
  • Take appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure to patients.
  • Question female patients of child-bearing age about possible pregnancy and take appropriate action (e.g., document response, contact physician).
  • Restrict beam to limit exposure area, improve image quality, and reduce radiation dose.
  • Set kVp, mA, and time or automatic exposure system to achieve optimum image quality, safe operating conditions, and minimum radiation dose.
  • Prevent all unnecessary persons from remaining in the area during x-ray exposure.
  • Take appropriate precautions to minimize occupational radiation exposure.
  • Wear a personnel monitoring device while on duty.
  • Evaluate individual occupational exposure reports to determine if values for the reporting period are within established limits.
• Equipment Operation
  • Prepare and operate radiographic units and accessories, including:
    • Three-phase generator
    • High-frequency generator
    • Bone densitometry unit
  • Prepare and operate fluoroscopy units and accessories, including:
    • Fixed fluoroscopic unit and accessories
    • Pulse fluoroscopy
    • Digital fluoroscopy
    • Mobile fluoroscopic unit
  • Prepare and operate digital imaging devices, including:
    • Computerized radiography
    • Direct digital radiography
    • Picture archival and communication system (PACS)
• Image Production
  • Remove all radiopaque materials from patient or table that could interfere with the radiographic image.
  • Select equipment and accessories (e.g., grid, compensating filters, shielding) for the examination requested.
  • Use radiopaque markers to indicate anatomical side, position, or other relevant information (e.g., time, upright, decubitis, post-void).
  • Explain breathing instructions prior to making the exposure.
  • Position patient to demonstrate the desired anatomy using body landmarks.
  • Determine appropriate exposure factors using calipers and technique charts:
    • Fixed kVp technique chart
    • Variable kVp technique chart
    • Calipers (to determine patient thickness for exposure)
    • Automatic exposure control (AEC)
  • Modify exposure factors for circumstances such as involuntary motion, casts and splints, pathological conditions, or patient’s inability to cooperate.
  • Process exposed image.
  • Reload cassettes and magazines by selecting film of proper size and type.
  • Prepare digital/computed image receptor for exposure.
  • Verify accuracy of patient identification on radiograph.
  • Evaluate radiographs for diagnostic quality.
  • Determine corrective measures if radiograph is not of diagnostic quality and take appropriate action.
  • Store and handle film/cassette in a manner that reduces the possibility of artifact production.
• Equipment Maintenance
  • Recognize and report malfunctions in radiographic or fluoroscopic units and accessories through visual inspection of equipment.
  • Perform basic evaluations of radiographic equipment and accessories, including:
    • Beam restriction system
    • Beam alignment
    • Source-to-image receptor distance indicator
    • Radiation protection devices (lead aprons and gloves)
• Safety Awareness
  • Prior to the start of any invasive procedures, perform a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information.
  • Verify patient according to policy prior to administration of care, procedures, or medications.
  • Follow approved procedure for verifying MD orders, including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order.
  • Comply with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing, as observed by nurse manager and peers.
  • Consistently follow South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites.
  • Make appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.
  • Adhere to respiratory etiquette guidelines.
  • Adhere to universal precautions.
  • Appropriately dispose of hazardous materials.
  • Adhere to electrical safety guidelines.

Requirements

• Education: Graduate of an approved two-year program (preferred).
• Work Experience: Six months to be fully proficient.
• Licenses/Registrations:
  • RT - Radiography Technology (MA state license) or RT Temp - Radiography Technology Temporary (MA state license).
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association (AHA), including courses offered through SSH.
  • INSTRUCTOR - Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association (AHA), including courses offered through SSH.
• Additional Knowledge and Abilities:
  • Employees must produce their CEU records to their manager prior to start date and on an ongoing basis thereafter.
  • Technologists are responsible for maintaining CEU activity on-site for a period of two years longer than the technologist’s last licensure renewal date.

Schedule

8 or 10 hour shifts available, varied shifts.