Radiology Technologist

About the role

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

Essential Functions

• 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., IV's, oxygen) during the 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.
• Patient Care (continued)
  • Practice standard precautions.
  • Follow appropriate procedures when in contact with patient in isolation.
  • Select immobilization devices, when indicated, to prevent patient's movement and/or ensure patients safety.
  • Use proper body mechanics and/or mechanical transfer devices when assisting patient.
  • Prior to administration of contrast agent, gather information to determine appropriate dosage, and to determine if patient is at increased risk of adverse reaction.
  • Confirm type of contrast media and prepare for administration.
  • Use sterile or aseptic technique and prepare for administration.
  • 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.
• Patient Care (continued)
  • Maintain confidentiality of patient's information.
  • Document required information on patient's medical record (e.g., radiographic requisitions, radiographs).
  • Quality assures exams performed to capture the technical and room time.
  • Performs work of equal skill, effort and responsibility as directed and may perform work of a higher level in preparation for increase responsibility.
• Radiation Protection
  • Clean, disinfect or sterilize facilities and equipment, and dispose of contaminated items in preparation for next examination.
  • Evaluate the need for and use of protective shielding.
  • Take appropriate precautions to minimize radiation exposure to patient.
  • Question female patient of child-bearing age about possible pregnancy and take appropriate action (i.e., 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 area during x-ray exposure.
  • Take appropriate precautions to minimize occupation 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 unit and accessories: Three-phrase generator, High frequency generator, Bone densitometry unit.
  • Prepare and operate fluoroscopy unit and accessories: Fixed fluoroscopic unit and accessories, Pulse fluoroscopy, Digital fluoroscopy, Mobile fluoroscopic unit.
  • Prepare and operate digital imaging devices: 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.
• Image Production (continued)
  • 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 which will reduce the possibility of artifact production.
• Equipment Maintenance
  • Recognize and report malfunctions in the radiographic or fluoroscopic unit and accessories through visual inspection of equipment.
  • Perform basic evaluations of radiographic equipment and accessories: Beam restriction system, Beam alignment, Source-to-image receptor distance indicator, Radiation protection devices (lead aprons and gloves).
• Safety Awareness – Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
  • Prior to the start of any invasive procedures, a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information is done.
  • Verifies patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications.
  • Follows approved procedure for verifying MD orders including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order.
  • Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing, as observed by nurse manager and peers.
  • Consistently follows the South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites.
  • Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.
  • Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.
  • Adheres to universal precautions.
  • Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.
  • Adheres to electrical safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved two-year program (preferred).
• Six (6) months to be fully proficient.
• RT- Radiography Technology (MA state license) or RT Temp - Radiography Technology Temporary (MA state license) required.
• Employees must produce their CEU records to their manager prior to start date and on an ongoing basis thereafter. Technologists in this position are responsible to maintain CEU activity on-site for a period of two years longer than the technologist's last licensure renewal date.

Certification Requirements

• 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)
• Radiography Technology (MA) - Radiation Control Program (Massachusetts)
• Radiography Technology Temporary License (MA) - Radiation Control Program (Massachusetts)