Job Description
The RADIOGRAPHER - CT reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Radiographer - CT performs computed tomography and related procedures to demonstrate sectional anatomic images for interpretation by or at the request of a licensed practitioner. Provides appropriate patient care and recognizes patient’s conditions essential for successful completion of the procedures. Services are provided in accordance with industry standards, department protocols and hospital policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs computed tomography procedures according to set protocols established by radiologists.
- Evaluates the request for the procedure and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate protocol and method of application.
- Appropriately employs imaging systems, accessory devices, and patient positioning techniques to generate quality images.
- Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to department and organization standards of patient care, age-specific sensitivities, and “patients first” guidelines.
- Participates in lifting and transporting patients to and from imaging devices.
- Evaluates the resultant images in comparison with industry standards and takes corrective action if needed. Refers to appropriate reference materials for clarification when needed.
- Provides patient education in the form of written material and/or verbal explanation prior to, during and subsequent to the procedure in order to reduce the patient’s anxiety and enhance his comfort zone with and tolerance of the procedure.
- Performs imaging procedures in accordance with safe radiation safety practices as determined by the Illinois Emergency Management Administration to limit radiation exposure to patient, self and other members of the healthcare team.
- Performs preliminary interpretation by applying independent judgment, subsequently customizing the procedure accordingly. Uses this knowledge to expedite intervention by the radiologist, if necessary.
- Notifies physicians as required of changes in the condition of the patients or regarding unique imaging characteristics.
- Maintains level of flexibility to accommodate daily schedule and high level of productivity.
- In collaboration with supervisor/manager, learn and become proficient in new procedures and new levels of software as they become available.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
- Documents imaging procedures manually and/or electronically to insure correct charging, patient tracking and film file tracking.
- Sends acquired images to PACS system correctly, using the appropriate accession numbers for future retrieval by medical staff.
- Monitors stock of supplies in imaging rooms to assure their regular availability by timely reordering, rotation of dated items, and by maintenance of a clean and orderly environment.
- Reports incidences of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance, and equipment in disrepair to supervisor and/or manager as soon as possible.
- Distributes Radiology outpatient surveys to all patients for self-evaluation purposes and to enhance the Best Patient Experience.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides imaging services of optimum quality with optimum productivity and customer service.
- Collects data to support the measurement and tracking component of quality management.
- Participates in formal and informal process improvement and problem solving to enhance the quality of service to customers.
- Proactively identifies quality issues to be addressed and brings to attention of the Manager, Operations Coordinator and/or Quality Committee as appropriate.
- Ensures the continuity of care through effective interactions with other departments, i.e., other off-site, facilities, registration, radiology reading rooms.
- Functions as a role model for newly hired radiographers as longevity in position increases.
- Maintains competencies and complies with continuing education requirement of credentialing agencies.