Radiologic Technologist- PRN

JOB SUMMARY:                Takes x-ray photographs of various portion of body to assist medical officers in detection of foreign bodies and diagnoses of diseases and injuries:  Positions patient under x-ray machine and regulates controls to expose film. Assists in x-ray, working under direct supervision of Radiologist.  Maintains record of x-rays taken.  Performs related duties.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

            Responsible to:           Radiology Director

            Regular Contact with:       All Hospital departments, Physicians, and the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Prepares patient for radiology examination, or fluoroscopy as requested by physician.  Determines most suitable anatomical posture to radiograph-affected area of body, and positions patient so that area to be examined is between anode of x-ray tube and film.  Considers possibility of aggravation of injury and distortion of organs due to position assumed by patient.  Sets up angle board to provide supportive surfaces for patient in sinus, mastoid, and lateral mandible radiography.   Assists patient to remove all radiopaque article of clothing or jewelry that are near site for study.  Administers chemical mixture or drugs, orally or as enemas, to render organs more opaque.  Adjusts immobilization devices, such as sand bags, binders, and special brackets, to prevent voluntary motion on part of patient.
2. Sets up and operates stationary and mobile x-ray equipment.  Wheels mobile equipment to patient’s bedside as required.  Centers x-ray tube at proper angle and height over area to be radiographed.  Adjusts collimator to produce smallest x-ray beam that will cover anatomical area under consideration. Sets kilovolts, milliamperes, and exposure time to produce image of proper detail, density, contrast, and lack of distortion.  Places cassette of proper size in position, and captions it with identifying lead letters.  Turns on machine.  Makes necessary radiographs.
3. Prepares and maintains records. Identifies and saves images to PACS server for permanent archive and future reference. Forwards x-rays and physicians' diagnosis to interested hospital departments. Prepares and maintains records of all x-rays according to individual patient's name and physician’s diagnosis. Maintains cross-files. Schedules appointments and develops work schedules in absence of clerical assistants.
4. Performs related duties. Assist in making fluoroscopic examinations by preparing barium sulfate solutions and administering them to patients as prescribed by a physician. Also assists in fluoroscopy of heart, chest, bones, etc., by preparing and positioning patient; adjusting controls; and watching exposure factors closely. Maintains x-ray equipment in efficient operating condition; notifies engineer with any problems of equipment. May instruct nurses, interns, and students in x-ray technique, under direction of qualified radiologist.
5. Knowledge of patient care. Must have the sufficient knowledge of psychology to use for patient care, must also consider aggravation of injury due to the position assumed by the patient during x-ray of them.

QUALIFICATION:

Education and Training:  Graduation from an approved college with an accredited program for Radiologic Technology with an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. Registered by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  Technologist must have Louisiana State License for Radiology.

Work Experience:  Two years in required field preferred.

            Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: 

            Employee must be able to successfully demonstrate the following skills/abilities:

• Ability to effectively operate equipment.
• Ability to integrate laboratory results, patient history and medical records and adapt examination as necessary.
• Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic information in each examination performed.
• Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate information to the attending physician.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of the examinations and patients’ needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
• Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.
• Must have good working knowledge of anatomy; understand principals of physics, electricity, and methods of exposure to obtain clearly defined images; and be able to set up and operate equipment. 
• Knows how to develop and process films. 
• Know how to maintain system of records electronically and digitally. 
• Understands variations of anatomical postures, such as supine, prone, laterally recumbent, and erect. 
• Has sufficient knowledge of psychology, patient care, and sterile techniques to deal with all types and conditions of patients.

            Physical Requirements:       

            Employee must be physically capable of carrying out all assigned duties:

• Emotional and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
• Strength sufficient to: lift some patients, move heavy equipment on wheels (up to approximately 500 lbs), and to move patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.
• Visual and hearing acuity.
• Manual dexterity.
• Oral communication.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time. 
• Repeated bending or stooping. 
• Temperature tolerance. 

OSHA EXPOSURE CATEGORY:   A     Has exposure to blood borne pathogens