Job Description

Radiology Technologist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greets patients by confirming patient identification; reviewing x-ray request; checking for special instructions; confirming anticipated service with patients.
• Gains patient cooperation by reducing anxieties; providing explanations of x-ray procedures; explaining equipment; answering questions.
• Selects proper ionizing factors for radiological diagnosis.
• Adjusts and sets radiographic controls, such as kilo voltage and milliamperage, to prescribed specifications for proper timing of exposure; regulates the length and intensity of film exposure.
• Positions and restrains patients; and takes X-rays of patients' chest, limbs, or other parts of the body as requested by physicians.
• Implements infection control procedures for the work area.
• Checks X-rays for clarity of image, and retakes X-rays when needed.
• Develops, fixes, washes, and dries exposed films using film processing and drying equipment.
• Maintains required records such as patient records, daily logbooks, and monthly reports.
• Distributes films to appropriate medical staff.
• Maintains quantity and quality control checks to assure X-ray unit meets standards required by laws, rules, and departmental policies.
• Performs radiographic procedures for patients in surgery.
• Cleans, maintains, and makes minor adjustments to radiographic equipment, including determining repairs needed to equipment.
• Protects patient and other personnel from radiation hazards.
• Maintains radiographic supplies, film, and equipment.
• Administers contrast media to patients for gastrointestinal and other special studies.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Assists with making medical appointments for patients needing special examinations such as CAT scans, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine
• Operates Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, HIS/RIS and PACS computer system.
• Helps implement the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) for the assigned departments.
• Respond to emergency medical situations in an urgent manner and perform on the spot emergency assistance which may include first aid and/or CPR.
• Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities. Completes all CEU’s as required by respective licensure. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Satisfactory completion of formal Radiologic technology training in an AMA-approved school and ability to meet requirements for registry by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT).
• Successful completion of an accredited program for Radiologic Technology. Certification from the State of Iowa.

Position Requirements, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Registration with the ARRT or registry eligible.
• Basic Life Support certification.
• Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the patients and families.
• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care.
• Expertise in handling sophisticated medical equipment.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee may be exposed to combative patients.

Other Requirements

May be required to train in and float to other areas within the department or other assigned areas and provide extra support and/or coverage as needed.

May be assigned additional duties of Clinical Coordinator for student teaching.