X-Ray Technologist

The job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be construed as all-inclusive of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skills may be required. All employees subject to an annual performance evaluation based on the duties and responsibilities of this position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Usual working space is a well-ventilated area. Requires standing, walking, turning, bending, stooping, and lifting. Clear speech to communicate effectively with customers (e.g. patients, families, and other team members). Fine and gross motor skills. Environment may be stressful at times, therefore ability to work under stressful conditions is necessary. Lifting up to 50 lbs may be required, anything over 50 lbs should be a team lift or with the use of a lifting aid. Also subject to bloodborne pathogens always in patient care. May have occasional exposure to radiation during radiology procedures and to dangerous chemicals (cleaning and disinfecting agents). COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY EXPECTATIONS: All employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the highest standard of integrity, ethical behavior, and regulatory compliance. As a condition of employment, employees must adhere to: · OCH Code of Conduct · OCH Policies and Procedures · Scope of Practice within License/Certification. · HIPAA and HIPAA Security Confidentiality Standards · Workplace Safety · Mandatory Training · Annual Compliance Education ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Radiologic Technologists are to perform quality radiographs under the direction of the Director of Radiology and the Radiologists.

Must be able to lift patients, push portables, work under stress, make independent judgments and deal professionally with others.

They are responsible for assuring that services are provided in a manner that is consistent with Ohio County Hospital policies, procedures and the purpose, vision, and values.

Radiologic Technologists must be able to take vital signs and provide basic first aide if needed.

The Radiologic Technologists must be able to perform venipuncture and utilize appropriate techniques.

The technologist must be able to assist the radiologist with injections during various radiology procedures as needed.

The technologist must be able to perform surgical radiographs as needed following all surgical techniques and methods.

If necessary, will be scheduled to perform x-rays at off-site clinics. Adheres to legal compliance and other regulatory policies.

Acceptable pre-employment health screening. (No communicable diseases or disabilities which would prevent the employee from being able to perform the required functions of the job description in accordance with the American Disabilities Act).

Ability to function effectively under stressful circumstances.

Acceptable attendance record.

Must be able to see with or without correction well enough to read, observe signs and symptoms, and read monitoring equipment.

Must be able to hear well enough to conduct a proper patient assessment (blood pressure, breath sounds, etc).

Keeps Radiology Manager or Supervisor informed on matters which are of importance to the wellbeing of the Radiology Department (safety, morale, work methods, equipment, procedures, staffing, transfers, etc.).

It is expected that staff to attend 75% of the department staff meetings throughout the year as well as initial and date staff meeting minutes. Must attend 100% of mandatory meetings unless approved by Manager/Supervisor in advance.

Attends 100% mandatory hospital and department in-services. If not in attendance is responsible for obtaining information covered.

Regularly reviews posted memos, notes, and in-services and signs forms promptly.

Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA, always protecting patient privacy.

Establish a good rapport with physicians, physician offices, other hospital departments and has a good working relationship with radiology co-workers.

Informs director of actual or anticipated problems to include staffing, performance, or patient related concerns.

Listen attentively and request clarification and/or feedback as indicated.

Supervises radiology students.

If requested, will perform supervising and other reasonable management duties in absence of director.

Will communicate any competency or proficiency needs to the department manager and take the initiative to obtain additional surgery training, on days off, if necessary, as needed per individual technologist, to adequately perform job duties.

Exhibits the positive human relations skills of cooperation, dependability, courtesy, tactfulness, enthusiasm, and overall good attitude. (Follows hospital’s attendance/punctuality policy)

Keeps the number of personal calls to a minimum and short.

Consults with the radiologist regarding important patient information i.e. history/labs/most specific test for the diagnosis, any other information that would contribute to safe procedure and optimal reporting.

Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.

Demonstrates solid understanding of all basic routine radiology procedures, anatomy, proper techniques and positioning, radiation safety procedures, and maintains proficiencies in all areas as documented on x-ray competency checklist.

Possesses solid understanding of the equipment operation and attached components.

Have room neat and orderly before and after the exam, check supplies for adequate par levels and expiration dates, cleans table, changes pillowcases after every procedure, and performs proper hand washing technique before/after every patient.

Provide radiation and general safety for patients, fellow employees and self in accordance with the hospital and department standards.

Follows proper patient identification protocol. (ID policy)

Follows radiation safety guidelines (ALARA), properly shield patients, and consistently wears film badge and/or ring badge devices. Always checks LMP prior to procedure for all women of childbearing age.

Wears ID badge at all times when on duty.

Reviews order, patients’ chart, and any other pertinent information before proceeding with the procedure. The attending technologist will check with the radiologist or the attending physician if further clarification is needed.

Properly screens all x-ray patients receiving contrast media for allergies and medication contraindication. Completes “Contrast Consent Form” and “Contrast Worksheet”, before administering any contrast media. Obtains required lab work according to contrast policy before injecting contrast media. Informs the radiologist of any abnormal lab values, allergies, or medication contraindications before injecting contrast. Follows Glucophage policy as needed.

Completes all required patient assessment Forms appropriately and routes form to correct area for distribution to Medical Records.

Demonstrates competency with appropriate documentation within the patient chart. Follows hospital/departmental protocol/policy when documenting within the chart. Records the procedure as completed and other pertinent information to the persons responsible for the care of the patient following the procedure, i.e. see “hand off” policy.

Demonstrates competency with the Hospital Information System (CPSI), and Picture Archive Communication System, (PACS). Meticulously records all pertinent patient/ procedure information within CPSI and starts/completes each procedure as required before sending the PACS for radiologist review, interpretation, and storage.

Consistently reviews each completed x-ray exam for quality, technical accuracy, and correct patient demographic information. Ensures correct side marking, and patient identification before sending to PACS for radiologist review and storage. Uses appropriate S-values for CR images and follows techniques listed on technique charts.

During computer “Downtime” assures that the proper “Downtime” procedures/processes are carried out.

Completes all work before leaving shift. Informs the next shift of any pending x-ray procedures/ or issues before clocking out, i.e. “hand off” communications.

Demonstrates competency with scheduling, CD/DVD burning, film duplication, and any other paperwork functions. (Completely and accurately fills out call report forms, and any other forms related to job duties)

Participates in orientation and training of new employees and student radiographers.

Maintains inventory to ensure proper quantity of supplies are kept within x-ray procedure rooms. Consistently secure all cabinets and supply doors. Assure all medications/contrast are in date and kept secure at all times. Keeps work area neat and orderly.

Will maintain continuing education as required by the State of Kentucky and ARRT. Promptly give Manager a copy of renewed certificates in a timely manner and place in Credentials binder.

Assesses work area environment for any patient/visitor/employee safety hazards. Reports all safety issues immediately to supervisor.

Consistently assures all life support equipment/supplies, oxygen hook-ups, and suction hook-up, are maintained properly and excellent working order at all times. Notifies the supervisor of any replacements or problems.

Will perform quality portable surgical radiographs in a safe and efficient manner to include the responsibility of maintaining proficiency with surgical c-arm cases. (Competency checklist will identify the exact requirements for c-arm competency) Responsible for identifying the need for more training in low volume procedures, and work additional/different time/shifts to obtain proficiency. Must maintain surgical proficiencies by taking the initiative to come in on the days surgical cases are scheduled.

Routinely reviews image quality concerns when presented by manager or supervisor. Makes improvements based on specific information given.

Performs assigned individual quality control duties in a timely manner. Will report quality control issues and equipment malfunctions Manager and/or Supervisor in a timely manner. Properly utilizes all x-ray equipment in regard to safety and has knowledge of equipment service numbers.

Interpret and enforce current standards of practice, policies, and procedures at Ohio County Hospital.

Interprets and enforces all hospital wide policies and procedures to include Infection and Exposure Control Plan, Personnel Policies, and Employee Health Policies.

Participates in Ohio County Hospital's Performance improvement efforts by actively participating in data collection analysis of findings, identification of opportunities for improvement.

Transports patient to and from department in accordance with hospital and department safety standards. (returns patient to their bed in a neat and orderly manner).

Sign patient in and out at nurses’ station and brings chart with patient in a gown to department. Returns patient room and performs “hand off” of necessary information to nursing staff and documents this information in patient chart.

Make sure patient is covered with a sheet or blanket during transportation, and place a towel or sheet in wheelchair seat.

Perform portable exams when ordered as such, or when patient's condition warrants as established by nurse or physician.

Stocks necessary supplies/lines and assures supplies are up to date.

Checks room for necessary equipment prior to procedure, i.e., blood pressure cuff, oxygen and suction hookup, drug reaction kit is checked and up-to-date.

Follows all policies for contrast administration, prophylaxis treatment, labeling of contrast, and other patient care related policies.

Provides a private/confidential environment and warm attitude when interacting with the patient. Do not conduct discussions around the patient room and do not congregate around the CR units unless you are the attending technologist, and/or the attending technologist specifically requested help.

Checks equipment for proper function prior to placing patient on the table and reports failures according to departmental policies.

Performs vital signs and veni-puncture on patients as needed.

Obtains a thorough history from the patient and records on worksheet, requisition, and enters the diagnosis as listed on the physician order into CPSI.

Obtains readings for urgent procedures following Critical Test Results policy. DO not let the OP leave if a Critical Test Result is identified. Contact the ordering physician for instructions.

Explains the x-ray procedure to the patient and family prior to any x-ray procedure. Always confirms correct side with the patient and clarifies if indicated, with ordering physician.

Uses key words at key times by following department script for introducing self, and providing other key information.

Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide x-ray services to patient served in relation to growth/development over the life span, and identify their requirements relative to age-specific needs. (Assists the elderly, extra time/precautions when positioning and transporting. Children and infants may require special arrangements during the x-ray procedure, i.e. explain the procedure to the parent or guardian. All patients 17 years or younger must have a parent or guardian signed consent for contrast, surgical, refusal, etc; unless an emancipated minor.

Pregnancy status must be obtained on all women of child bearing age. Check date of last menstrual period, and document on requisition.

Uses proper hand-washing techniques and follows all hospital policies related to hand-washing.

May be requested to be member of QI team.QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required for all positions (may be allowed to sign a GED agreement to obtain within 6 months). REQUIRED: PREFERRED: EXPERIENCE: N/A REQUIRED: PREFERRED: OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSURE: ARRT (R) registered and Kentucky State Certified, preferred. BLS provider or obtains within six months of employment.