Radiation Technologist, CT - Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH)

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Supervisor, CT and Site Coordinator, Medical Imaging, the Radiation Technologist, CT, practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice as well as utilizing a client and family centered care model and the vision and values of the department within Fraser Health (FH).

The Radiation Technologist performs special procedure examinations in CT in accordance with departmental policy and procedures, observing safe radiation protection practices.

Duties include receiving and completing requisitions, entering relevant data into the radiology information system, preparing examination trays and patients for specific procedures, operating computerized imaging equipment including processing and archiving of acquired data, monitoring patient during procedures, and monitoring equipment performance.

May be responsible for the evening, night and weekend shift and may supervise at least one other Radiological Technologist or a total staff of more than two up to and including four FTE.

Responsibilities Performs special procedure examinations in CT in accordance with established procedures by methods such as completing requisitions and related paperwork including laboratory forms, correlating clinical history with examination to be performed, positioning patient and explaining clinical procedures, performing venipuncture for contrast media injections as directed by the Radiologist, operating computerized imaging equipment, labeling permanent records and checking technical results to ensure departmental standards are followed.

Monitors patient during procedures by methods such as observing and responding to possible contrast media reactions or other emergent situations in accordance with facility policies and procedures;

may be required to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of an emergency. Images studies using radiography equipment and departmental information systems by methods such as checking to ensure applicable patient identification listed, collating images with requisitions, and requesting previous studies.

Reports malfunctioning equipment to Supervisor. Facilitates the workflow of designated work area by methods such as checking information on requisitions meets departmental standards, regulating inpatient examination time, arranging departmental and / or facility porters.

May oversee the operations and activities of Medical Imaging personnel by supervising departmental staff, preparing, planning and establishing work and priorities to ensure efficient and effective use of department staff.

Completes payroll records, organizes in-service education programs, completes employee appraisal forms and reviews performance with staff.

May participate in staffing, hiring and discipline as appropriate. Makes recommendations to the Site Coordinator or Supervisor regarding planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating services provided by the department.

Establishes objectives, policies, procedures and standards that result in an efficient coordinated medical imaging service that continues to meet department, hospital and health authority goals and objectives.

Performs quality control duties such as scheduling and performing equipment tests in accordance with recommended manufacturers' guidelines, recording results as well as identifying malfunctioning equipment for repair.

Notifies Supervisor of all quality control issues for determination of appropriate action. Participates in the departmental Continuous Quality Improvement program by using established monitoring and auditing methodologies to perform quality assurance checks such as patient / physician satisfaction or booking protocols.

Maintains designated work area by methods such as checking and cleaning equipment, setting up examination trays for specific procedures, receiving and stocking supplies in designated area, identifying depleted items and notifying Supervisor of purchases as required.

Demonstrates procedures and usage of equipment to staff including medical residents, technologists and students. Participates in orientation of new employees.

Participates in maintaining patient and hospital records by entering data into the Radiology and Hospital Information System as required.

Responds to inquiries from other clinical areas regarding patient examinations and schedules and refers other concerns to appropriate supervisor as required.

Determines workload measurements and compiles workload statistical reports and other reports, as required; develops and maintains statistical data related to items such as department activity levels, attendance, leaves of absence, and performance appraisals;

makes recommendations to the Director on how services may be improved. Ensures that the department meets Health and Safety rules, regulations and practices such as Fire, Disaster, WHMIS, Smart Moves and Infection Control by updating department staff on changes to safety procedures, following up on safety recommendations and ensuring that staff are adequately trained and authorized to operate machinery and equipment.

Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with Supervisor and other health care professionals.

Maintains equipment by monitoring its operation and making arrangements for maintenance and repairs as required. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Certification with the CAMRT. Completion of an advanced specialty program in Computed Tomography and one year recent, related experience including supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Completion of an Intravenous Therapy training course when required by site practice. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification - Basic Life Support (BCLS) level.

Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of the standards of practice and guidelines for Medical Imaging practitioners established by the CAMRT and / or other relevant national professional associations.

Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practice related to designated modality. Demonstrated knowledge of organization policies, procedures and standards of care, including practice of safe work procedures with modality equipment.

Demonstrated knowledge of current General Radiography and CT theory and practices within a client / family centered model of care.

Demonstrated knowledge and practice of safe work procedures with radiology equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of research process and methodology.

Demonstrated knowledge of PACS / Radiology Information Systems, i.e. digital imaging, image archiving and retrieval. Demonstrated ability to develop procedure protocols and manuals.

Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and deal effectively with clients and their families, coworkers, physicians, other health care staff, and staff of external agencies.

Demonstrated ability to supervise. Demonstrated ability to deal with and / or guide others in resolution of conflict issues.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability to plan and establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.

Demonstrated skill in CT techniques and the use of applicable equipment and supplies. Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques.

Demonstrated computer skills with current computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.