GENERAL SUMMARY AND PURPOSE:
The Special Procedures Radiographer performs a variety of specialized invasive and non-invasive diagnostic radiologic procedures in collaboration with the physician/APP and the IR Team. The Special Procedures Radiographer is responsible to review the Physician Order and reason for exam. Assist with/Set up the IR Procedure. The Special Procedures Radiographer works closely with the Radiology leadership and the IR Physicians/APP to produce the most diagnostic images possible in accordance with the department protocols. Operates diagnostic imaging equipment to obtain optimal quality radiographs for interpretation by physicians, with attention to As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALRAR) techniques. Assists the physician/APP with the administration of contrast media required in specific diagnostic/invasive procedures. May perform image post-processing. Performs a variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment, with integrity and initiative.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Completion of an accredited Radiologic Technologist program and registered as a Radiographer by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Maintain Continuing Education credits (24 CEU in two period) and other requirements to maintain ARRT certification.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Two years as a Radiologic Technologist preferred
Must have analytical skills necessary to acquire and effectively utilize knowledge of computerized tomography techniques and methods, and of cross sectional anatomy in order to obtain quality images
Must know methods of exposure to obtain clearly defined films and to set up and operate equipment, with an emphasis on reduction in patient radiation dose (ALARA – As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
Must have ability to recognize pathology and tailor examination to provide a complete diagnosis Must have ability to function with limited or no supervision in normal circumstances. Is able to assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of lead and/or manager
Must be very conscientious and detail oriented person with excellent communication skills and demonstrate excellent customer service skills to deal effectively with patients, and various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers, and community groups
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Reviews requests and schedules patients for specialized diagnostic procedures, arranging for patient transport to the procedure area and assisting patient in the completion of various radiology forms. 2. Reviews requests for radiologic procedures, using reason for the procedures, department guidelines, physician's recommendations and patient condition and personal judgment. 3. Determine region to be examined and radiologic projections to be obtained 4. Ensures appropriate documentation by providing procedural and billing coding to all records 5. Determines the proper radiographic technique parameters. Adjusts, manipulates and controls a variety of on-site equipment to provide optimal accurate images 6. Provides and processes specialized radiographic images using duplication and subtraction techniques. Consults with radiologists, physicians and the Lead to determine the need for additional images for comprehensive radiographic interpretation 7. Performs necessary reimaging, collects and forwards all completed images to the appropriate location(s) for interpretation. 8. Scrubs and assists the radiologist or surgeons in the performance of special procedures such as fluoroscopes, and in minor surgical procedures required during specialized radiological procedures 9. Prepares contrast media and other devices utilized in invasive diagnostic radiological procedures and assists radiologist in their use 10. Assists in monitoring the patient's condition during invasive diagnostic procedures, recognizing changes in the patient's condition which may require emergency action and initiating the appropriate response 11. Practices sterile, isolation, and infection control techniques to prevent contamination of the patient and staff 12. Assists in maintaining the orderliness and cleanliness of the work area by monitoring and ordering supplies, reporting operational functional equipment problems to the Lead 13. Clean and sterilizing consumable and continued-use supplies utilized in procedures 14. Provides clinical demonstrations to radiologic technology students and participates in scheduled departmental in-service educational activities 15. Provides functional supervision and training to Special Procedure Radiographer trainees, students or staff radiographers 16. Demonstrates competency using a power injector for intravenous and intra-arterial contrast media injection 17. Rotates on-call schedule with other special procedure technologists 18. Assists in transporting patients when necessary 19. Adapts and cooperates with schedule changes by maintaining excellent working relationships with team members 20. Examines patient's charts to be aware of suspected pathologies while conducting exams 21. Transfers patients to procedure tables, assists patients with positioning and applies immobilization devices as necessary. Explains procedures to patients to allay apprehensions and elicit cooperation 22. Administers contrast media for examinations following established sterile techniques and methods. Monitors patient for adverse reactions to contrast media 3 23. Operates radiology equipment (fluoroscopic, radiographic, and CT) computerized controls and, enters commands necessary to visualize manipulate screen images. Operates various peripheral equipment such as disc drive and magnetic tape unit 24. Manipulates tomographic images by changing mean and window through computerized controls, and changes degree of angulation to obtain best possible image 25. Evaluates indications and contradictions for the administration of contrast media 26. Operates equipment to reproduce appropriate images on screen 27. Maintains required files and records 28. Notifies appropriate personnel of equipment malfunctions and needed repairs 29. Ensures necessary maintenance and repairs are completed in efficient and timely manner 30. Schedules IR examinations in order to ensure smooth flow and optimal utilization of equipment 31. Works with radiologists and other physicians, nursing staff and other technologists to develop policies, protocols, and guidelines for special procedures area 32. Instructs and demonstrates equipment operations, imaging and other technical aspects for Radiology students and peers 33. Interprets cross-sectional images during procedures to successfully direct procedures to completion 34. Uses a variety of venipuncture techniques to inject contrast 35. Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution 36. Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health System. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places 37. Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management 38. Provide quality patient care by considering the age specific, developmental and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrates unit/area competencies 39. Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph Mercy Health System 40. Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution 41. Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, associates, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health System. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places 42. Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.