Medical Radiographer

Description

Lexington Regional Health Center
Title: Medical Radiographer
Effective Date: October 24, 2021
Supervisor: Director of Radiology

Department: Radiology
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Principle duties and responsibilities

1. Performs medical imaging exams on patients at the request of a healthcare provider. Verifies and clarifies orders as needed to ensure that the most appropriate exam is being performed on the patient. Takes verbal orders from providers as needed.
   
2. Prepares patients appropriately for examinations. Informs patients of the risks and benefits of the procedures as applicable. Provides answers and information at the request of the patient.
   
3. Utilizes both ionizing and non-ionizing medical equipment in a manner that is practical and safe for patients and colleagues. Provides patients with the highest quality exam possible at all times and in a manner that adheres to dose reduction practices.
   
4. Performs technical calibrations as recommended by the manufacturer or by policy. Maintains cleanliness of equipment at all times.
   
5. Observes all safety and infection control measures during both invasive and non-invasive examinations. Invasive procedures can include starting intravenous lines, assisting with biopsy procedures, etc.
   
6. Adheres to department workflow as it relates to completion of exams, image and exam archiving, and transmission of images to appropriate providers. This includes providing the reading provider with pertinent clinical history.
   
7. Participates in patient care activities that could include blood exposure and risk to bloodborne pathogens (eg: lacerations, handling of blood-contaminated specimens, etc.)
8. Responsible for safe bagging and disposal of biohazardous waste.
9. Responsible for following safe-injection practices.
10. Responsible for ensuring the patient care environment meets appropriate governing body standards.
11. Ensure patients and visitors follow current infection control guidelines.
    
12. Maintains patient and staff safety through the use of patient safety tools (Teamstepps, Just Culture, etc.).
13. Regular attendance at the assigned work location is required.
    
14. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities

1. A comprehensive understanding of general radiography and an understanding of physician orders and how to perform appropriate exams, knowledge of radiation safety and protection and technical understanding of equipment and general operation of such equipment as is typically acquired through the completion of an approved two year radiography program.
   
2. Must have obtained and maintained registry with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Minimum registry of Registered Technologist – Radiography or RT(R)(ARRT). Must also obtain and maintain licensure as a Medical Radiographer with the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services.
   
3. Additional experience and requirements may include Computed Tomography, Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography and Bone Densitometry. Training in advanced modalities will be provided.
   
4. Current Basic Life Support certification via American Heart Association required.
5. Attention to detail is required up to 90% of the time when reviewing provider orders and patient history, performing procedures and reviewing imaging studies.
   
6. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to protected and sensitive information.
   
7. Ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ability to communicate in an effective, precise, and positive manner with patients, visitors, hospital personnel vendors and all customers that present to the facility.
   
8. Ability to immediately respond to common inquiries and complaints from patients, employees and regulatory agencies.
   
9. Ability to complete reports and correspondence at a professional level.
10. Successful completion of required knowledge and training of standard precaution and transmission protocols and when to apply during principle duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions

1. Works in a normal patient care environment, well lighted and ventilated with minimal exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.
2. Employee can plan to spend up to 97% of the time indoors. Less than 3% of the time may be spent outdoors assisting patients to destinations unattached from the hospital facility.
3. May spend up to 30% of shift completing paperwork/computer work while the remaining 70% of shift is spent completing various patient related tasks in radiology.
4. Required to assist in transferring patients, up to 35 pounds for a stand pivot transfer. A hoyer lift is utilized with specific patients that require more assist.
5. When working with patients from the emergency department, radiology department employees may request assist from multiple professionals for patient transfer assistance.
6. A self-propelled portable unit is utilized for patients that are unable to be transferred to the radiology department. The ability to drive and maneuver this portable unit requires up to 15 horizontal force pounds to push unit up to 300 feet.
7. At times the use of a wheelchair may be needed to transfer patients. This situation requires 40 horizontal force pounds to push a patient up to 300 feet.
8. Must be able to lift an image receptor cassette with a grid (weighing 9 pounds) up to shoulder height to be placed behind patient.
9. A lead cape/shield may be worn 1-2% of work day, such as while in surgery or while aiding in patient positioning. Typically these shields weigh 10 pounds for a single piece and 14 pounds for a double piece wrap-around.
10. Must be able to manipulate radiography equipment into appropriate positions which may require reaching to various heights, up to 65 inches.
11. Interaction with patients suffering from communicable or infectious diseases is possible at all times.
12. Exposure to chemicals and other hazards related to patient care. Appropriate safety precautions, such as safety glasses, gloves, etc. must be used to minimize risk of injury.
13. Direct exposure to body substances during patient care activities and on contaminated surfaces such as patient equipment.

Management responsibilities

1. None

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.