CT Technologist

Major Responsibilities:

• Accountable for Performance of CT scans and post processing according to established clinical protocols, guidelines and department operating procedures
  • 9)Transports patients to and from departments when necessary. Assist in tranfer of patients on and off the CT table.Continually monitors patient condition during CT procedure.
  • 10)Works with radiologist in the tailoring of protocols to meet patient exam requirements.
  • 1)Follows correct CT Department Technologist workflow ( select correct scan room, identifies and documents two forms of identification on each patient, acquire history, verify orders, scan patient, send images to PACs, scan all paperwork and data sheets (eg. history sheet, med-reconcilliation sheets, consent forms), start and complete the case in RadNet, address Q A issues, charge for contrast media and supplies, Verify that all images, series and data sheets have been sent to PACs- make sure the number of images is correct, verify exams.
  • 2)Positions patients correctly, using proper immobilization techniques
  • 3)Performs optimal scans using correct technical factors, shielding and protocols, based on the patient diagnosis, history and other revelant clinical information.
  • 4)Use correct technical factors in accordance with the American College of Radiology (ACR) to use the lowest amount of radiation to get a diagnostic scan.
  • 5)Performs CT angiography, 3D, MIPS, VR, Vessel Analysis, and MPR's, post processing of computer data to enhance exams for radiologist interpretation, using reconstruction software appropriate to the pathology or region of interest.
  • 6)Operates support equipment for CT such as: Independent workstation, pressure injector, PACs and RadNet systems.
  • 7)Initiates IV for administration of contrast media for CT in accordance with department policy and utilizing standard precautions - Is IV certificed within 3 months of hire.
  • 8)Prepares patient for exams by explaining procedure and by encouraging questions and answering any questions the patient may have
• Accountable for maintaining good relations when dealing with internal and external customers encountered in daily performance of job. (Internal customers - fellow staff members, physicians) External customers - ancillary departments, inpatients, outpatients, ER patients and family members
  • 1)Associated is expected to follow the Advocate Standards of Behavior
  • 2)Associate uses BOE's when interacting with patients, family members, visitors and staff
  • 3)Address minor custormer complaints. Tactifully resolves complaints, using service recovery
  • 4)Refers difficult complaints or sensitive issues to higher authority
  • 5)Provides explanation of delays for testing to patients who are waiting past their scheduled time.
• Accountable for obtaining pertinent patient history to provide the radiologist with adequate information for exam interpretation and to ensure procedural criteria is met. * 1)Obtains and documents, confidential history (eg. lab values - BUN/Creatinine, allergy screening, surgical and dialysis history, etc), from patient, chart or family member, to ensure the appropriateness of the exam as well as administration of contrast media
  • 2)Obtains contrast injection consent form from patient or family member prior to the injection of contrast material
  • 3)Accountable for documentation of and charging for supplies used during the performance of exams or procedures.
• Accountable for documentation of all patient information on appropriate forms for department records related to preservation of patient records, patient statistics, billing information and supplies
  • 5)Assists in scheduling of exams
  • 1)Documents confidential patient history to ensure appropriateness of exam and contrast media
  • 2)Documents patient charge data, modifying and initiating charges as procedure modifications are made per the radiologist or ordering physician
  • 3)Documents any allergic reaction, iv extravasations and initiates incident report regarding staff or patient situations
  • 4)Maintains appropriate inventory levels of supplies, notifies ordering personnel in a timely manner when supplies need to be ordered
• Accountable for being compliant with established Accrediting Organization, IEMA and department safety safety standards to ensure patients and staff well being at all times
  • 1)Maintains appropriate inventory levels of medical supplies. Performs daily quality assurance scans on all scanners prior to use to ensure safety of scanners for patients and staff - Documents daily QA in logbook
  • 2)Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
  • 3)Use correct scanning protocols, guidelines and technical factors to obtain the best quality diagnostic scan using the lowest possible radiation
  • 4)Maintains fire safety standards
  • 5)Initiates requests for emergency medical support as indicated by patient conditon - Knowledge of when to call Code Blue/Rapid Response
  • 6)Maintains knowledge of departmental disaster and evacuation policies
  • 7)Maintains and constantly implements standard precautions
  • 8)Maintains documentation of equipment malfunctions and notifies appropriate personnel
  • 9)Attends mandatory inservices and department meetings.
  • 10)Completion of all applicable of safety modules
• Accountable for keeping state licensure (IEMA), certifications (ARRT) and CPR card current
  • 1)Copy of licensure, certification and cpr cards will be given to coordinator or manager immediately.
  • 2)All current associates will be required to pass the advanced CT certification examination by January 1, 2010
  • 3)All associates hired after January 1, 2010 will be required to have advanced certification in CT or required to be CT advanced certified within 1 year of hire.
• Accountable for keeping abreast of current CT procedures and new developments in the field of CT and sharing of information with staff, new hires and students.
  • 1)Responsible for attending in-services and education seminars when appropriate.
  • 2)Responsible for instructing other technologists on new techniques, protocols or procedures learned
  • 3)Responsible for training of new staff and students
• Accountable for coordinating the scheduling of inpatients, outpatients and ER patients to ensure efficient utilization of CT equipment and personnel
  • 1)Works with inpatient and outpatient scheduling to adjust schedules as needed
  • 2)Performs examinations in the following order STAT, Pending Discharge, Current Day, completes Routine exams in the order in which they are ordered.
• Accountable for documentation of and charging for supplies used during the performance of exams or procedures.
  • 1)Associated is expected to charge for supplies used during the performance of exams.

Education/Experience Required:

• 1 year general radiology preferred. ARRT registry IEMA license CPR within in 3 months of hire

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Basic knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and basic CT procedures Good oral and written communication skills Computer competent
• ARRT registry IEMA license CPR certification (within 3 months of hire) Advanced CT Certification within one (1) year of hire

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions: - Ability to work overtime when needed and respond to work at short notice (eg. Disaster Call back) Ability to be flexible in starting times to meet departmental demands. (weekend rotation,flexible hours, other shifts) Ability to work weekends and holidays Ability to participate in on-call programs and available to department needs with minimal notice Ability to show excellent technical competence Ability to show computer competence and equipment skill competence (eg. power injector) Ability to practice high quality patient care - very good communication skills - follows age specific guidelines Ability to demonstrate very good oral and written communication skills Ability to deal with extremely ill patients - can handle stressful situations professionally Ability to make independent professional decisions using good judgement skills Ability to function independently with minimal assistance in performing job Attends education and safety inservices - completes all safety modules May be exposed to hazardous chemicals Exposed to radiation - follows radiation safety guidelines Ability to attend out of town site visits/training if needed Ability to do light, medium or heavy lifting Light: Lifting up to 20-50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently Medium: Lifting up to 20-50 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds constantly Heavy: Lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly This position will recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging. Prior experience with various age groups is preferred.

• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training

• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job

• Incentive pay for select positions

• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs

• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.