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.