Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
This specialized modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Functions - Computed Tomography:
- Independently operates Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and coordinates exams in a manner as to optimize scanner times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients, as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient.
- Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
- Responsible for explaining exam procedures to competent patients to the extent the patient understands what is to be done, as well as what hazards, if any, are possible. May be required by procedure or patient's condition to monitor breathing and pulse, recognize allergic reactions, and initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Routinely assesses patient for contraindications for ordered procedure (i.e. decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for IV contrast exam, allergy to contrast media etc. (completes Patient Assessment form). Possesses knowledge of and skills needed to access patient clinical record (CPRS), diagnosis and laboratory results.
- Confers with radiologists to determine appropriate protocols for non-standard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning and performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested or when part of a standard procedure.
- Under the direction of the Radiologist or Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) the technologist prepares, labels, and administers contrast agents according to signed orders.
- Technologist is required to maintain adequate competency to insert an appropriate IV catheter and the use of automated or manual injection techniques according to signed contrast orders.
- The technologist must possess a thorough knowledge of the effects and adverse reactions of contrast materials used in the department and must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Adverse reactions require immediate attention.
- Functions - Diagnostic Radiology:
- Performs radiographic exams in the department (general x-ray, general fluoroscopy, bone density) or bedside (portable x-ray, c-arm) under the direction of radiologists and other medical officers. Has adequate knowledge to operate all ionizing equipment.
- Properly identifies patient by confirming patient name and social security number. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
- Maintains sufficient knowledge and capability of the PACS system to adequately transfer images and other pertinent data for radiologist interpretation and diagnosis. Some basic computer skills are required for this function.
- Knowledge of the technical adequacy of the digital image, including the ability to adjust the image quality in the digital system.
- Responsible to the radiologists and supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed in order assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs.
- Assist radiologists and other LIP's in fluoroscopic examinations. Assistance includes, but not limited to, acquiring high quality images using c-arm and general fluoroscopy equipment and preparing contrast materials for injectable or non-injectable agents such as cystogram, cholangiograms, fistula grams and examinations of the GI tract.
Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm