Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary:

The incumbent provides x-ray studies for diagnoses and treatment of patients, such as Computerized Axial Tomographic (CT) scanning of the head or body.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Independently performs Computerized Axial Tomographic (CT) scanning of the head and body of patients.
• Performs Digital Radiography exams as requested by providers.
• Provide proper patient protection following prescribed safety standards related to the radiographic examination.
• Secure the confidence and cooperation of the patient during examination procedures.
• Assists physicians and radiologists in administering opaque media for all prescribed radiographic examinations.
• Complete intravenous cannulation for IV contrast injections.
• Monitors injection (power injector) and recognizes injection complications, such as infiltration or contrast reaction.
• Monitors vital signs and notifies radiologists of any significant changes.
• Assist in performing emergency first aid if required and initiates CPR when a cardiac arrest occurs.
• Responsible for delegated areas of authority in the performance of routine and special procedures involving various tomographic examinations.
• Schedules patients for examinations, evaluate a request for critical or emergency procedures, and adjust schedules to accommodate higher priority patients.
• Independently performs standardized examinations, determines the appropriate thickness of cuts, and recognizes standard protocol necessary to complete the assessment.
• Maintains accurate electronic records for all patients, examinations performed and scans taken.
• Performs general office work, including various computer-based programs to register and complete examinations and send for interpretation and verify reports.
• Responsible for quality control activities which include but are not limited to daily quality assurance, shut down and startup procedures, and proper documentation of activities.
• Performs daily required QA tests and records appropriate equipment errors in the log.
• Recognizes equipment malfunctions and contacts appropriate CT Service Engineer.
• Practices sterile technique and prevents cross-contamination in various examinations.
• Maintain patient records, x-rays file folders, check-out files, quality assurance records, current operating policy manuals, and other materials.
• Maintain repair and maintenance records of the radiographic unit.
• Develops standard protocols for CT and new protocols as new procedures evolve.
• Contribute to a team effort.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of computerized tomography, including spiral CT, to produce high-quality scans.
• Knowledge of performing all basic and complex computerized tomography studies.
• Knowledge of computerized tomography equipment and supplies.
• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices, and techniques, to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained.
• Ability to recognize when changes of equipment or procedures may increase exposure and adopt prevention methods to such exposure.
• Knowledge of physiology and cross-sectional anatomy, including the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiologic exposure and physical abnormalities associated with most diseases.
• Ability to interpret examination requests accurately; recognizes scans that illustrate the lesion and develops them through control, density to optimize their clarity for diagnostic use.
• Knowledge of the aspects of fundamental physics, including the concepts of energy, electric power, and types of electrical circuits, construction and use of x-ray tubes, and the properties of x-rays.
• Knowledge of computer operations, including Microsoft Office programs, burning CDs, PACS operation, and Electronic Health Record.
• Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques such as using formulae to determine technical factors and use of equipment to reduce density discontinuities.
• Knowledge of basic nursing practices related to radiography, such as emergency cardiac arrest procedures and oxygen use, assists with breathing difficulties.
• Ability and expertise to operate in a teleradiology environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Registered Radiologic Technologist: Must complete at least two years of formal education in an accredited hospital-based program or a two- or four-year educational program at an academic institution and pass a national certification examination.
• Two years of experience as a Registered Radiologic Technologist performing Computed Tomography.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Certification in radiography is required.
• Certification in computed tomography is preferred.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as employment conditions.