Mammography Technologist

Job Summary:

As a Mammography Technologist at Advocate Health, you will play a vital role in providing high-quality patient care and contributing to the success of our diagnostic imaging team. This position requires a strong commitment to patient safety, quality, and customer service.

Responsibilities:

• Perform mammography procedures and exams using appropriate radiographic techniques
• Position patients for routine and additional mammographic views as requested by the reading radiologist
• Perform and document daily QC tests prior to performing exams on patients
• Examine requisition of each patient prior to beginning procedure for the purpose of verifying physician order; and screening vs. diagnostic exams
• Obtain and document pertinent history before procedure
• Screen and document possibility of pregnancy on all female patients of childbearing age
• Maintain supplies and cleanliness of assigned room on a daily basis
• Perform mammography screening exams at Advocate Health and maintain mammographic and processing equipment; perform QC tests required before processing of patients exams.

Performance of Procedure and Radiation Safety:

• Select proper paddle size and select appropriate mammographic views
• Position mammographic unit at proper height/angle to accommodate each patient's body habitus in order to produce good quality images
• Determine and apply the appropriate amount of compression for each patient
• Exhibit competence required in routine positioning and ability to adapt to varying patient conditions
• Determine the proper exposure factors to produce a good quality image
• Use bar code readers to begin and end all procedures. Make sure appropriate exam is charged.
• Demonstrate competence and proficiency using each mammographic unit at Advocate Health.
• Label mammographic films according to department quality assurance standards and criteria
• Process knowledge/competency of daily operations, maintenance of mammography units, printers and physician's workstation and performance of daily and weekly QC tasks.

Follow-up Procedures and Documentation:

• Update mammographic history for each patient, relay pertinent history to radiologist regarding each patient.
• Perform additional mammographic special views (spot compression, magnification views, etc.) as requested by the radiologist.
• When recommended by radiologist, refer patient to Ultrasound; coordinate patient exam with Ultrasound tech or explain follow-up procedure to patient.
• Update Mammography Exam Entry to assure recommended patient follow-up is recorded in Penrad.
• Maintain follow-up logs, communicate recommended follow-up to physician.
• Maintain patients files. Ensure patient's films/discs are stored correctly.
• Call patients that need to return for additional views. Document all calls to patients.

Teamwork and Communication:

• Assist radiologists in the performance of needle localizations and core biopsies.
• Assist other technologists with difficult patients as needed
• Assist in other areas such as transport, radiologists office or front desk when needed, in order to expedite the processing of a patient and the performance of a procedure
• Accept changes in work schedule or room assignment as necessary.
• Flexible in work schedule to accommodate the needs of the department; to accommodate scheduling of needle localization, cyst aspiration or needle biopsies

Knowledge and Skills:

• Competent in use of hospital computer systems
• General knowledge of x-ray equipment
• ARRT registered, Mammography ARRT registered IEMA licensure CPR certified

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Able to adjust to flexible hours
• Able to lift, push, pull 50 lbs. with assistance
• Ability to communicate effectively This position will need to recognize the 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 sign of normal aging; prior experience with various age groups is preferred.
• 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.

Addendum:
ADDENDUM TO JOB DESCRIPTIONS RELATED TO PATIENT SAFETY Report patient safety events and near misses in timely fashion Adhere to all behavioral and procedural patient safety practices Promote culture of safety through identifying threats to patient safety and intervening to prevent patient harm Communicate openly and promote team work Report intimidating behavior and other threats to patient safety promptly

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