Diagnostic Imaging Tech II

General Summary: The Diagnostic Imaging Technologist II assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and provides Diagnostic Imaging services (includes both plain imaging and fluoroscopy) and either CT services or functions as a sterile scrub tech in Interventional Imaging to patients utilizing an understanding of anatomy and physiology, radiation safety, pathology, medical terminology, exposure technique and communication skills. The Diagnostic Imaging Technologist II operates imaging equipment, processes images, prepares patient rooms, and maintains equipment and supplies. If functioning as an Interventional Imaging sterile scrub tech, the Diagnostic Imaging Technologist II will set up and maintain the sterile field, assist with draping and prepping of the patient, and assist the Interventional Radiologist during the performance of the procedure. The Diagnostic Imaging Technologist II is actively involved in department activities, transdisciplinary team activities, and LifeCare activities to ensure individualized, patient-centered health care for all patient populations admitted to LifeCare Hospital.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in a clinical setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in the adult (18-65 years of age) and geriatric (65 and older) populations.

Supervision: Not applicable

Standard Essential Functions
1. The knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position requirements are demonstrated through the successful completion of competencies established for the position, to include population served and other special needs of patients or customers, served by the department.
2. Adheres to LifeCare policies, procedures, all safety plans, and all standards imposed by regulatory organizations.
3. Regular attendance and timeliness is required.

Job-Specific Essential Functions
1. Assesses and documents pertinent data about the patient and procedure to be performed and communicates any concerns or changes in patient condition to the assigned nurse, supervisor and/or physician.
2. Implements all procedures in a cost-effective manner, demonstrating competency and proficiency in radiology practice. Verifies patient identification prior to beginning any procedure, documenting the procedure and patient response timely. Works in cooperation with the transdisciplinary team to achieve expected outcome.
3. Identifies any problems/needs for performing procedure and follows select exam protocols in response to identified needs.
4. Evaluates images for positioning, appropriate anatomy, and overall image quality; identifies and documents exceptions to the expected outcome. Implements and communicates the plan to achieve the desired outcome.
5. Documents information about the procedure, patient care during the procedure and the final results of the procedure. Archives and stores images in a secure fashion. Transmits accurate billing information in a timely manner.
6. Plans/organizes work for assigned shift to properly utilize time, resources, and assures supplies are adequate so that patient can receive appropriate quality care. Assures that equipment is maintained and is clean and in working order. Reports equipment maintenance and/or repair timely.

Values
We COLLABORATE: We develop our treatment plans in collaboration with physicians, clinicians, and patient's families.
We ADVOCATE: We advocate on behalf of every patient and family.
We RESPECT: We recognize and value the dignity, rights, and resources of each patient.
We EDUCATE: We educate our team members and families with purpose and compassion.
We SERVE: We serve as a TEAM with integrity at all levels focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Experience: Two years of acute or critical care experience with one year of experience in CT or as an Interventional Imaging sterile scrub tech. Prior CR/DR, PACS and RIS experience is preferred.

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of Radiology. Effective 7/1/15: If performs CT scans, participates in ongoing education including annual training on radiation dose reduction techniques, Image Gently, and Image Wisely.

Licensure/Certification: Current registration and certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiology (R), State licensure in radiology and BLS are required. If performs CT, CT registry/certification is preferred. All Diagnostic Imaging Technologists II must maintain proficiency and competency in two (2) modalities (one of which must be Diagnostic Imaging), current BLS, current continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for ARRT (R) Certification and State licensure while employed with LifeCare Hospitals. Documentation of training and experience in the operation of CT equipment is required.

Physical Requirements:
1. Ability to lift, move, transport and position patients, equipment, or supplies/materials up to fifty (50) pounds without assistance; or over fifty (50) pounds with the aid of mechanical assistance or assistance of personnel.
2. Range of motion and mobility of self by positioning or moving around hospital to include sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing, and reaching.
3. Ability to communicate with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and visitors to be able to exchange accurate information regarding patient condition and health status. Ability to exchange and express information by means of language and communicate information effectively.
4. Ability to hear the nature of sounds. Ability to detect clinical alarms and conversation. Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
5. Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
6. Ability to monitor/assess performance of yourself to make improvements or take corrective action.
7. Ability to see things at close range and match and/or detect differences between colors, including color and brightness.
8. Ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble small objects.
9. Ability to keep your hand steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
10. Ability to understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Ability to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
11. Ability to identify problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
12. Ability to respond to emergency or crisis in a calm and professional manner as a team member to resolve the crisis or emergency.
13. Ability to work independently and perform routine and detail-oriented tasks. Ability to manage ones own time.
14. Ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
15. Ability to collect and analyze numerical, written data and verbal communication to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or action.
16. Ability to review, assess, record or type data quickly and accurately.
17. Ability to observe and recognize or identify changes in patients health status or condition.
18. Ability to perform mathematical equations.
19. Ability to view and operate required equipment.
20. Ability to determine resources needed in order to provide quality patient care.
21. Ability to make independent judgments and minor decisions is sometimes required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:
1. Category 1 - Infection exposure due to required tasks which routinely involve a potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluid tissues or potential spills or splashes.
2. Ability to work alone or with minimal supervision.
3. Contact with patients, families, co-workers, physicians, and visitors.
4. Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.
5. Ability to handle multiple tasks.
6. Ability to work long hours between breaks and meals may be required.
7. Exposure to high, medium, or low noise intensity.
8. Ability to take call as assigned may be required.
9. Provides on-call services as needed.
10. Exposure to varying amounts of radiation; exposure will be limited and within safe limits when employee follows radiation safety guidelines.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements: Ability to operate diagnostic imaging equipment. Ability to operate nursing call system, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, computer, printer, and calculator.