Neuroendovascular Tech - Interventional Radiology

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Neurovascular Radiology Technologist is to assists with neurovascular and endovascular diagnostic and interventional procedures including catheterizations, flow diversions, carotid and intracranial stentings and coilings.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Technical and Patient Care Skills

• Follow established protocols and guidelines for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of pathologies.
• Assist with interventions treating cerebral aneurysms, vascular malformation, stenosis, novel treatments in cerebrospinal fluid leak embolization, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke interventions
• Post processing and 3D Image reconstruction specifically tailored to the patient's disease process, diagnostic and interventional plan (K&J elaborate here on assisting providers based on these images with determining size and amount of implantable devices such as stents and coils
• Thorough knowledge of substantial neuro-specific inventory, including consumable supplies, catheters, and implantable devices
• Operate ultrasound machines interprocedurally
• Prepare medical devices prior to use and / or implantation
• Assists physicians in procedures by circulating and scrubbing cases
• Obtaining and recording patient information, supplies and procedural charges
• Operate ultrasound machines interprocedurally
• Remain competent in other diagnostic and therapeutic equipment such as IVUS, Angio-jet and other thrombectomy devices
• Perform image post processing and QC
• Clean procedure rooms and prepare instruments for re-sterilization.
• Provide 24 hour on call response on a rotating basis
• Performs studies / procedures as outlined in the department manuals / guidelines which include patient care activities within professional scope of practice including but not limited to : patient assessment, education, and patient transportation, preparation for sterile surgical and percutaneous procedures.
• Administration of pharmaceuticals, "iohexol" arterially and venously as within manufacturer / division standards. Properly administering contrast agents to enhance computed tomographic (CT) ; intravenous (IV) digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the head, neck, abdominal, renal, and peripheral vessels; peripheral arteriography; and excretory urography etc.
• Be aware of the risk factors for reactions to contrast media, use strategies to minimize adverse events, and be prepared to promptly recognize and manage any reactions to the contrast media Adverse reactions to contrast agents range from a mild inconvenience, such as itching associated with hives, to a life-threatening emergency.
• Program contrast pressure injectors to ensure optimized opacification and delineation of normal vascular anatomy, including arterial and venous anatomy and abnormal lesions
• Screen patients for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and (GFR) glomerular filtration rates to ensure values or within parameters to safely give contrast agents.
• Screen patients for contrast allergies or renal insufficiencies
• Administer CO2 for digital imaging in the event contrast allergies or renal insufficiencies are identified during pre-procedure screening.
• Maintains strict control of access to MRI and Ionizing Radiation producing clinical areas
• Act as stewards for all customers and stakeholders to maintain ALARA safety guidelines which means making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to ionizing radiation as far below the dose limits as practical, consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken.
• Alert Radiologist and document when indicated radiation exposures thresholds have been reached.
• Recognizes patient distress signs, initiates and assists with emergency response teams. (nurse / physician, IR Alert, MERIT, Code Blue)
• Adheres to all sterile environment and infection control practices
• Demonstrates knowledge of Age Specific Criteria in carrying out work duties and tasks
• Maintains a high technical competency level in multiple imaging modalities Computed tomography, Cone bean CT, Ultrasound, Digital subtraction fluoroscopy, and MR.
• Remain current on new imaging techniques / procedures as it relates to invasive procedures.
• Perform quality checks and calibrate unique tissue ablations units including, Irreversible Electroporation Ablation units, Cryotherapy units, Microwave therapy units and Laser Ablations units to administer precise energy levels to destroy cancerous tumors
• Regulate the Angiojet catheter-based thrombectomy system to treat deep vein thrombosis
• Recognizes examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notifies the radiologist (i.e., Critical result findings.)
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in all assigned areas
• Demonstrates flexibility to the demands of patient care, including but not limited to : coming in early, staying late, alternative shift coverage, emergency "ride out team" and rotational call coverage etc., as needed / assigned
• Participates in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive procedures.
• Assists the Interventional Radiologist and nursing team during interventional procedures (Angiography, CT guided biopsies, US guided biopsies, drainages).
• Knowledgeable of basic functions of EPIC which include documentation, specimen handling, patient and specimen transport and all other patient care related activities
• Efficient and knowledgeable in preparing all necessary documents for interventional radiology procedures
• Maintains cleanliness / orderliness of all imaging rooms, dressing rooms, and work area
• Responsible for stocking, transporting, and distribution of supplies within the section
• Disposes of used linens as needed
• Monitors personnel, work areas, and patient care areas to ensure that the levels of radioactive materials are in accordance with regulations.
• Decontaminate work and patient care areas as needed.
• Properly disposes of chemotherapy and other hazardous materials.
• Ensures maximum room efficiency with focus on rTAT and patient throughput
• Utilizes effective time management to ensure that all procedure related tasks are completed and requests assistance as needed
• Assists with instruction of student technologists and in the orientation of new employees.
• Maintains and demonstrates a high-level competency for all Interventional Radiology protocols and procedures.
• Knowledgeable and adheres to Patient Identification policy
• Demonstrates clear communications skills and provides accurate, complete information to patients, peers, faculty and other clinical staff.
• Maintains professionalism when interacting with others to promote a cohesive team environment
• Uses appropriate customer service skills when interacting with internal as well as external customers
• Handles phones calls in a professional manner and ensures the appropriate follow-up as required.
• Exhibits and maintains a high level of customer service when communicating with referring services, patients, faculty, colleagues, or other members of the MDACC team.
• Provides a comprehensive hand-off to colleagues and / or supervisor at end of shift or during period of relief
• Able to utilize the hospital / departmental communication services

Education, QA / Compliance, Policies, and Procedures

Inventory Management / CPT Coding

Critical Thinking / Strategic Alignment

Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Required education : Graduation from an American Medical Association (AMA) approved school of Radiology Technology.

Preferred education : Bachelor's degree in Diagnostic Imaging with Computer Tomography and specialization in Computed Tomography & Vascular Interventional.

Required experience : Three years of experience as a registered Radiologic Technologist or one year of interventional radiology experience. With preferred degree, no experience required.

Required certification : All of the following : Registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Licensed by the Texas Medical Board (TMB) as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT). Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Preferred certification : Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.