Interventional Radiology Technologist

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

STANDARDS

ALL LEVELS:

1.       Patient Care Evaluation and Assessment:  Complete medical history and/or assessment of general condition is performed and documented prior to examination.  Documentation to include query of possible pregnancy and appropriate shielding.  Documents 2 forms of patient identification meeting Joint Commission Standards.  Participates in and documents time outs.  Assure appropriate informed consent is completed.

Possess knowledge and skills to care for the following patients in a medical center setting:

• Newborn
• Pediatric
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Geriatric

Patient Scheduling

Answers patient’s questions and assists with patient scheduling as required.  Assures efficient throughput and productivity while assuring quality patient care.

Pre-Examination

Screening/Injection:

Pre-procedure patient screening is completed.  Venipuncture is performed for administration of contrast, medications and radiopharmaceutical in accordance to the parameters established by the Department of Radiology.  Examination room is set up properly according to physicians, radiologist, or procedure requirements.

Procedure Performance:

When applicable, procedure is executed with proper patient positioning, patient safety and comfort is maintained.  Employment of radiation safety technique is conducted at all times.  Radiologist or physician is assisted; knowledge and skill of semi-special procedures, sterile techniques, and special instrumentation is demonstrated.  Portable examinations are performed in surgery or patient rooms in an effective and efficient manner.  Assists with patient transit as needed.  Proper hand of communication is documented.  Hand hygiene, standard precautions and isolation procedures are followed as appropriate for all patients.  Assures images are obtained using ALARA principles to maintain the lowest dose levels possible for patients and staff.  Applies professional ethics. 

Interventional Radiology Technologists:

The Interventional Technologist assists Interventional Radiologist or Endovascular Neuro-Surgeon during fluoroscopic sterile procedure while using specialized devices and equipment.

Procedures performed in the Interventional Radiology (IR) department include, but not limited to:

·         Angiography, diagnostic and interventional including Interventional Oncology.

·         Endovascular Neuro-surgery

·         Venous Access-temporary and long term

·         Drainage procedures

·         Biopsy procedures

·         Gastrostomy procedures

·         Urinary procedures

·         Pain Management

2.       Student Supervision:

       Conducts clinical teaching/image critique and

       observation of student technologists in clinical 

       education.  Provides direct and indirect supervision to

       student and personnel.

3.       Imaging/Processing: 

Procedure documentation is produced utilizing all imaging equipment and is appropriately placed/retrieved for the Radiologist’s interpretation.

4.       Equipment Operation:

Equipment set up for procedure is accurate and timely.  Computer knowledge and skill is demonstrated.  Acquisition and processing of images is effective and efficient.  Maintains adequate stock of supplies and equipment in assigned room or area. 

5.       Records and Documentation:

Completes Radiology requisition with appropriate information and initials.  Performs required office/clerical duties and procedure documentation. 

6.       Quality Assurance:

Performs QA testing as requested.  Provides quality care with appropriate documentation.

7.       Continuing Education/Meetings:

Attends departmental meetings as required and participates in developmental/continuing education meetings to maintain and improve skills.

• Continually updates education as required for National, State and professional certification.
• Continually updates education as required by HHMC/Joint Commission/OSHA, etc standards.

8.       Specialized Modalities:

Performance of specialized modality examinations showing mastery skills in technique, computer operation, patient handling, safety and/or sterile procedure.

9.       Cross Training:

Conducts cross-training of personnel/students as assigned. Will cross train in the Cardiac cath lab.

1.       Medical history, assessment of patient’s condition is performed to the parameters established by the medical center, Radiology department, and Radiologists.  All information is documented and properly maintained.  Complies with Joint Commission standards and HIPPA. 

Must demonstrate experience or possess the ability to anticipate special circumstances or variations of standard parameters necessary in the care of patients from newborn to geriatric.

Appropriate communication and professional attitude is maintained at all times while dealing with patients, physicians’ offices, personnel, students and medial center employees.  Patient scheduling assures quality patient care as well as efficiency as directed by the department and pre-examination Radiologists.

All screening, venipuncture and room preparations are preformed in accordance to the established parameters while maintaining quality patient care and smooth workflow.

Patient procedures are preformed utilizing the proper methodology to achieve the desired result in an efficient and effective manner while maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff and self.  Technologist must demonstrate experience or possess the ability to anticipate special circumstances or variations of standard parameters. 

2.       Direct and indirect supervision of students/personnel is maintained according to MQA and department of Radiology guidelines.  Instructions and communication are positive, clear, and concise. 

3.       Produces high quality images in a timely manner utilizing all assigned modalities.  Distribution for interpretation is to the satisfaction of the referring physician and Radiologist.

4.       Equipment set up and operations are performed as directed.  Adequate stock/supplies are maintained.

Patient documentation is processed in a timely manner.

5.       All documentation and appropriate information is recorded as required by HHMC, Department of Radiology and radiologists.  Clerical duties are completed as assigned.  Documentation is neat, accurate and complete.

6.       Quality assurance duties are performed in an accurate and timely manner.  Accurate documentation is maintained in accordance to HHMC, Joint Commission and State requirements. 

7.       Actively pursues mandatory and developmental continuing education to meet JJMC, OSHA, MQA, ARRT, Joint Commission, and HIPPA requirements for licensure, certification, accreditation and skills updates. 

8.       Specialized procedures are performed utilizing appropriate and professional patient care, sterile and safety procedures, practice parameters and equipment operation.

9.       Performs cross-training and instructs staff/students in areas of specialization to assure a high level of patient care.