Interventional Radiologic Technologist

Job

Summary : Under general

supervision, perform routine and highly specialized diagnostic and

therapeutic interventional radiology procedures on patients

following established parameters / protocols for use by physicians in

diagnosis and treatment of pathologies. Assist in maintaining a

smooth operational flow and maximum patient volume. The

cardiovascular-interventional technologist assumes many roles

within an interventional procedure. Cardiovascular-interventional

technologists : Scrub in and assist the physician in the surgical

procedure. Circulate within the procedure room and procure all

equipment needed for any given procedure. Position the patient,

select radiation exposure parameters and image the patient.

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Maintain a high degree of accuracy and an awareness

of all radiation and patient safety issues involved with any

invasive procedure. Demonstrate a thorough understanding and

working knowledge of normal anatomy, abnormal anatomy and

physiology, radiation safety, interventional supplies and equipment

operation. Recognize and resolve equipment operations. Recognize

and resolve equipment problems and discrepancies anticipate patient

needs and concerns and determine the appropriate care needed. Use

professional judgment and critical thinking when performing

procedures. Will be required to take

standby.

Essential

Responsibilities :

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The following statements are intended

to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by

people assigned to this classification. They are not to be

construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by

personnel so classified.

Clinical

Practice / Patient Care

Operates

extremely technical imaging equipment and applies ionizing

radiation to the patient in accordance with standard operating

procedures, according to departmental policies,

procedures / protocols and as appropriate for the particular

patient.

Greets and receives

patients. Checks patients ID. Explains procedure to patient.

Positions patients according to

departments procedure manual. Moves and or assists patients onto

table in accordance with departmental procedures. Provides for the

patients comfort during the procedures. Performs diagnostic &

therapeutic procedures, utilizing image-guided surgical procedures,

sterile technique and radiographic technique

Operates laser imagers, and Radiographic / Fluoroscopic

equipment to obtain radiographic images. Critiques radiographs for

quality and accuracy. Selects and films images for permanent

patient record. Provides radiation protection in accordance with

regulations. Selects accurate technical factors on an individual

patient basis. Reviews history and pertinent images with designated

Interventional Radiologist to assure appropriate application of

procedure. Discusses plan and equipment necessary for the

procedure. Assists physicians with specialized diagnostic and

interventional procedures by handling equipment, preparing

procedure and instrument trays, prepping and explaining procedures

to patients and other related tasks under the supervision of an

Interventional Radiologist. May include the insertion of

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) with certification

and documented training. Responds effectively to patient care

emergencies. Utilizes universal precautions at all times when

working with patients. Sets up and maintains a sterile field by

using sterile technique; opens sterile procedures trays where

applicable. In conjunction with the IR nurses and radiologists,

monitors patient condition throughout the procedure. Uses EKG

equipment, Intravenous pumps, Blood Pressure equipment, pulse

oximeter and related routine equipment to maintain continuous

patient care while patient is undergoing procedure.

Prepares radiopaque materials for

administration by Radiologist. Opens contrast material, maintaining

integrity of the sterile syringes, needles, and draws-up contrast

for injection in accordance with departmental procedures. Cleans

and disinfects equipment and procedure room. Troubleshoots

technical and mechanical problems, and performs minor maintenance

on equipment, i.e. laser imagers and film processors, in accordance

with departmental procedures. Records and accumulates patient

statistics in daily logbooks, enters data into the Radiology

Information (RIS) and supply inventory systems. Completes records

accurately, including the physician-billing sheet, when applicable.

Records appropriate ICD-9 and CPT codes. Responds to urgent and

emergent imaging procedures by being available on a rotating

call-in basis. Demonstrates basic competencies in processing images

and troubleshooting.

Unit

Management

Reviews requests daily

for Interventional procedures and assists in prioritizing for a

smooth workflow. Addresses any issues impeding the workforce.

Performs minor trouble shooting operations. Initiates calls for

equipment problems. Documents equipment problems in accordance to

Kaiser Permanente department policy and procedures

manual.

Communicates effectively

with patients, nurses, and physicians, particularly regarding

information on angiography procedures requiring specialized patient

preparation.

Communicates with

clinicians regarding patient preparation for

angiography / interventional procedures, procedure results and to

assist in resolving problems as needed. Communicates, and assists

the Interventional Radiologist in developing and modifying

angiography / interventional practices / procedures. Acts as a role

model for Radiologic Technologists, by respecting the workplace and

the other healthcare professionals in the area. Acts as an integral

member of the IR team, promoting efficient workflow processes and

maximum patient safety. Handles telephone inquiries regarding

physician and / or patient information relative to angiography

procedures in an effective and appropriate manner. Performs

miscellaneous clerical functions, as needed. Participates in the

scheduling, assignment and review of work performed by

Interventional Radiographers.Ensures the maintenance of adequate

levels of interventional supplies and materials by placing orders

in the ordering system (i.e., One link) and communicating orders

with Material Management Department. Assists in maintaining

perpetual inventory count and scans product not in inventory

systems. Meets with vendors on new products. Arranges in-services

on new products. Communicates new product information to the staff

in a timely manner.

• Preceptor

Provides

technical guidance to Interventional staff to help resolve

difficult problems or questions, which arises in the execution of

angiography / intervention procedures.

May provide input for staff Interventiona