Mammography Technician I, La Mesa, 21 Hours, Part-time

Job Summary :

Under general supervision, operates dedicated and specialized mammography radiographic equipment, formulates / calculates techniques and positions patients to produce diagnostic images of normal and abnormal human breast and associated tissue and related unusual changes for the use by physicians in making medical diagnoses. Within established / recognized scope of practice, uses independent judgment in critiquing radiographs and images, recognizing normal from abnormal tissue and taking additional required views such as magnification.

Essential Responsibilities :

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Essential Duties : Customer Service : Is responsive to the needs of others by maintaining a professional behavior toward members and coworkers and creating a positive image for the department, as demonstrated by : Willingness to take the initiative to resolve member issues. Handling a high number of member contacts. Dealing with customer complaints in a positive way. Providing compassionate service. Treating coworkers with respect and appreciation. Fostering teamwork and thinking positively.
• Identifies the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and makes accommodations for such differences.
• Demonstrates competence in the operation of dedicated and complex mammography equipment in a patient care setting for the purposes of obtaining definitive diagnosis for positive findings on a mammogram. Consistently selects correct technical factors relative to the requirements of the study and the patients age, body habitus and pathology. Consistently selects other equipment settings / parameters (e.g. locks on equipment and tables, tube placement, control panel settings, etc.) appropriately. Consistently processes radiographic images properly, utilizing automated equipment. Critiques images and makes necessary adjustments in technical factors, patient positioning, etc. Uses proper sterile technique and / or proper infection control technique. Consistently operates imaging computer properly and in accordance with department protocols. Conducts a patient interview to attain full understanding of procedure and ultimately obtaining consent of the patient. Demonstrates knowledge of, and consistently uses ancillary equipment (e.g. catheters, guidewires, etc.) properly.
• Demonstrates competence in the positioning of patients for mammography imaging.
• Routinely positions patients accurately relative to the requirements of the study including those with implants, taking into consideration body habitus and location of lesion as stated in the department protocols.
• Utilizes and selects precise positioning techniques involved with additional / special views such as magnification, compression relative to the patients condition or findings seen on images.
• Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to perform, required mammography Q.C. for mammography according to the requirements of the State of California and MQSA. Performs accurate calibration of mammographic equipment.
• Age Specific Criteria : Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in delivery of services to patients of the age group served. Able to assess data reflective of the patients status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed in accordance with department policy. Neonatal Pediatric Adolescent Adult Geriatric Adjusts technical factors relative to the requirements of the study and the physical maturation of the patient. Modifies patient positioning techniques relative to the patients physical and cognitive abilities. Always takes special care in handling, positioning and / or restraining infants and geriatric patients to avoid injury or excessive radiation exposure.Never leaves infant, pediatric or disoriented geriatric patient unattended.
• Exercises Good Clinical Judgment Consults with the radiologist or other clinician for purposes of clarifying orders. Selects alternate or additional view appropriately relative to the patients condition. Produces high quality diagnostic images that (1) are free from artifacts or blurred images caused by motion; (2) demonstrate the area(s) of interest (3) exhibit the optimum contrast / exposure needed to differentiate various types of normal and abnormal tissue (e.g., mammary, muscle, fat, lymph). Does not attempt to perform an exam in any case in which it cannot be performed safely and / or properly.
• Documents clinical activities in a timely, comprehensive, and accurate manner and maintains documentation as required by ACR, MQSA, HCFA, State of California.
• Completes and initials the standard consultation form and the Radiology Processing Record accurately and immediately following each procedure. Accurately documents all pertinent information regarding mammography and clinical breast examinations.
• ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SENIOR TECHNOLOGIST Provides functional direction to assigned staff. Consistently assigns work to staff appropriately so that exams are performed in a timely manner. Routinely provides timely feedback to management regarding operational problems and personnel issues. Communicates effectively with other departments to promote positive interdepartmental relationships. Demonstrates organizational skills and creativity in the resolution of operational problems within the department.
• ORGANIZATIONAL, RULES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Observes all organizational, regional, medical service area and Diagnostic Imaging Department policies and procedures. Is compliant with organizational, regional and medical service area policies and procedures. Observes Regional Radiation Safety Standards and Department Safety Policies.
• QUALITY OF SERVICE Maintains standards of professional behavior established to enhance quality of service. Greets members promptly and courteously with eye contact and a pleasant expression and tone of voice. Informs members of reason for any delays or anticipated delays in their care. Treats patients in accordance with the Patients Bill of Rights. Conducts only work related conversations when members are waiting for service.
• PROFESSIONAL MATURITY Demonstrates professional maturity in all interactions with patients and staff. Strives to maintain good working relationships and rapport with patients, other members of the department and the health care team. Is flexible and cooperative about schedule changes made to maximize productivity and efficiency. Responds appropriately to constructive criticism from supervisors and peers. Functions independently within defined scope of position.
• PRODUCTIVITY Meets productivity norms achieved by peers within the department.
• EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AND WORK AREA Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines. Keeps equipment and work area clean at all times. Routinely handles equipment with care to avoid damage. Reports equipment malfunctions to supervisory staff promptly. Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.