Position SummaryWe currently have openings for a CT Technologist. The work will be on-site at the VA Portland Health Care System in Vancouver, WA.
Reasonable Accommodations StatementTo succeed in this job, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Oversees the day-to-day safe operation of the CT and/or Angio environment.
- Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist for the purpose of performing exams requiring injectable or consumable solutions such as UGI's, BE's, Small Bowel, Modified Barium Swallows, Venograms, Cystograms, Cholangiograms, Fistula grams, Arthrography, etc. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient.
- Records all doses of radiation for fluoroscopy and portable fluoroscopy exams in the technologist comment section in Vista and/or by generating and sending the dose summary report from the fluoroscopy equipment.
- Receives and interprets all radiology requests for accuracy, appropriateness; date desired and maintains a thorough knowledge of the ordering process in CPRS. Thoroughly reviews the radiology order screening information for accuracy, noting and researching all questionable information prior to contacting the patient or performing the exam. Inputs pertinent information into the designated computer systems and has knowledge to register, complete, cancel and edit exams.
- Performs and completes imaging studies within the established guidelines for stat, preop, urgent and routine exams.
- Responsible for the quality of radiographic exams performed in order to assure a high level of acceptability of radiographs while minimizing patient dosage and reducing costs. Ensures documentation of repeat/reject analysis and meets the established monthly measure of >5% of total exams performed.
- Responsible for operating and maximizing utilization of all equipment. Independently identifies, performs and completes active radiologic exams. Coordinates examinations that require radiologist direction around physician availability, maximizing exam room effectiveness. Independently identifies, performs and completes inpatient radiology exams whenever possible, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for hospitalized patients.
- Works with staff and radiology schedule to assure timely accomplishment of assigned workload, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities and additional assignments. Optimizes appointment times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient.
- Performs radiology procedures/exams utilizing sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment.
- Works with the radiologist/physician as a member of the radiology procedure team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiologist/physician and the performance of the exam. They must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition and sterile field.
- Applies Infection Control practices and procedures for patients and staff, as mandated by the Medical Center and Imaging Service Infection Control policies. Applies safety procedures for self, patients and others as mandated by Imaging Service Safety policies for all imaging modalities. Properly operates all electrical and mechanical equipment, is cognizant of basic safety practices related to the use of the assigned equipment. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety policies/techniques with emphasis on sterile technique; the storage of sterile supplies; the disposal of body fluids and sharps; proper attire; hand washing practices; and continuing education.
- Uses independent judgment and possesses the ability to vary exams or treatment procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. When necessary, confers with radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams. Determines technical factors to produce and satisfy requirements of radiology exams. Technologist advises radiologists or referring physicians of examination results and notifies them of procedures requiring their immediate attention.
- Maintains electronic records and files of exams performed on patients. This includes the maintenance of electronically secured spreadsheets, registration and editing of patient exams in the computerized information system and ensuring all images and required paperwork is properly filled out and scanned into the PACS system, in the correct orientation and on the correct patient.
- Properly identifies patient by using full name and full social security number and/or hospital name band. Properly identifies patient scan by using the HIS/RIS patient identification lists, R & L markers, correct amount and type of contrast administered, timelines for any timed examinations, patient position and all other identifying markers for that image. Properly identifies areas of interest on all images, if applicable.
- Responsible for minor equipment adjustments, repairs and exercises care in the handling and safeguarding of all equipment. Technologists will check equipment for proper function prior to performing procedures. Technologists must report equipment malfunctions in a timely manner through the Outlook e-mail designated group, so as proper attention is ensured to maintain the integrity of the equipment.
- Performs all aspects of CT imaging to include: Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis Extremities, 3D Reconstructions of CT, Multi-Planar Reformats CT and Angiographic studies when requested and/or when part of a standard procedure. Performs all aspects of CT Interventional Radiography, including Biopsies, RF Ablations, Abscess drainages, cyst aspirations, etc.
- Performs CT Angiography of the Circle of Willis, Carotids, Abdominal Aortas, Run-Off's, including CT Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac trained technologists only) and CT Myelography utilizing specialized series to visualize the anatomy and pathology necessary for diagnosis. The radiographic goal of CT is to provide high quality axial imaging; generate the best possible images at the minimal radiation dose necessary to the patient.
- Performs Interventional CT biopsy exams utilizing surgical sterile techniques. This requires proper preparation of sterile trays, proper labeling of medications dispensed to sterile trays, knowledge of supplies and specific locations, and assuring measures have been taken to prevent contamination of the patient and equipment. Technologists are required to maintain competence in Venipuncture and refer to the Imaging Service procedure manual for guidelines on Administration of Contrast Media After-Hours, Guidelines for Power Injection of Contrast Media, and CT Section and policy for use of Contrast Media.
- Prepares contrast materials under the direction of the radiologist that are used in CT, to include CT Angiography and other exams. Improper use or administration of the contrast materials run the risk of patient mortality and, therefore, it is essential that a thorough understanding of the contrast material usage is possessed by those who prepare it. In addition, the technologist must be continuously on the alert to the patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Technologists are certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary.
- Technologists must be familiar with policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self. This is achieved by optimizing technical factors and ensuring all policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Acquires and maintains knowledge in CT dose optimization and the factors that directly affect radiation dose from the CT scanner to the patient. They must be familiar with the CT dose Optimization committee; know the committee members and its purpose within the Radiology Service
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications- CT Technologists must have two (2) years of experience with understanding advanced CT applications. Technologists must have knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to radiographic illumination and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by common medical and surgical diseases. Technologists must accurately operate a wide variety of imaging equipment to obtain examinations of acceptable quality. This includes but is not limited to: Fluoroscopic and General Diagnostic exams, Portable Radiography, Portable Fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography exams, Angio procedures, Operating Room and all other duties assigned. ARRT Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
- Proven ability to speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.
- Authorized to work in the U.S. indefinitely without sponsorship.
- Ability to obtain public trust.
Compensation & BenefitsPFS offers a benefits package that may include health, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; disability and life insurance; a retirement plan; paid time off; and other programs to support employees and their families. Learn more about PFS Benefits.
The posted salary range represents PFS's good-faith estimate for this role. Actual compensation offered will be determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to: the candidate's education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience;internal equity; geographic location; and contract and organizational requirements. PFS is committed to fair, consistent, and equitable compensation practices across the organization, and offers are calibrated to maintain internal pay equity while remaining competitive in the external market.
SCA Salary Range: $50.39 / Hour + $5.42 H&W
