Interventional Radiologic Technologist

Description:
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.



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.

• 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 Interventional Radiographers performance evaluations and disciplinary process as requested. Provides feedback on daily work performance, correcting procedure errors and recommending alternate work methods.


• Provides in-service training and teaching to other Interventional staff, nurses, and physicians. Assist in department training and orientation of new IR techs.


• Professional Development


• Attends in-service training programs and other relevant training sessions for professional growth and development.


• Has Advanced Certification in Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology or Vascular Interventional Radiology, or Cardiac Interventional Radiology.