Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Radiological Technologist, Diagnostic Mammography & General Procedures performs diagnostic mammography exams, interventional breast procedures, and conducts general radiological procedures.  Prepares patients for diagnostic mammography examinations by explaining procedures and giving directions for participation.  Provides orientation, guidance, and collegial information or demonstration of equipment or work methods and processes to others including peers, new staff, and students. as needed.  Duties include receiving and completing requisitions, entering relevant data into the Radiology Information System (RIS), preparing examination trays and patients for specific procedures, operating computerized imaging equipment to produce and develop mammograms according to program standards.  Processes and archives acquired data.  Monitors patients during procedures, monitors equipment performance and maintains cleanliness of examination rooms. Performs routine diagnostic radiography and other medical imaging procedures/ techniques as needed.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Prepares patients for diagnostic mammography examinations by explaining procedures and giving directions for participation.  Produces and develops mammograms according to program standards.  Refers problems regarding quality of images, work procedures or workflow to Site Coordinator.
2.    Organizes films for radiologists to report, placing films on alternator if required. Collects reported films and either files or arranges for filing.
3.    Performs general duty radiographic procedures consistent with established standards, procedures radiation protection practices and protocols. Performs procedures working with radiologists, physicians and other health care professionals.
4.    Completes procedures using appropriate equipment, maintains and updates records in RIS/PACS and checks resultant images for technical quality. Refers problems in image quality to the supervisor. Stores digital images using appropriate equipment.
5.    Facilitates the workflow of designated work area by checking information on requisitions meets departmental standards, regulating inpatient examination time, arranging departmental and/or facility porters.
6.    Promotes education in the area of breast cancer and risk factors, to increase participant adherence to screening mammography and breast self-examination guidelines.
7.    Makes recommendations to the Supervisor regarding planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating the services provided by the department. Participates in the establishment and monitoring of objectives, policies, procedures and standards that result in an efficient and coordinated medical imaging service and continues to meet department, hospital and health authority goals and objectives.
8.    Organizes and participates in the instruction and orientation of new employees and/or students, such as medical residents and technologists, by assisting with departmental orientations, in-service presentations, demonstrating procedures and answering questions.
9.    Ensures relevant clinical data is collected for the procedures requested by providing documentation of individualized patient care.
10.    Prepares contrast agents required for examinations by methods such as filling syringes and mixing barium solutions as required. Prepares tray set-up for procedures, disposes of items after the procedure according to hospital policy and prepares instruments for return to Medical Device Reprocessing Department.
11.    Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with Supervisor and other health care professionals.
12.    Monitors patient care and safety by ensuring procedures adhere to department standards and policies.  
13.    Cleans and tests equipment for status of imaging, viewing, processing and image recording; performs quality control tests; makes minor adjustments and/or arranges for necessary repairs; cleans technical area and maintains supplies.
14.    Participates in maintaining patient and hospital records by entering data into the Radiology and Hospital Information System as required.
15.    Performs a variety of clerical duties including those related to patient demographics, histories and data entry.
16.    Participates in the departmental Continuous Quality Improvement/LEAN programs by using established monitoring and auditing methodologies to perform quality assurance checks such as patient/physician satisfaction or booking protocols.
17.    Maintains equipment by monitoring its operation and making arrangements for maintenance and repairs as required.
18.    Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements.  Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
19.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Certification with CAMRT.
•    Successful completion of CAMRT/BCIT Certificate in Breast Imaging.
•    One year's recent, related experience in Mammography procedures and recent, related experience performing general radiographic procedures.

Skills and Abilities

•    Demonstrated knowledge of the standards of practice and guidelines for Medical Imaging practitioners established by the CAMRT and/or other relevant national professional associations.
•    Demonstrated working knowledge of mammography protocols, applications and equipment with understanding of the principles of mammography including positioning, pathology, film/screen techniques, x ray and processing factors as well as related patient care techniques.
•    Demonstrated knowledge and practice of safe work procedures with diagnostic radiographic and medical imaging equipment.
•    Demonstrated ability to perform radiographic and screening mammography examinations in compliance with departmental standards.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based practice related to designated modality.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of organization policies, procedures and standards of care, including practice of safe work procedures with modality equipment.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of research process and methodology.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of PACS/Radiology Information Systems, i.e. digital imaging, image archiving and retrieval.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and deal effectively with clients and their families, coworkers, physicians, other health care staff, and staff of external agencies.
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
•    Demonstrated ability to plan and establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.
•    Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques.
•    Demonstrated computer skills with current computer applications including the ability to use a computerized client care information system.
•    Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.