Description
The Interventional Radiology Technologist works closely with the interventional radiologist to perform vascular imaging and interventional radiology procedures
JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides high quality imaging using various modalities including vascular and endovascular angiography examinations, as well as Neuro Diagnostic and Intervention.
2. Collaborates with team to collect data pre- and post-procedure and prepares patients for procedures
3. Safely and competently operates all radiographic processing and inventory equipment
4. Acts as a liaison between physician, family and other interdepartmental units
5. Utilizes the laboratories efficiently and safely
6. Assesses patient relative to requested procedure by collecting pertinent data about the patient and the procedure.
7. Analyzes collected data and uses professional judgement to select the most appropriate and cost-effective method for completing the requested procedure.
8. Educates the patient, family, and other health care providers as appropriate regarding the requested procedure.
9. Prepares patient both physically and emotionally prior to examination, explaining procedures to allay patient fears.
10. Documents information about patient care and radiologic services provided.
11. Provides direct assistance to the interventional radiologist during angiographic and interventional radiology procedures.
12. Provides inventory control for vascular and interventional specific supplies such as catheters, guidewires, stents, procedure sets, etc.
13. Produces medical images to meet standards established in department protocols.
14. Uses independent judgment and radiographic skills to position patients in order to obtain quality exams.
15. Alters positioning of patient and/or equipment as required by patient condition to obtain required images.
16. Produces hard-copy images and/or digitally archived images for use in patient care.
17. Operates fixed and mobile radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment. Selects and modifies technical factors based on patient's age, weight, and physical condition to produce optimal images while keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
18. Operates film processors, laser imagers, film digitizers, and contrast injectors.
19. Operates various computer systems.
20. Ensures images are identified with appropriate patient and examination identification information.
21. Verifies that area of interest has been imaged according to standard department protocols.
22. Differentiates between artifacts and normal pathological processes.
23. Determines need for repeat or additional images, and the technical factor or patient positioning adjustments required to correct image/examination deficiencies

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE and REGISTRATION:

1. Graduate of an accredited school of radiology
2. ACLS Required
3. Certification and current registration as a radiographer by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) required
4. Certification and current registration in Cardiovascular (CV) or Vascular Interventional (VI) or Cardio Interventional (CI) technology by the ARRT preferred

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

1. Minimum 1-3 years work experience as a Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Technologist
2. Knowledge of medical terminology.
3. Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
4. Knowledge of radiation physics, radiobiology, and radiation protection.
5. Knowledge of radiologic contrast media and medications routinely used in radiology.
6. Knowledge of radiographic image production and processing.
7. Knowledge of the principles of digital imaging and digital subtraction techniques.
8. Knowledge of Interventional Radiology supplies and techniques.
9. Skill in applying the principles of radiation protection and safety.
10. Skill in performing venipuncture and starting IVs.
11. Skill in communicating with patients of all ages to explain procedures and obtain patient cooperation in completing procedures.
12. Skill in operating digital imaging and subtraction equipment.
13. Ability to accurately apply knowledge of radiologic positioning and exposure technique.
14. Ability to understand and adhere to exam protocols and guidelines.
15. Experience to recognize when altering exam protocols is necessary to achieve desired imaging results.
16. Ability to respond appropriately in highly stressful emergency situations when a patient's life is in jeopardy.
17. Must be able to operate a computer keyboard and mouse to enter information into various computer systems.
18. Ability to operate the supply cabinets without complications.

REASONING ABILITY:

1. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
2. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

1. Must interact and communicate both verbally and in written form.
2. Must interact and exchange information regarding patients with physicians and other departmental personnel, and outside agencies on a frequent basis while respecting the confidentiality of patient information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
2. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
3. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position involves potential exposure to infectious diseases. Colleagues are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training.
COMMENTS:
This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
SAFETY SENSITIVE
This position is a Safety Sensitive Position. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.