Allegheny Health Network Careers

Date Posted: 12/09/2016
Position Number: 52946
Location: West Penn Hospital
Department: CT
Status: Casual
Shift: Rotating, primarily nights
Non-union

Allegheny Health Network is an integrated delivery network focused on preserving health care choice and providing affordable, high-quality care to the people in our communities. With more than 14,000 employees including 7,400 health care professionals, nearly 200 primary care and specialty care practices, Allegheny Health Network includes seven hospitals in Pennsylvania with nearly 2,400 licensed beds.

Allegheny Health Network’s clinical expertise ranges from primary care to the most complex surgical procedures. Services include cancer diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular care, neurological and neurosurgical services, organ transplantation, orthopedic and rehabilitation services, and women’s health.

Job Summary: Operates CT equipment to produce cross-sectional images for diagnostic purposes after assessing and screening patients based on ACR and supporting governing bodies' regulations and requirements. Complies with applicable safety policies, procedures, and regulatory agencies' guidance. Ensures safety of patients, visitors, and associates. Performs diagnostic imaging according to radiologist/medical director approved protocols and completes other duties as assigned. Serves as a physician liaison and department expert. Interacts with patients in a compassionate manner and demonstrates professionalism in a interactions. Works collaboratively with medical staff and other associates to ensure timely and thorough medical imaging.

Responsibilities:

• Utilizes a CT scanner and its associated equipment to perform diagnostic CT studies in an age-sensitive manner. Follows established CT protocols and consults radiologist or chief technologist when modifications to protocols are needed. Positions patients and selects anatomical and technical parameters accurately to independently perform CT imaging to include use of post processing equipment. Address age specific requirements and established time frames. Prepares for and assists the physicians in CT procedures if applicable.
• Communicates and interacts with patients with consideration for varying degrees of illness in order to elicit the necessary clinical history and to ensure patient understanding and cooperation. Reads and reviews all orders, patient clinical history, lab results and reason for exam prior to beginning patient exam. Verifies the accuracy of the patient order. Requests orders for and/or performs laboratory test when required. Utilizes multiple software applications to enter history and track exams.
• Notifies Radiologist of critical CT exams that require immediate interpretation. Reviews and post processes images ensuring that a diagnostic exam is available for interpretation. Prepares and administers contrast media and/or medications within the accepted scope of practice and applicable state and federal regulations using established procedures/protocols. Responds to adverse events or any change in patient's status while undergoing exam and in the department.
• May perform duties of Radiology Technologist as assigned or required. May assist with transportation of patients/families when necessary. Assists with orientation of new hires and clinical oversight requirements for students as applicable.
• Maintains adequate supplies for exam area and notifies supervisor when supplies need to be ordered. Completes daily calibrations and warm-up procedures in order to ensure optimal image and quality and to ensure that the CT scanner is operating in accordance with the equipment manufacture's specifications. Utilizes appropriate safety standards and performs quality control procedures when needed.
• Delivers positive patient experience. Cooperates with and maintains excellent working relationships with patients, AHN leadership and staff, physician offices and designated external agencies or vendors. Performs any written or verbal communication necessary to exchange information with designated contacts and promote working relationships.
• Has a daily focus on attaining productivity standards, recommending new approaches for enhancing performance and productivity when appropriate. Adheres to AHN organizational policies and procedures for relevant location and job scope. Completes and/or attends mandatory training and educational sessions within approved organizational guidelines and timeframes.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements:

• Associates Degree or certificate from two year college or technical school.
• ARRT Registered Technologist RT(R) required. RT(CT) eligible, certification may be required within 12 months per facility. CPR certification.
• Works under minimal supervision. Performs duties in accordance with departmental guidelines. Seeks direction for issues outside of guidelines. Requires critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.
• Ability to perform venipuncture preferred. Able to take calls and respond to the hospital within designated time frame (where applicable).
• Follows standard and/or other appropriate precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.
• Minimum one year related experience or training.