CT Technologist

Mission Statement
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to provide technical and specialized skills in the performance of CT procedures on MDACC patients. Duties and responsibilities are conducted in a manner that effectively supports efficient patient services. Ensures a safe environment for patients and peers. Practices radiation/ (MR) safety using ALARA concepts and appropriately shielding patient and others while performing studies/procedures. Performs procedures as prescribed by DI Faculty. Communicates and works with radiologists, physicists, clinicians, nursing staff and other patient care providers to ensure high quality diagnostic procedures are performed. Provides training, education and mentoring to students, technologists, nursing faculty and others.

Key Functions
Technical Skills:
· Responsible for provision of high quality exams while working in a dynamic, complex team oriented highly productive patient care environment.
· Performs studies/procedures as outlined in the Professional Development Model (PDM).
· Responsible for quality assurance activities on technical equipment and collaborates with appropriate parties to resolve image quality issues.
· Communicates effectively with patient care team members to answer the associated clinical care questions.
· Responsible for accurately entering data into the Radiology Information System, ClinicStation and other computer systems.
· Ensures that patient studies are appropriately coded and charged.
· Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to work effectively. .
· Practices responsible use of communication tools (whiteboard, paging systems, telephones, email, fax, etc).
· Corrects problems as they arise and notifies supervisor/manager when assistance is required to do so.
· Maintain productivity standards as defined in the section.
· Other duties as assigned.
· Error rates are minimized to appropriate established levels.
· Responsible for in depth knowledge of all routine section specific protocols/procedures. Able to perform specialized procedures/protocols with limited assistance.
· Ensures completion of all duties and conducts daily verbal hand-off communication to relief technologist at shift end.

Patient Care:
· Functions within professional scope of practice.
· Ensures the patient is imaged in a safe environment, free of hazards.
· Identifies patients using approved identifiers.
· Provides full attention to the patient and the procedure.
· Sets up patient studies utilizing approved protocols/procedures and brings questions forward before imaging patients.
· Follows fall precautions and posts patient updates on the whiteboards or though other communication methods.
· Ensures appropriate supplies are available for the procedure.
· Recognizes patient distress signs, initiates and follows emergency procedures: nurse/physician, DIURT, CODE.
· Utilizes sterile or aseptic technique where applicable.
· Follows the five rights of drug administration. .
· Exhibits professional and courteous customer service at all times.
· Other duties as assigned.
· Demonstrates knowledge of Age Specific Criteria in carrying out work duties and tasks.
· Demonstrates the ability to address and handle patient care concerns, Notifies the radiologist if when gross pathological findings are discovered.
· Seeks opportunities to assist in overall patient care activities .This may include escorting patients from holding areas to scanner, offering to work over when needed, assisting peers and nursing staff.
· Demonstrates the ability to address and handle patient care concerns by utilizing critical thinking to make sound decisions, within the approved ranges set by the radiologists and section to manage contingencies.
· Properly administers contrast agents
· Protect patients from ionizing radiation by following ALARA radiation safety guidelines, providing lead shielding when applicable and by monitoring of technical scanning parameters.