The Mammography Technologist is responsible for validating the physician order, documenting the patient history, positioning, and imaging of patients. The Technologist works closely with the Radiologist and the Mammography team to produce high quality diagnostic images in accordance with the department protocols. The Mammography Technologists assists the Radiologist with the performance of diagnostic and interventional procedures; performs a variety of technical procedures which require independent judgment, with integrity and initiative to apply prescribed ionizing radiation for radiographic diagnosis.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution. Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, colleagues, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Health. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places. Behaves in accordance with the Code of Conduct, Service Excellence Standards, and the Mission, Vision and Values of SJMH. Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management. Reviews patient's chart and results from previous mammographic procedures. Determines best possible imaging technique and identifies any previous concerns. Greets patient and identifies self by name. Briefly discusses duration of visit and checks two patient identifiers. Review and update patient's breast health history and records patient's personal and medical information in designate software tracking system. Explains the procedure(s) about to be performed to the patient to allay apprehensions and elicit cooperation. Reviews physician request for mammographic procedures; uses patient's history, reason for procedure, physician recommendations, department guidelines and personal judgment to determine appropriate diagnostic images and region(s) to be examined. Performs diagnostic procedures by adjusting, manipulating and controlling a variety of complex mammographic equipment and accessories. Demonstrates competence in advanced breast imaging technique, including but not limited to spot compression, magnification procedures, breast implant imaging, tomography, breast implant imaging, ductography, needle localization, core biopsy and breast specimen/pathology block imaging. Demonstrates and applies knowledge of techniques, procedures, equipment and materials, and breast anatomy to provide optimum images for interpretation. Performs physical breast examinations and documents clinical findings using standard descriptive terminology. Monitors patient's condition before and during performance of diagnostic procedures for tolerance and comfort, recognizing changes that may require emergency action and initiating appropriate responses. Provides accurate diagnostic image identification, critiques image quality for completeness and best possible imaging. Repeat(s) imaging based on best clinical judgment and common sense. Collects all completed diagnostic images and forwards to appropriate location(s) for interpretation and results reporting. Works directly with the radiologist to determine next steps; additional mammography views, ultrasound, biopsy or follow-up until the exam is complete. Provides a thorough and direct patient hand-off to other technical staff, nursing or radiologist. Provides patient with mammography imaging results in the diagnostic setting. Able to confidently talk with the patient about breast health, benign breast disease, advanced imaging tech ology and recommendation(s) for return visit. Demonstrates ability to maintain sterilization, isolation and infection control techniques to prevent contamination. Documents infection control procedures and activities as necessary. Uses appropriate hand washing techniques after every patient encounter. Ability to communicate effectively in a calming and reassuring manner on a daily basis with patients whose anxiety level is uniquely intense. Ability to communicate effectively with patients that have educational, language, cultural or physical barriers. In accordance with unit or departmental practice, determines that appropriate ordering physician, ICD10 code and other charges have been entered for the correct patient encounter, date/time of service, with any required modifiers. Make corrections as needed per charge capture policy/practice. Performs and documents multiple modality Quality Assurance and Quality Control testing as required by the American College of Radiology, State of Michigan and Mammography Quality Standards Act. Monitors quality control on a daily basis; reports operational and functional instrumentation problems to appropriate personnel. Documents all corrective action taken. Maintains all registry and certifications current and in compliance at all times as required by the American College of Radiology, State of Michigan and Mammography Quality Standards Act. Adapts and cooperates with schedule and location changes. Maintains congenial relationships with all staff at all locations. Maintains BLS competency as evidenced by attendance at an annual BLS review. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related seminars, conferences or continuing medical education programs. Practices safe radiation techniques using As Low As Reasonably Achievable practice, offering lead shielding as appropriate. This includes individual accountability by always wearing a dosimeter. Participates in department meetings, orientation training, in-service and quality assurance programs. Involvement with pertinent committees in the hospital that relate to Women's Health.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE
Education:
Completion of a JCERT accredited Radiologic Technologist program
Maintain Continuing Education credits (24 CEC in two-year period) and other ARRT requirements
Maintain 15 Continuing Education credits (CEC) in Mammography within a 3-year period.
Experience:
Two years' experience as a Radiologic Technologist is preferred
Certification/Licensure:
Registered Radiographer by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Registered Mammography Technologist by ARRT or registry-eligible and must achieve Mammography-certification within six months of hire
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification as required by the hospital
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Must know methods of exposure to obtain clearly defined images and to set up and operate equipment with a focus on ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) Must be very conscientious and detail-oriented person with excellent communication skills and demonstrate excellent customer service skills to deal effectively with patients, and various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers, and community groups
This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the American’s with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicapper’s Act, or SJMHS’s Return to Work Program.
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Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.