Computer Tomography Technician, San Marcos, On-Call

Job Summary :

Under indirect supervision, provides patient services using imaging modalities. Performs a variety of Computed Tomography procedures on patients of all age categories. Evaluates images for technical quality. Exercises professional attitude and judgment in the performance of duties. Provides patient care essential to Computed Tomography procedures. Recognizes patient conditions requiring immediate action and initiates life support measures.

Essential Responsibilities :

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Is responsive to the needs of others by maintaining a professional behavior toward members and coworkers
• Identifies the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and makes accommodations for such differences.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in delivery of services to patients of the age group served.
• Exercises clinical judgment that conforms to established standards.
• Documents clinical activities in a timely, comprehensive and accurate manner.
• Observes all organizational, regional, medical service area and Diagnostic Imaging department policies and procedures.
• Maintains standards of professional behavior established to enhance quality of service. Utilizes effective communication skills
• Demonstrates professional behavior / conduct in all interactions with patients and staff.
• Meets productivity norms achieved by peers within the department. Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines.
• Essential Clinical Duties and Responsibilities :
• Explains procedure to the patient, verifies patient history and confirms appropriateness of ordered exam / procedure
• Selects appropriate software for the exam, utilizing a variety of software programs ;  based on imaging principles , area of interest to be demonstrated and patient conditions,  enters  data such as type of scan requested, slice thickness, scan time and other technical factors into computer.
• Positions and immobilizes patient in order to obtain diagnostic image(s) of area of interest ; may administer contrast media orally or assist radiologist in intravenous administration.
• Recognizes adverse reactions or changes in patient condition and reacts appropriately  Observes all standards for radiation safety / protection in order to minimize dose
• Utilizes scanning techniques, selects best plane, acquisition method (e.g.,spiral, dynamic, multi-row detector), parameters (e.g.,slice thickness, mA, time, algorithm, pitch) to best demonstrate anatomy and pathology in studies such as those performed for the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and musculoskeletal.
• Modifies protocols as indicated by presence of pathology or trauma
• May perform special procedures such as-but not limited to-3-D studies, biopsies, drainage and aspiration, post myelography, CT arthrography, CT angiography, cardiac gating  and interventional CT )
• Evaluates images on video display screen for diagnostic quality and  presence of artifacts;evaluates videotapes and computer generated information for technical quality; takes corrective action as indicated to ensure image quality
• Photographs / films images / scans utilizing appropriate window / level settings and formats; archives images and data.