Mammography Technologist COND- Part Time

Advocate Health Care; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Libertyville, Illinois is looking for a Radiologic Technologist specializing in mammography. The role involves performing diagnostic mammograms, ensuring patient comfort, and adhering to safety standards. Candidates should have 1–2 years of relevant experience and be certified as a Registered Radiologic Technologist.

This position emphasizes quality patient care and communication skills, with responsibilities ranging from performing exams to educating patients about procedures.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years experience as Radiologic Technologist or sonographer.
• Knowledge of breast anatomy and ability to recognize patients experiencing fear.
• Continuous education in mammography and understanding of age-related needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform screenings and diagnostic mammograms per protocols.
• Document patient images and histories accurately.
• Provide patient education before, during, and after procedures.
• Ensure quality control of mammography equipment.

Skills

Good verbal and written communication skills

Ability to handle anxious and fearful patients

Technical skills as a radiographer

Knowledge of mammography positioning

Education

Graduate of AMA Approved Program in Radiologic Technology

Job description

Major Responsibilities

• Performs screening and diagnostic mammograms and bone density testing on physician referred patients according to established clinical protocols and MQSA Quality Guidelines.
• Delivers patient care in accordance with department/hospital standards; changes to adapt to customer/department needs.
• Uses proper telephone scripting at all times.
• Accurately documents patient images electronically.
• Positions the breast to obtain the appropriate standard and alternative views.
• Adjusts positioning and technique for thorough quality exam based on patient’s anatomy and condition.
• Keeps patient informed and encourages patient to ask questions regarding own care.
• Applies radiation protection to patient in accordance with accepted radiation protection standards for mammography.
• Documents patient history and other pertinent clinical information in RIS or Penrad computer database, when available, designed for this purpose.
• Selects technical factors to ensure appropriate capture of digital images.

Prepare and process patient clinical and demographic information

• Secures or otherwise makes arrangements for mammography films performed elsewhere to be sent to the Advocate Condell Breast Imaging Center.
• Obtains current personal and family history of breast disease using computer databases, i.e. Penrad to record information.
• Secures patient consent forms as may be required; these consents include Pregnancy Consent and Verification, Authorization Form to Release Medical Information and Consent for Interventional Procedures.
• Documents the presence of a physical lump, moles or other skin lesions with BB Markers and draws or labels breast diagrams in Penrad, indicating location of anatomical scars, previous surgical sites or other abnormalities.
• Documents procedure information in RIS or Penrad, when available.
• Acknowledges patient exam completion in RIS.

Prepare mammographic images, scans documentation and determine when radiographic exam adheres to department standard for interpretation by the Radiologist

• Procures historical images and prepares these images for review by the Radiologist.
• Ensures the presence of any previous diagnostic or pathology reports.
• Prepares current images for dictation by ensuring proper image identification and scanning orders into PACs.
• Ensures all paperwork, forms and diagrams are complete and accurate and merged into PACs therefore ready for use by the supervising Radiologist.
• Provides accurate notes detailing any comments, unique circumstances or observations in Medical Record or Penrad, when available that will aid the Radiologist in dictating the mammographic report.
• Processes and sends to the appropriate areas, procedure requisitions, history forms, consents and other documentation as it may be generated.

Provide pre-procedure, procedure and post-procedure education and instruction to the patient appropriate to the patient's needs and requirements

• Participates in advanced mammographic procedures such as needle localizations, galactograms, Stereotactic biopsy and specimen radiographs.
• On a pre-procedure basis, establishes patient comfort by familiarizing the patient with the equipment and aspects of the procedure to be performed.
• Demonstrates how the equipment operates, the use of compression and addresses any questions the patient may have on a procedural basis; the technologist must identify the anxious and fearful patient and modify both the mammographic routine and communication style to reduce the patient’s anxiety and complete the study.
• On a post-procedure basis, the mammography technologist must describe in sufficient detail the process by which the images will be processed and read by the Radiologists and how the diagnostic reports are communicated to the referring physician and how layman report is sent to patient's home.
• Maintains patient modesty and confidentiality throughout the entire patient visit.
• The technologist must facilitate or direct the patient to other resources in the patient’s quest to seek additional information or address other issues outside the scope of the mammography service; the technologist must offer to assist this patient in this effort.
• Properly labels and identifies specimens to go to lab.

Perform mammography equipment quality control and quality assurance tests established to meet MQSA Quality Control/Quality Assurance Standards and equipment manufacturer’s recommendations

• Performs start-up and shut-down procedures according to established procedures.
• Performs equipment warm-up and calibration tests according to manufacturer’s recommended frequency.
• Cleans illuminator panels and surfaces as needed to remove sources of dirt, contamination and artifacts.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment surfaces that come into direct contact with the patient’s skin.

Delivery of Patient Care in accordance with departmental standards of continued quality improvement

• Follows Accrediting Organization requirements regarding safety and protection of patients and staff.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills by answering questions from all customers in an appropriate and respectful manner.
• Takes an active role in ensuring the general appearance of the department is clean, uncluttered and calm.
• Maintains positive customer relations following prescribed department policies.
• Participates in team problem solving issues that would improve patient care, department operations, image quality, interdepartmental relationships and employee satisfaction.

Ensure a secure and safe patient and work environment by maintaining continued awareness of safety hazards

• Adheres to safety practices and provides a safe work environment for self and others.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.

Education/Experience Required

• Graduate of AMA Approved Program in Radiologic Technology – 1–2 years experience as Radiologic Technologist or sonographer – 40 hours of specialized training and continuing education in mammography – Knowledge of breast anatomy – Ability to recognize patients experiencing fear or anxiety – Able to recognize needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e. understand the differences of female growth and development, and look for signs of normal aging; degree of understanding and physical limitation related to age.

Licensure, Registration And/or Certification Required

• Registered Radiologic Technologist/ARRT – IDNS License
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle anxious and fearful patients.
• Demonstrated technical skills as a radiographer.
• Knowledge of mammography positioning.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Position best performed by a female who enjoys working with women in health related issues.
• Must understand and take seriously the social and psychological issues associated with mammography and breast cancer.
• Must keep informed of changes in regulatory requirements, including FDA, IEMA, ACR, and MQSA.
• Must engage in continuous learning and review of new and emerging technologies.
• Must be flexible and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and growing patient volume.
• Must demonstrate confidence in one’s own ability and have a calming effect on patients and others.

Additional Information

If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case‑by‑case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.