Cardio-Vascular Interventional Radiology (CVIR) Technologist

Position: Cardio-Vascular Interventional Radiology (CVIR) Technologist 

Department: Endovascular

Schedule: Per Diem

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Nurse Director and Supervisor of the area, the CVIR technologists provide skill and initiative to the department mission through interactions with staff, manager, clinicians and others as necessary.  He/she performs technological activities of the Endovascular Suite to ensure the provision of safe and effective care for patients undergoing endovascular procedures. These may include (but not limited to) diagnostic and interventional procedures involving cardiology, vascular surgery, Interventional and Neuro-Interventional Radiology.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Performs required technological duties of the Endovascular Suite to ensure the provision of safe and effective care for patients undergoing Endovascular procedures according to departmental practices and procedures and physicians instructions. 
• Prepares patient by explaining the procedure.  Assists with attaching hemodynamic monitoring equipment.  Performs sterile prepping of anatomic location of catheter insertion. 
• Ensures that the Endovascular Suites remain a sterile environment for all procedures.  Sets up for procedures adhering to sterile technique and continues to practice sterile and aseptic technique throughout the performance of procedures.  This may include scrubbing in, in order to prepare surgical equipment and provide equipment to surgeons.   Assists with selection and insertion of proper catheters.
• Sets up, operates and troubleshoots radiologic equipment and uses proper technical factors appropriate to patient size, body habitus and/or pathologic state.  Sets parameters for radiation dose and digital acquisition of images.  Adjusts techniques when necessary to improve or obtain the highest quality study. Works through physician’s requirements to provide appropriate images and provides additional views and variations of techniques as requested.
• Positions patient and equipment for optimal fluoroscopic visualization and ensures their modesty and comfort at all times.
• Records hemodynamic data, patient symptoms and responses. Recognizes and communicates any changes in EKG, blood pressure, O2 saturation or any other parameters to the physician and team. 
• Ensures that exams requested match patient condition and/or history and calls or asks proper persons for more information as necessary to perform the proper study.
• Uses supplies appropriately to minimize waste and expense.
• Completes all tasks by the end of the shift or communicates with coworkers about work that needs completion.
• Ensures that all required documentation is properly completed for billing purposes to include (but not necessarily limited to) electronic orders and paperwork related to all procedures performed and proper charging of CPT, HCPCS and supply codes.
• Archives imaging studies appropriately once procedure is complete. 
• Operates a variety of specialized equipment used during procedures.
• Responds to emergency situations effectively and according to department and hospital policy and procedures. 
• Anticipates and functions effectively in crisis situations as observed by supervisor and co-workers. 
• Keeps radiologic equipment in working order to ensure reliability before and during procedures.  Troubleshoots minor problems with equipment and recognizes and reports any equipment malfunction or variation to manager and or Biomedical Engineering to maximize equipment up time, patient care and minimize dollar impact to the hospital.
• Reports errors promptly and takes appropriate follow up action to rectify error.
• Provides education and training to student and intern technologists. 
• Handles phone calls and all requests for services professionally, courteously and appropriately. 
• Provides on call coverage as required for the department. Participates in research initiatives and the development of research protocols. 
• Participates and documents QA and QC procedures as required.
• Follows all radiation safety procedures to ensure that the patient is not compromised as it relates to radiation safety.  Understands ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) and applies these principles at all times for self, patients and others.  Disposes of hazardous waste appropriately.  Wears lead apron and/or other lead protection as appropriate.
• Maintains current licensure, registrations, certifications, continuing education requirements and competencies appropriately and timely.
• Understands and models Boston Medical Center’s behavioral standards and goals.  Performs other related duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Requires two years post-high school training in an approved school of Radiologic Technology.  CVIR education normally obtained through clinical training in an Interventional Radiology and/or Cardiac Catheterization lab.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Massachusetts State license in Radiography.
• Must be ARRT certified and registered in Radiography-R.T(R) and advanced certified and annual registered in either Vascular-Interventional (VI) or Cardiac-Interventional Radiography (CI) within 18 months of hire. 
• All applicable continuing education credits required for certifications held.
• Current ACLS, BLS and telemetry certification required.

EXPERIENCE:

At least 2 years as a registered radiologic technologist and 6 months in a special procedures setting (i.e. Cardiac Cath or Interventional Radiology lab, including Neuro interventional radiology) is required.  Preferred: At least 1 year recent Cardiac Cath Lab or Interventional Radiology experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans