Radiographer I

NATURE & SCOPE

The Radiographer I is responsible for taking medical images for diagnostic purposes. Work involves positioning and imaging patients for optimum diagnostic image quality and is performed generally in the Radiology department of a health institution. Work is reviewed by a professional superior through discussions and analysis of images taken.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Radiographer I:

• Dispenses radiation in keeping with the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles.
• Dispenses radiation to patients as necessary by the nature of the examination to be done, in accordance with departmental imaging protocols.
• Ensures that radiographs and other images are produced to satisfy image quality requirements.
• Organizes the assigned work area, in accordance with departmental procedures, to promote quality care.
• Assists the Radiologists in special procedures and in preparing and administering contrast media for imaging purposes.
• Assists Surgeons and Clinicians in complex radiological studies in and out of the Operating Theatre.
• Maintains radiation safety and general safety of the patient while in the department.
• Adheres to departmental quality assurance and control protocols such as, but not limited to, recording of imaging identification, documentation of patient procedures and protocols and reject analysis.
• Counsel's patients by explaining the nature of activity prior to positioning and imaging.
• Maintains proper care and use of equipment, reporting faults as they occur to the relevant supervisor and/or responsible department.
• Assists with the replenishment of stocks necessary for the efficient running of the department.
• Conducts training with interns in the field of Radiology.
• Contributes to continuous departmental and professional progress through participation in organizational activities as well as the execution of annual continuous professional development activities.
• Maintains the professional code of conduct and code of ethics as regulated by the Radiographers Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Performs any other related work as required by the appropriate Authority.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques employed in Diagnostic Radiography.
• Knowledge of anatomy (including cross-sectional anatomy) and physiology as it relates to diagnostic imaging.
• Clinical correlation skills.
• Knowledge in the area of radiation protection and safety.
• Knowledge of radiology equipment, instrumentation inclusive of general handling, safety precautions, general operator maintenance and associated potential occupational hazards.
• Knowledge of current professional standards of practice/best practice.
• Ability to operate radiologic equipment.
• Ability to position patients in order to obtain the quality medical images.
• Ability to administer contract media to patients as directed by a Radiologist.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with patients and with other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to recognize critical symptoms in patients and within department and report promptly to minimize or avert problems.
• Ability to perform basic life support.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Training as evidenced by a Bachelor's Degree in Radiography, Medical Imaging or comparable discipline.
• Registration with the Council for Professions Related to Medicine of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Certificate in Contrast Media Injection would be an asset.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Radiography Students
• On-the-Job-Trainees

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP

Internal:

• Radiographer II
• Primary Care Physician II
• Manager-Para-Clinical Services
• Specialist Medical Officer (Radiology) – Head of Department
• Other radiology personnel
• Other members of the health care team
• Biomedical Department
• Materials Department

External:

• Clients
• Equipment Suppliers/Service Providers
• Training Institutions