Mammography Technologist Trainee-Breast Center, Full-time Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Staff Radiographer reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Staff Radiographer performs diagnostic imaging procedures through the use of Radiographic equipment to generate information necessary for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patients in accordance with industry, departmental, hospital and IEMA policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• The Mammography Radiographer Trainee will function under the direction of a Registered Mammography Radiographer, a Technical Coordinator, or an Operations Coordinator of the Mammography department to complete their Mammography clinical experience requirements as dictated by ARRT Rules and Regulations in conjunction with MQSA Quality Standards.
• They will be supervised by a Registered Mammography Radiographer while responsible for performing the full range of clinically acceptable mammography procedures, which are of consistently acceptable quality as defined by department QA. Performs mammography procedures according to industry standards, along with department policies and procedures.
• Will perform procedures to generate imaging information necessary for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of inpatients and/or outpatients. Services are provided in accordance with industry standards, department protocols, and hospital policies and procedures.
• Evaluates the request for procedures and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate procedure protocol and method of application.
• Appropriately employs imaging systems, accessory devices, and patient positioning techniques to generate mammography images.
• Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to department and hospital standards of nursing care, age-specific sensitivities, and “patients' first” guidelines. 
• Evaluates the resultant images in comparison with industry standards and takes corrective action if needed.
• Perform preliminary interpretation by applying independent judgment, subsequently customizing the procedure accordingly. Uses this knowledge to expedite intervention by the radiologist if necessary.
• Notifies physicians as required of changes in the condition of the patients or regarding unique imaging characteristics.
• Assist the radiologist in the performance of interventional procedures. Prepares tray including procedure specific needs and other ancillary equipment.
• Completes and maintains the medical record consisting of images and associated paperwork.
• Provides patient education in the form of written material and/or verbal explanation prior to, during, and subsequent to the procedure in order to reduce the patient’s anxiety and enhance their comfort zone with and tolerance of the procedure.
• Performs imaging procedures in accordance with safe radiation safety practices as determined by the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to limit radiation exposure to patient, self, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Performs Quality Control testing with preceptor in accordance with FDA/ACR guidelines. Trainee must complete this ARRT requirement, along with the hands on positioning portion of training, in order to be eligible to take the mammography registry exam.  
• Assess and evaluate the physician’s orders for Radiological examinations according to departmental procedure.
• Evaluates the request for the procedure and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate protocol.
• Advises the patient of radiation safety related matters as appropriate.
• Educates patient as to the examination being performed, reduces patient anxiety, and provides comfort during the procedure.
• Positions patient and performs diagnostic imaging procedure utilizing appropriate equipment. Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to the department and hospital standards of nursing care, age-specific and “Patients First” guidelines and policies.
• Completes and maintains medical record of the patient.
• Performs electronic quality analysis of the Radiographic image.

Additional Functions 

• Monitors supply par levels in imaging rooms to assure their regular availability by timely reordering, rotation of dated items, and by maintenance of a clean and orderly environment.
• Report incidences of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance, and equipment in disrepair to supervisory and/or quality, control personnel as soon as possible.
• Adheres to research protocols and maintains records for research data.
• Reports incidence of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance and equipment disrepair to supervisor, as soon as possible.
• Supplies and maintains the exam room in a manner consistent with department standards.
• Assist in the education of house staff, student technologists and ancillary personnel as it relates to diagnostic imaging.
• Facilitates scheduling and transportation of patients.
• Provides patient data with optimum quality and productivity to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction.
• Collects data to support the measurement and tracking of quality management.
• Participate in formal and informal process improvement and problem solving to enhance the quality of service to customers.
• Ensures the continuity of care through effective interactions with other departments.

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited Radiography program where competencies in evaluating and caring for pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients are a requirement.
• Active IEMA license
• ARRT registered in Radiography (ARRT)(R)
• CPR - Basic Life Support certification through American Heart Association
• Completion of 40 hours of training in an MQSA approved Mammography curriculum that includes dedicated training hours in both Digital and 3D Tomosynthesis mammography
• Adequately complete training and able to perform screening mammograms with indirect supervision within 4-6 weeks of start date.
• ARRT board registered in Mammography within 12 months of hire date.
• Physical Demand Requirement:
  • Physical demands required for this role include lift/carry up to 50 pounds and a push/pull force up to 50 pounds

Preferred:

• Three to five years experience in Radiography at a health care institution.
• Extensive computer knowledge
• Experience with clinical research
• Familiarity with radiation safety and related radiation procedures.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.