/Institutions/Northwestern-Health-Sciences-University/json/2022-2023-University-Catalog/Copy-of-Radiologic-Technology-Clinical-Training-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Northwestern-Health-Sciences-University/json/2022-2023-University-Catalog/Copy-of-Radiologic-Technology-Clinical-Training-Handbook.json

Clinical Objectives

Non-academic actions that could lead to dismissal from the Radiologic Science Programs

1. Failure to exhibit clinical suitability/aptitude for Radiologic Science profession
2. Unsatisfactory progress in didactic or clinical training. Dismissal from a clinical training site results in a failing grade for this semester of CT.
3. Failure to comply with the Ethical Code of Conduct for NWHSU
4. Failure to comply with the ARRT Code of Ethics for Radiologic Technologists
5. Failure to exhibit professionalism in behavior and appearance in classes and clinical training
6. Failure to respect students and equipment in the classroom and clinical training
7. Failure to respect the confidentiality of students, patients, and clinical settings
8. Failure to attend classes, labs, and clinical training regularly and punctually
9. Failure to meet background check criteria set the Minnesota State Department of Health with regard to patient care and conduct (this may include other states during clinical training)
10. Refusal to meet Pre-Clinical Training requirements
11. Refusal to accept clinical site placement (all clinical training site placements are final)
12. Failure to adhere to clinical site rules and regulations
13. Failure to apply safety measures in equipment operation and radiation protection with regard to patients, students, and others

 

Deferral of a Clinical Site (Radiologic Technology Program)

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear (Student Name),

 

All students are placed at clinical sites that will provide them the best opportunity for success and growth as a radiation therapy professional.  Upon entering the Radiation Therapy Program, all students were notified and acknowledged that clinical placement sites are limited, and they may be placed outside of the local metropolitan area for the clinical education experience. 

 

Students who decline their first clinical education site placement, must initial below to indicate their understanding and acknowledgement of the following consequences of deferring the placement.  This completed form will be kept on file with the Radiation Therapy Clinical Coordinator.

 

_____ I understand that I may be placed at the end of the list waiting for clinical education placement. 

 

_____ I understand that I will be required to complete remedial work successfully prior to being placed the following trimester.

 

_____ I understand that refusing a clinical site a second time will put my continued enrollment in the Radiation Therapy Program at risk.

 

___________________________________

Print Name

 

___________________________________

Student Signature           Date

 

ORIENTATION TO CLINICAL SITE

• Locate the various departments found within the clinical site.
• To return or obtain supplies from areas of the clinical site.
• To return patients or get patients from their rooms.
• Identify rooms within the Radiology Department.
• Locate fire and medical emergency equipment; i.e. fire extinguishers, fire pull and crash cart.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

• Practice professional behavior within the radiology department.
• Observe confidentiality and treat patients with respect.
• Observe departmental policy and procedures.
• Practice effective, accurate, and clear communication with staff, patients and family members.
• Be aware of the legal responsibilities in the health care environment.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION AND SAFETY

• Identify and use equipment in the diagnostic radiology room.
• Handle equipment carefully and safely.
• Locate and use the radiation protection devices for staff and patients.

RADIATION PROTECTION

• Use appropriate beam limiting devices.
• Apply appropriate radiation protection measures for patients and staff.
• Reducing image retakes through:
  • Accurate positioning
  • Utilization of safe immobilization techniques
  • Selection of correct exposure factors with consideration of patient condition and body habitus
  • Proper communication/preparation of the patient for the examination to minimize the exposure dose to the patient.
• Utilize distance whenever possible during fluoroscopy and mobileradiography.
• Wear radiation-monitoring devices correctly.

COMPUTED/DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

• Observation of the Computed Radiography Process.
• Understand acceptable exposure indicators and parameters to produce a diagnostically acceptable image.
• Learn how to clean cassettes with the deep erase technique.

FLUOROSCOPY

• Prepare the control panel and x-ray machine for a fluoroscopic examination.
• Practice safety measures while assisting in the fluoroscopic room.
• Prepare the room, equipment and supplies for fluoroscopic examination.
• Prepare and instruct the patient.
• Assist radiologist with the examination.
• Assist with overhead radiographs.
• Critique results.

PATIENT CARE RELATED TO RADIOGRAPHY

• Use proper body mechanics.
• Transfer patients utilizing correct patient transfer techniques.
• Attend to the general care and comfort of the patient.
• Use universal precautions.
• Use sterile technique for those procedures that require it.
• Prepare medication or contrast media using sterile technique.
• Use proper procedure with indwelling catheters or I.V. tubing.
• Administer enemas (cleansing and/or diagnostic) using proper procedure.
• Obtain and record vital signs as required.
• Effectively assist in emergency situations
• Communicate effectively with patients, families of patients, co-workers, and supervisory personnel.
• Obtain pertinent information from patient chart and/or patient
• Communicate appropriately with pediatric and geriatric patients
• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
• Communicate effectively and demonstrate ability to obtain radiographic procedures with physically, visually and hearing impaired patients.

POSITIONING

• Apply knowledge of anatomy and radiographic positioning to obtain quality radiographs.
• Analyze body habitus and relate to radiographic positioning principles.
• Determine appropriate exposure factors.
• Critique the finished radiograph for quality and accuracy of positioning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of positioning and radiographic terminology.
• Apply and adapt skills demonstrated in the simulated laboratory to the clinical site.

EXPOSURE

• Correctly compute the exposure factors (mAs, kVp, SID)
• Utilize the correct applications and adjust technique accordingly in relation to specific radiographic studies (grid, filter, Bucky, etc.)
• Adapt technical factors according to pathological condition of the patient.
• Correctly utilize beam restrictors and other devices to minimize patient exposure.
• Utilize the inverse square law in reduction of exposure to patient, self, and staff.
• Utilize technique charts.
• Critique the finished radiograph for technical quality.

CONTRAST AGENTS

• Identify the specific type of contrast medium employed for specific examinations.
• Properly compute dosage and draw contrast medium for the specified examination, age, and size of the patient.
• Practice safety precautions utilized during injection of contrast medium.
• Obtain patient history prior to examination for safety and legal purposes.
• Know fundamentals of CPR.
• Perform intravenous procedures under direct supervision of a qualified R.T./R.N.

MOBILE RADIOGRAPHY AND C-ARM

• Manipulate mobile x-ray equipment and C-arm safely, utilizing proper locks, consideration of space confinements and demonstrate radiation safety.
• Relate exposure factors conversion for use in the mobile unit.
• Adapt to challenging positioning situations resulting from limitations of unit, patient condition and physical space constraints.
• Integrate the principles of bedside radiography to the surgical suite.
• Practice sterile technique in the surgical suite and in isolation areas.
• Clean the mobile unit and c-arm prior and after use.

EVENING AND WEEKEND RADIOGRAPHY

• Evaluate patient care needs for trauma patients; including head, spine and extremity injuries
• Demonstrate ability to select correct image receptors, precautions needed to protect technologists and patient.
• Identify symptoms complications from shock, head injury or spinal injury.
• Demonstrate ability to adapt radiographic projections to accommodate patient conditions effectively.
• Display self-confidence in stressful and non-traditional situations.

PEDIATRIC/GERIATRIC IMAGING

• Use age appropriate approach in an effort to effectively communicate with the patient.
• Use safe immobilization techniques to provide patient security and safety.
• Evaluate body habitus and employ minimal exposure factors to minimize radiation dose.
• Effectively communicates with pediatric and geriatric patient’s caregivers to alleviate concern, frustration and/or fear.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

• Apply the knowledge and principles of equipment operation
• Identify the logbook for the various pieces of equipment in the department.
• Report malfunctioning of equipment to the proper person.
• Relate signs and symptoms of malfunction to service personnel.
• Remove the patient from table before checking out malfunctioning equipment.

JOB SKILLS

• Demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm and motivation.
• Display ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ask pertinent questions to improve performance.
• Request feedback and apply constructive criticism to improve performance.
• Follow departmental procedures for the completion of requisitions and image routines.
• Keep work organized, accurate, and neat.
• Pull film envelopes or retrieve previous examinations as required.