skills and qualities of a radiographer

Radiographers spend the better part of each workday standing and walking. They are increasingly responsible for the analysis and interpretation of these images… Radiology technicians and technologists are responsible for performing X-rays and other imaging tasks to help diagnose health problems in their patients. In doing so, they become integral to the outcome of the patient experience and to the effective service delivery for the wider community. Entry requirements. The Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) 16th report17 refers to NHS statistics that show an increase of five times in the number of CT scans performed during 2012/2013 when compared to 1996/97. Governance in health and social care is more apparent than ever. A good radiographer needs to be organised and efficient, but also capable of making a patient feel relaxed. Emergency department physicians, nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists may accompany these patients. 2. They use their wide range of skills and training to deliver a sensitive, patient-focused healthcare service in imaging and radiotherapy. So, let’s go through each of these traits. Combine a passion for technology with sharp analytical skills and a desire to help others, and you’ll have the ideal applicant for a radiography and medical technology degree. One of the most important characteristic a radiographer must possess is to keep the radiation dose to the patient as low as reasonable. Because licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state, a radiographer may take one of several different training paths. As well as the condition under investigation, patients may have other specific needs such as mobility or learning difficulties. As previously described, the CT radiographer may be involved in each step of the patient pathway including receiving the referral and justifying or authorising the examination, carrying out the exposure, issuing the results and recommending further investigations or follow up care. The CT radiographer must ensure each examination is performed for the right patient, in the right place and at the right time. Radiographers are accountable under national legislation including the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER) 2000,8  Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 20009 and subsequent amendments, 200610 and 201111, the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR’99)12  and Health and Safety at Work Act 197413 as well as local policies and procedures. Each university course varies, but core subjects include communication skills, digital imaging, anatomy, imaging techniques, patient care, radiation physics and research methods. I consider that my personality, personal qualities, attributes and transferable skills match me very well to the requirements of working in radiography. They will apply their anatomical, physiological and radiographic knowledge to ensure the scan is appropriate, justified and meets the needs of the patient. SDH offers three days of work experience, organised through voluntary services. There are numerous skills and qualities needed to be a competent and effective Radiographer. Qualities of a Radiographer Interpersonal Skills. The radiographer should ensure the working environment is as free from distraction as possible. An effective CT team has a common ethos and shared objectives. Radiographer Job Description Example/Template Show off your strengths, like having a good attitude when faced with difficulty or being willing to go above and beyond expectations to help someone out. As a diagnostic radiographer, you'll typically need to: 1. assess patients and their clinical requirements to work out which radiographic techniques to use 2. perform a range of radiographic examinations on patients to produce high-quality images 3. take responsibility for radiation safety in your work area, including checking equipment for malfunctions and errors 4. manage referrals to ensure patients receive a radiation dose as low as reasonably possible 5. supervise visiting staff and patients in radiation work … Therapeutic radiographers have expertise in the relevant technologies, in the natural history of many cancers and in the human aspects of patient care (they work with people going through worrying times).The role, treatment techniques and technology are constantly evolving, so you will never stop learning in this role. She needs to use these skills to track any changes or unusual signs in an X-ray. Since they will be working as part of a team, communication is also a key quality that every radiographer should possess. They must be aware of the national and local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and dose constraints established for the examinations they undertake, particularly in relation to children and young adults.21They must work closely with paediatric specialists and take particular care when scanning this age group who are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to cumulative lifetime risks of cell damage caused by radiation. Conclusions : To be a review radiographer requires advanced knowledge at Masters level, with well developed listening and interpersonal skills and enjoyment of the people side of the profession. Patients often have to travel while attached to multiple intravenous infusions, they may be immobilised due to injury or have their breathing supported by mechanical ventilation. Background. The radiographer has a duty to understand medical terminology and abbreviations in order to produce high quality CT images safely. Telephone: 020 7740 7200, Contact with infected patients or suspected cases, Current and emerging issues for radiographers, Infection prevention and control responsibilities, Returners to practice; retired radiographers; registered radiographers in other work areas; and volunteers, Sick leave and time off to look after dependants, Wellbeing, emotional and mental health support and resources. As the IR(ME)R practitioner in CT, the radiographer, when entitled, is responsible for the justification of the medical exposure. Diagnostic radiographers deal with patients with a variety of injuries and illnesses. A CT scan takes longer to perform than an x-ray. I understand that is short but i genuanlly beleive having those abilities will give you everything you need to know to excell and impress within radiography. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. 23 5 years ago I'd say acting skills are necessary to a degree, or maybe just your composure? You'll usually need: four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent qualifications, for a higher or a degree apprenticeship; Work. So what is it that makes up the traits of the best of the best radiologists? Mechanical Aptitude Diagnosing equipment problems Repairing malfunctioning equipment Calibrating and maintaining radiology equipment Mechanical aptitude Evaluating new equipment and technology Problem solving They should be experts in efficiency but be able to distinguish this from speed in order to work safely. You need to possess certain skills and characteristics to be a radiographer: • You need to have a genuine interest in healthcare • You need an interest in science and technology, as it involves using high end equipment such as x-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI scanners, etc. Radiographers, also known as radiologic technicians and technologists, work with patients on taking diagnostic imaging exams like X-rays. a good understanding of general medicine and surgery. Clinical radiologists need: an analytical mind, an eye for detail and good observational skills. You will have to deal with the stress that comes along with working in the medical profession, in addition to demonstrating your expertise in your field on a regular basis. "You must enjoy meeting people, be a good communicator, have the ability to learn and adapt your skills to new technology, be calm and adaptable - if you suddenly experience a failure in the equipment, you need to know very quickly how to deal with the situation.” Training to be a radiographer … Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. This may be undertaken by a combination of in-house training and courses accessed via the SCoR website: https://www.sor.org/learning/post-registration-courses/certificate-of-iv-administration. Most U.S. states require radiology techs to be licensed as well. The core categories needed to operate in the role were identified as knowledge, listening skills and characteristics with sub categories of self-reflection, interpersonal skills and attitudes. Published: 10 Oct 2017 As with all medical jobs, radiography is a demanding profession. Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them. Radiographers work in CT either as a dedicated member of a specialist team or on a rotational basis. Career development continues post-graduation. All healthcare professionals must act in accordance with the standards of conduct, performance and ethics set by their regulatory body. Once qualified, students graduate and become a state registered radiographer. Radiographers should be instrumental in leading change, be able to adapt to evolving needs in the healthcare environment and be proactive in identifying issues and raising concerns when necessary. Regulations and further guidance is available on the SCoR website: https://www.sor.org/practice/radiation-protection. In this industry, a breakdown in communication is not just a missed deadline or an unhappy customer – it can quite literally be life and death. manual dexterity for certain roles. Radiographers require additional training to operate peripheral devices such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines and contrast agent delivery systems safely. good clinical knowledge across all … Radiographers look after people who are unwell or in pain, and may be anxious or uncertain about what is going to happen. The jointly published “Team working in Clinical Imaging” document24 details the shared views of the SCoR and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). The CT radiographer must possess the confidence to challenge decisions they do not consider are in the best interest of the patient. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. The report highlights the increased average radiation dose to the population. They must comply with employer’s procedures. Adaptability. Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action. CT radiographers must embrace teamwork and recognise diversity within the team. © 2020 The Society and College of Radiographers, 207 Providence Square, Mill Street, London SE1 2EW The variety of work in diagnostic radiography with its potential career opportunities to specialise, is another aspect of the profession that highly appeals to me. Skills and interests. Some of the qualities needed to be effective on the job include attention to details, IT skills, and teamwork ability. For more details on a career in radiography visit sor.org, Get involved with the news in your community, This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. How does Gemma use maths in radiography? They assess patients' needs, both emotional and physical, before using techniques to create images. In both cases, the radiographer must have expertise that builds upon pre and post registration education and training to work safely and effectively. For reference purposes, the professional qualities of a Radiographer working within Nuclear Medicine may also be related to a Technologist as many departments within the UK employ a mixture of both professional groups. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. "While there is academic study required to be a radiographer, you really need to be empathetic, because you are working closely with patients. Number: In radiography, Gemma uses a lot of number skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. physiology and pathology. The National Occupational Standards for CT scanning14 represent the basic skills for all radiographers working in CT whether on a rotational basis or as a permanent CT team member. There are two types of radiographer. They must also ensure that the patient is safe and comfortable and treated with respect, compassion and dignity at all times. For radiographers this is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).5 There is a professional expectation that radiographers behave in a way that reflects the Society and College of Radiographers’ (SCoR) Code of Professional Conduct.6 They must develop and work within their own personal scope of practice.7. At this level of practice, they are likely to be more influential in streamlining patient care. It recognises the need for senior NHS leadership in order to achieve this. Although the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)4 exists to identify the core dimensions within Radiography as Regular reviews of practice and processes are fundamental to safe service delivery and good governance. Radiographers are equipped with the technological skills to handle imaging equipment and the interpersonal skills necessary for patient care. A successful, skilled CT radiographer will earn the confidence of the patient in order to establish their consent and compliance. You may be able to do a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer degree apprenticeship. An aptitude to pre-empt and avoid non-intended outcomes is key to safe scanning. Objectives of the College of Radiographers, Fellowship of the College of Radiographers, Radiographer of the Year and UK Team of the Year, College of Radiographers Doctoral Fellowship Grant, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Application for programme/placement approval, Exclusive e-learning discounts for overseas members, Developing tomorrow’s leaders: Essential Training for Radiography Managers, Postgraduate award in mammography practice, Archived and superseded policy and guidance document library, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Essential Training for Radiography Managers, March 2020, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders: March 2019, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders: November 2019, Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR), Formal Radiography Research Mentorship (FoRRM), North West chest x-ray reporting radiographers SIG, Supply, Administration & Prescribing Radiographers, 2020 Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month #MUAM, 2019 Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month #MUAM, 2018 Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month #MUAM, The Control of Electro Magnetic Fields at Work Regulations (CEMFAW), Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging Advisory Group (NMMAG), The Association of Paediatric Radiographers, Making a claim: What to do when things go wrong, Role and Functions of Safety Representatives, Gender Occupational health and safety (GOSH), A SCoR Survivor's Guide to Marches and Rallies, Regional Committee/National Council Member Registration, The Role of the Radiographer in Computed Tomography Imaging, https://www.sor.org/learning/post-registration-courses/certificate-of-iv-administration, https://www.sor.org/practice/radiation-protection, 2.2 Diagnosis of diseases and staging of cancer, 2.7 CT planning in therapeutic radiography, 4.2 Training and continuing professional development (CPD), 4.3 Duties of the CT radiographer under IR(ME)R. 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