Talking Radiology: Forums

post-processing-post collimating and quality control

mike smith — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:00:41 GMT

I worked at a facility where post rocessing or post-collimating was epidemic. They hired so many new grads who could not take an x-ray without opening up the cones and then using the computer to draw in a nicely collimated chest. This was everything that I had been taught not to do.

It started when we converted to digital. I would like to query anyone else that has this going on at their facility. I want to know how widespread it is. I know it exists here in Northern California and in New York City. The extent of which I am not sure. Email me with your comments and your area of the country. I will also send if you like a paper I wrote titled " Excessive Radiation in America".

Also note: Before digital and C/R we had a reject box where we threw our sub/optimal pics and went over it monthly with our supervisors. Now at the facility I worked at there was no Q.A. In other words, A three 3v L/S spine film is ordered. AP, Lat, and spot. New grad comes in and takes 6 spot films L5/S1 because she wants to get it "opened up". Patient is 25 yo male. Was she called to task on all the spot films? Noway because there is no system in place to check the number of rejects using C/R and D/R. The fault lies primarily at the Hospital Administration for allowing it to happen, the RADS for for being mum, but most of all, it is our responsibility to provide the lowest dose possible to our patients.

I have seen may times an inexperienced tech go up to the NICU and blast an entire infant, eyes, gonads, etc, then return to the unit and use the computer to make a nicely collimated chest x-ray. I get sick thinking about all this un-necessary exposure to a human being that is about ten times more radiosensative then the adult population.

I am hoping to hear from many techs who have seen this firsthand. Really not interested in the name of the facilty but rather how far this practice has traveled.

Mike Smith r.t.

Sonography Turf Battles?

Stacy Stanislaw — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:37:46 GMT

Have you noticed more and more physicians outside the radiology department are performing ultrasound scans on a regular basis? Do you think this will have a negative impact on sonographers (ie: decline in job opportunities, losing exams to physicians etc)? Or will this practice improve patient care and create new, non-traditional jobs for sonographers in areas outside the imaging suite?

Help derail the government run health care and save lives...

Mark Hopp — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:26:36 GMT

I've been a PT Assistant for 14 years, have a BS in Accounting and soon to have a Nursing Degree. I'm very concerned about the idea of a blanket universal health care and want to keep the same programs and improve those already in place...which has never happened. Government Run Health Care DOES NOT WORK, ask anyone in Europe and/or Canada! I'm concerned as a practitioner, as a son, as a citizen of this country. I've researched it and realize that Government run health care or even a "Public Option" (which will only lead to a blanket plan) has many undesirable problems and really doesn't give people "effective" access to health care. I am asking people to mail into their senators and congressmen regarding this. I have typed up a letter for you to copy, print, sign, and mail in to them. Here are 2 websites for you to find out their address:

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Do YOU value Your JOB as my representative?

Then Say "NO" to:

1) Competing Government Health Care or Public Option !

2) Socialized Medicine!

And Say "YES" to:

1) Medical Tort Reform to stop frivolous lawsuits and maintain our current system!!!

2) Requiring co-pays on all lawsuit patients to reduce the waste & return honesty to the system!!

3) Implement Hospital Pricing Transparency to create competition and reduce costs!

4) Implement programs nationwide to promote health, reduce our Obesity rate (The highest in the world)!!

5) Give Tax Credits to those that purchase insurance as incentive to purchase it!!!

Normal 0

Obesity has skyrocketed in this country and its killing us both physically and financially. Japan has one of the best health results while spending the least. They have one of the highest percentage of daily smokers and one of the lowest percentages of obesity! We are costing ourselves from eating fatty food and not exercising! We must reduce this first before we waste $trillions on our system. Its not our medical system but our society weight that is the big problem!

We already have Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid! lets work within the programs we already have and make some reform there!!!

Sincerely,

Ultrasound Grad need info on job search please

Christina Valdivia — Wed, 06 May 2009 03:17:04 GMT

I completed an Ultrasound program that was not accredited by Commission on
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). It is only accredited by ACCSCT and was granted institutional approval from the Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocation Education (BPPVE). While attending the program, I was trained by ARDMS insturctors and I completed my externship at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood CA. I graduated July of 2008 and I have not been able to find a job since I don't have experience other than what I've practiced at my externship. My college says I am eligible for ARDMS exams but then I hear that I need 12 months paid work experience in order to be able to take ARDMS exams. If there are any links or advice anyone can offer, It will be much appreciated. Thank you.

Molecular Imaging Study - paid participants needed

Craig Sherman — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:41:06 GMT

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International marketing research firm is conducting a telephone survey on Molecular Imaging.

To qualify for this study, please send an e-mail to craigs@besatisfied.com with your contact information including name, title, telephone number, and the best time to reach you.

The qualification process takes approximately 5 minutes over the phone, and we will attempt to call you back at your preferred time to ask you a few brief questions, and if you qualify, schedule your interview.

We are recruiting in the following countries only: Australia, France, Germany, India and the United Kingdom. If you fit into any of the following groups, please e-mail craigs@besatisfied.com.

* Group 1: Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Professionals (Possible titles include: Radiologist, Nuclear Medicine Physician, Radiology Director/supervisor, Nuclear Medicine Director/Supervisor, Cancer Center Owner, etc.)

* Group 2: Referring Physicians (Possible titles include: Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, Surgical Oncologist, Nuclear Cardiologist, Neurologist, etc.)

* Group 3: Molecular Imaging Researchers (Possible titles include: Chief/Director of Imaging Core Lab, University Professor/Researcher, Pharmaceutical Institution Representative, etc.)

Your information and e-mail address will not be used for any purpose outside of the study, there is no sales effort involved, and you will be compensated for your time.

Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Craig Sherman

Project Manager

beSatisfied

954.660.6800 x211

Workplace Bullying

Allison McConway — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 06:05:32 GMT

Have you ever been bullied by your superiors? Have you been treated unfairly, but do not fall under a "protected class?" Are you afraid to speak up, in fear of losing your job? You are not alone! People in authoritative positions abuse their power more than ever, during such difficult economic times. Its time to put a stop to the abuse! Remember, power comes in voices!

Workplace bullying is today, what sexual harassment was 15 years ago. There are currently 15 states that have laws against workplace bullying. Your voice will help in succeeding to acquire laws nationwide. Please visit the website to learn more about protecting your rights as an employee. WBI (workplace bullying institute) If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at, amcconway_ct@yahoo.com.

80% of NYC Hospitals Use ONE Staffing Agency, Regressive Business Practices

Cash Billings — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:01:10 GMT

If you want to know why hospitals are declaring bankruptcy left and right you can look at this statistic as evidence. Hospitals have been doing business the exact same way for years and the cracks are showing. Several systems have declared bankruptcy and the number is going to keep growing unless NYC facilities update their business practices. They should start by diversifying their outsourcing models and open the field up to more talent, instead of catering to the bottom line. Departments are running with skeleton crews, working techs into the ground. Meanwhile, top level execs are fattening their wallets at the expense of quality health care. There is an eerie similarity between the banking industry and the health care industry. The careless actions of those at the top are hurting the general public.

Too many students

Sickofitall — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:27:16 GMT

Has anyone else spotted the trend of the hoardes of new grads looking for work?

I mean, these new grads can't even do facial bones and they are getting certified. I know students who will be graduating in 2 months and they can't even do a stretcher chest alone. I, for one, am tired of the ER docs ordering a Facial CT cause the Xray tech told them they don't do facial bones anymore. "They just do a CT now," They will say. No, It's cause they can't do "jughandles" cause they never learned but were passed anyway. This happened in 2001.............way before CT took over facial imaging, too. Now, it's even worse.

When I was a Supervisor I was "talked to" cause I was too hard on the students. Why? because I felt that they shouldn't be reading a magazine while the techs are doing truama pt's, which by the way, the students wouldn't even attempt to image cause they had facial bones or a skull ordered, instead of a CXR or run of the mill hand X-Ray.

I see the quality of the students going WAY down. When asked to do a T-spine, they will say, "I don't need that. I already tested (comped) it." Then they go back to reading Woman's day or whatever else is laying around. You see the problem here?

The # of jobs is dwindling, the quality of the grads is going down as the technology improves and I fear we will be reduced to ER Pt Care Tech status soon. I think the schools just want the students $$ and don't care if they are profficient. I see the techs pay nosediving as a flood of eager, yet in my opinion, sub-optimal students are looking for work at any pay rate and experienced techs being replaced by the cheapest candidate to come along.

After 10 years of working as a traveler, Staff Tech, Supervisor and mobile tech I can say the professionis in trouble. The schools here just graduated 40 students and there are NO jobs in the paper other than a few imaging centers and they are mostly PT and Per-Diem. Then, in 12 months another 40 inept students will be out hunting for our jobs while the administrators try to find ways to get rid of the higher paid and more experienced techs abd replace them with the new grads.

I'm going to ITT Tech for Automotive Technician next year. I see X-Ray jobs becoming like McDonalds. They'll be little pictures of each exam on the control panel and the workers will learn the basics, and nothing else. Because, if that person doesn't work out, they'll move on down the list to the next person willing to take a whack at it.

MRI or Radiation Therapy

Lisa — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:17:56 GMT

Hello

I have been in diagnostic xray for 5 years and currently live in Southern California. I am looking to get into another modality and have job shadowed both MRI and Radiation Therapy. I just cant seem to make up my mind as I like both. I already have schools picked out, (Loma Linda for MRI and COH for Radiation Therapy). So I was wondering if there is someone out there who has worked in both and can give me some advice. Also, any thoughts as to which one has more job demand?

Thanks!

Illinois Jobs

Chuck Wagon — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:59:52 GMT

radiology jobs in illinois are nowhere to be found

home depot time

please help high schooler....

Jessica Stevens — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:09:29 GMT

Hello,

I want to be a medical sonographer when I grow up. We are doing a project at school in math that is researching our chosen career. Would someone please help me by answering these questions?

1. What is your education background and what math courses did you take in high school and college?

2. What is your work history?

3. How is math used is your career?

4. What advice can you give me?

5. What did you want to be when you grew up? (that's my own question)

Thank you so much for helping me with this project.

Mammo Jobs in the South

MammoTech 08 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:40:12 GMT

Hi all. This is the first time posting to this forum, and I am beyond frustrated right now. I have lived here for almost 2 years, and have applied to every Mammo/Rad Tech positon available to me. There are 4 or 5 facilities near my home and not one has replied to my application. I am originallly from New England, and have 30 yrs experience in Radiography, 20 of which are in Mammo. Can anyone tell me why I am not hearing from rthese facilities? Is it a matter of not what you know, but who you know? Any input would be greatly apreciated, because I am at the end of ny rope right now.

Questions about the ARDMS abdomen exam.

Clint Cowley — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:50:30 GMT

Hello. My name is Clint and I am about to sit for the abdomen portion of the ARDMS exam. I was wondering if anyone has recently taken it and what do I need to expect from it. I have taken the online practice test that they offer and scored a 24, but I have no idea if that is good or bad. I do have some mock exam programs that I am doing very well on, but if anyone has some advice, I sure would appreciate it. Thank you!

What rights does a rad tech have when a patient falsely accuses them of sexual misconduct?

XRAYNU — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:08:37 GMT

To all technologists!

This is to anyone out there that may have some incite on this issue. Recently, a male friend of mine did an AAS on a 55 year old female patient. She claimed he touched her in the gentials not once but twice. My friend has been a technologist for 20+ years and has never had a complaint filed by a patient for something like this. Knowing him for 18 years and working with him extensively, I know this to be untrue. Rude he may be at times, but not this. He now runs the risk of being fired for something he did not do and losing his xray license and right to work in this state. Not to mention the only career he has ever known. He felt that he was "guilty until proven innocent" in this.

I find it outrageous that patient's are given this much power over a person's whole life! He has a young daughter to support and a wife that has gone back to school to improve their financial income, hence, he supports them all. Now he may lose his cars, home, and be out on the street with his family all because of one patient!!! How is that possible?!! Now we see why there is such a shortage of health care workers. Who wants to be accused of this sort of thing when all that the professional is doing is there job!! To top it off, even if he is not released from his job, he will have it on his permanent record AND on his medical license for all to see when his number is looked up. NICE!!!! Oh, and BONUS, this patient can file charges on him with the police. That end result could mean he is labeled as a sex offender! Can anyone tell me what he can do to fight against this? I really want to know what actions he can take. I would also love to know this for my own personal protection.

Thanks,

Rad Tech

usp 797

William Bernstein — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:02:56 GMT

I am following up on the article about usp 797 in the magazine. There is also a good website regarding usp 797. The address is www.usp797.org. It has good articles on usp 797, and a page of questions and answers about usp 797.

Online Program @ Mountain State University

Melissa — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:23:20 GMT

Has anyone heard about this program? I've been searching the internet for reveiews, but haven't found anything. All in all, it almost seems too good to be true. . . a program that I can do online and still have clinicals AND get my ARDMS when I graduate. If you know anything, please let me know, as I am eager to enroll in a program! Thanks!

WHY IS IT HARD TO FIND MRI ON THE JOB TRAINING?

c d — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 02:07:28 GMT

I HAVE BEEN SEACHING IN SOUTH FLORIDA FOR A JOB AS A RT TO CROSS TRAIN INTO MRI, ITS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE SO I DECIDED TO GO TO SCHOOL FOR IT. I DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT. I WANT TO KNOW IF ITS HARD TO LEARN AND HOW HARD IS THE REGISTRY AND IS THE FIELD FLOODED LIKE XRAY IS.

discrimination in radiology?

Mark McGraw — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 19:23:39 GMT

Do you think discrimination-in any form-is an issue in radiology? Have you or someone you know been denied a job or promotion in any modality of medical imaging or radiation therapy on the basis of sex, age, race, religion, marital status or other protected class?

SPECT/CT Opinions - PLEASE!!

nuclearNJ — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:42:45 GMT

I am involved with evaluating SPECT/CT systems for our hospital. We went to a vendor show last week and saw the GE Hawkeye, Philips BrightView, and the Siemens Symbia TruePoint.
Does anyone out there have any of these cameras, and if so, would you share your opinions (pro vs con)? I wish there was an epinions.com for radiology equipment!! :)
Thanks very much for any info you can share!

My email is camille.cecere@gmail.com. Thanks!

What have you done with your BSRS?

Karin — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:21:36 GMT

Hello,

I am ARRT RT/R and pursuing my BSRS. I still have a few more semesters yet to finish. I wonder what other technologists have done with their degree? Or was it just a personal goal; rather than a step towards a new career?

I need a bit if advice about job

Karolina T — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:28:57 GMT

Hi everyone, I recently graduated from Ultrasound Technology program and had a great internship. I have biuld my passion for OB/GYN and I think I'am good at it, and just need a bit of practise. I keep going to one of a High Risk departments to "brush up" my skills.  Since i need a year of work to take my RDMS nobody wants to give me a chance for an interview. It seems like you have
to know someone to get into the field. I am very frustrated and discuraged.   Medicine is ma passion.....   I need a bit of advice on how to start or get into the field, maybe one of you have an idea 'cos I'm running out of one....
                                                                                               Karolina

Traveling for Work

Val Johnson — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:57:14 GMT

I am a nurse and I am doing a project on traveling healthcare professions. I would like to talk to and hear from ANYONE who has ever traveled. I need to know about the demand, how you liked it, salaries as compared to staff positions. If you know about any articles that I may not have seen in the magazine also, please let me know. Please send me an e-mail to rnpublisher@yahoo.com. Please put the subject line as "Traveling Healthcare" and your profession....like Nuclear Med or Ultrasound, etc. I appreciate any and all feedback.

Anyone Know about Mobile Nuc Card?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:57:04 GMT

Hi, I am trying to find some info about starting a mobile Nuc Card business. I would really like to speak with someone who either owns one or has started one in the past, and find out the pitfalls, best equipment, vehicles . etc. I have not been able to track down much info, please email me turbojarhead@gmail.com Thanks for your time.

BSGI for Mammographers (Feb 4th Issue)

Gloria Dixon — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:50:31 GMT

I am concerned with X-ray Technogists injecting Sestamibi (miraluma) for the the purpose of breast imaging. They are using a Breast Specific Gamma camera. I know is takes alot of practice to learn appropiate positioning, but I think this is a Nuclear Med Tech job. I have been after our radiologist to use Miraluma, but they seem to think it would be useless because a biopsy would be needed or already done. This would just show them something they already know.

That Beast Specific Gamma camera looks very interesting. In the Advance Extra it says you need to use 25-30 mCi of Sestamibi (miraluma), can a x-ray tech inject this without a license or does the Radiologist?

What to do! What to do!

paul boddy — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:38:12 GMT

I have one semester to go before I sit to take the National ARRT exam. I’m very excited and feel that I’ll be running once my feet hit the ground.

Getting into the program, I found myself to be a bit overly optimistic. Dave, my instructor has suggested that I find my nitch and go for it.

So, what’s my nitch? Is it CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Cardiac Sonography, Lithotripsy? They are all of interest to me. Dave says that “radiology specialty needs” come in cycles. What (you) I have to do is identify the need 2 to 3 years (or even 4 to 5 years) from now and specialize in it (them). Dave says that I should contact some recruiting agencies and see what they need now. Or what they think will be the trends of the future. He says that there will be about 60% of the techs out there that will be retiring in the next few years and that that is what the industry is gearing up for.

Can anyone predict the future for me?