The tough job market continues to affect me. I got hired at the VA as a fee-based CT technologist on a part time basis. I was told that I would work 5 days a week every other week until the two full-time open positions were filled. This was supposed to take me at least into the fall of this year. In an unprecedented turn of events, the usually ...

After going on an interview in mid December of last year, I was just given my start date at the VA of mid March. I guess it’s better late than never.  I was initially supposed to begin orientation today but some unfinished paperwork held things up.  I have seen first hand that getting a government job takes quite a bit longer than a ...

In Canada, CT scans will now be more readily available to four legged patients. Charlottetown’s Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island is testing a new CT machine that will be used to diagnose animals. In the past, only the critical cases were taken to a local human hospital under sedation and scanned. This new machine will be ...

This week I went for my annual eye exam. The optometrist I saw was absolutely wonderful. Her bedside manner was extraordinary and she provided me with extra information like how my hypertension affects my eye health. She also gave me a detailed description of how fish oil and flax seed oil can help treat my dry eyes. She spent well over 75 ...

What does the word “ethical” mean to you? It is an important concept to be mindful of each and every day at work. From patient confidentiality to not sharing answers on continuing education tests, we are bound by standards that we must uphold as medical professionals. We dictate how patients and other staff view us. Many nurses I have ...

It is estimated that up to 1% of all cancers in the United States can be linked to medical radiation. This means with each x-ray or CT scan the risk increases. A recent study in The Journal of Cancer found a link between dental x-rays and brain tumors called meningiomas. The majority of the tumors are benign but depending upon their location they ...

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune discusses recent fines that were assessed on a surgical center and two of its nurses for operating x-ray equipment without the proper license. The violations involved a fluoroscope machine. In the state of Illinois and many other states, radiologic equipment must be operated by health professionals licensed ...

The hospital where I recently worked went smoke free in February 2011, and it was a welcome change. There was nothing worse than walking into work behind someone smoking. I know this ban poses a strain on staff, patients, and visitors, but it's for the health of all involved. I would usually take my break in a beautiful outdoor area overlooking ...

As much as I miss my former colleagues and my job, I don't miss working on holidays. I was scheduled to work on Christmas from 7a-7p. I usually signed up to work this holiday so my co-workers with children could have it off. Although most stores and businesses close early today, hospitals are always open. Don't take for granted that whatever ...

When I started x-ray school I had no idea what I was about to ask of my body. Anyone working as a radiologic technologist knows what I am talking about. The physical demands of the job can be overwhelming. Many of my former colleagues have back problems from the repetitive strain of moving patients and/or equipment. The most common ...