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| Limited X-Ray Techs |
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by Steve Watters - February 20, 2012
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I have an idea that would save hospitals money and help patients be seen faster.
I'm wondering why hospitals don't staff their Radiology Departments with Limited X-Ray Techs. There are a lot of us that could work in Radiology doing exams that we are licensed for and many of us can X-Ray most of the body where injuries occur. A lot of us have a Digital License so that wouldn't be a problem. We could work in the Radiology Dept. freeing up R.T.s to do portables, C.T.s and MRIs. I have taught new R.T.s who just graduated how to work with film and better ways to do some of the X-rays they are having problems with. I have worked in Orthopedics and have extensive knowledge with X-rays in that area. There should be a way we could have our experience count towards the state requirements so we could take the state exam, enabling us to be concerted for an R.T. status. It is frustrating to go to a hospital and have an x-ray taken, knowing that we could do the same exam with no problem.
It's only an idea but one that is shared by many other Limited X-Ray Techs. What do you think?
Steve has worked as an X-Ray Tech for over 20 years, working in Orthopedics for 4 years and general Radiology for the other 16. He now works in a Family Clinic in San Jose doing general X-Rays. He received his digital license years ago and is able to do x-rays other than he is licensed for but unless it is an emergency, he stays within the scope of his license. One day, when he has the ability to take time to do an externship he would like to become an RT.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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| kbb (Hampton Roads Area, VA) |
on 08 Mar 2012 at 7:15 pm |
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WOW...alot of discussions going on here.... Let's see where do I start. First of all, i know several and have worked around a few Limited Xray Techs who are very good at what they do. With that said, I do think that in order to elevate the status of Radiologic Technologists, formal training is necessary and relevant. HOWEVER! as we ALL know, the market is more than saturated...it's overflowing and flash flooding the market with techs, techs, and more techs. In my area lone, there are 3 established Rad Tech schools and one new one starting enrollement, in addition to the Navy techs in this area, most of which have PRN positions in the local hospital systems. THERE ARE NO JOBS IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY!!!! Do I need to repeat....THERE ARE NO MORE JOBS! Geez...
I feel that it's time for the ARRT to step in and do something about this, because the schools that are making money with every new enrollment (telling people there are jobs if they are willing to relocate [which is a bunch of bull]) are never going to stop enrolling and graduating techs. BUT! if the ARRT put a limit on the number of people it allows to sit for the registry each year...well then, maybe - just maybe our chosen career field can recover and the unknown percentage of the 300,000 registrants that are unemployed, can find work before the number is 400,000. Btw, I truly wonder what that percentage is...perhaps the ARRT should start with THAT survey.
Sounds like common sense to me!...I think i'll write them about it...or better yet..start a petition. Who's in? |
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| Zemo (KCMO) |
on 08 Mar 2012 at 1:18 pm |
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| Aside from all that, we really need an organized RT to Nursing bridge-process established in this country so those of us who are unemployed RTs can transition over easily and quicky if we wish. In my opinion, with a couple months of formal retraining registered RTs should be allowed to attempt the entry LPN exams and have a chance at gainful employment. |
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| kjohnsxray (Missouri) |
on 08 Mar 2012 at 12:41 pm |
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Seriously, I can't believe that the medical field allows"Limited Scope Xray Techs", and in my state "Nurses (LPN/RN) to do xrays. Oh, and let's not forget to mention "MEDICAL OFFICE ASSISTANTS", otherwise known as glorified CNA's/RECEPTIONISTS that can push a button to take an xray, and hopefully does the exam correctly. Don't bet your paycheck on that one.
I am wondering if my Degree in Radiology is even worth the paper it is written on now.
"Real Radiographers" that went to school to learn HOW AND WHY an xray is done are being shunned from jobs or overworked at present jobs to perform all modalities so more "REAL RADIOGRAPHERS" won't have to be hired, just to keep their present job.
If patients only knew that a person taking their xray didn't really have a clue what he/she were doing, maybe, just maybe, the radiographer positions would come back.
As for nurses, I have many times had to re-assess the patient after the nurse has supposedly done the job and ordered the incorrect exam.
For example: Patient hurts the tibia and fibula (tib-fib) there is a bruise and swelling. The nurse calls Dr. and asks for orders of a whole leg exam to include hip. DR. OK'S ORDER. This would consist of ankle,tib-fib,knee,femur, and hip. 12 pictures. The correct exam of a tib-fib would be 2 pictures.
This example is one of many that I myself have encountered.
I would just like to say "GIVE REAL RADIOGRAPHERS OUR JOBS BACK!!!!!!!"
Ok, I'm off of my soap box,
Good luck fellow Radiographers RT(R)'s |
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| rdmsdavid1 (calie) |
on 06 Mar 2012 at 5:04 pm |
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lol. I was still am a limeted rad tech, who has worked in a hospital setting . In the out pt as well as in house.
the comments above are typical of RT"s who are iignorantly scared for there jobs. freeing up RT's is secondary. primary is money. and its not a 6 week class. Most places its an 18 months course. With prerequs to get in I dont recomend it to any one because of all the dummy pollatics an fear rom the RT community. I highly recomend getting a ful RT license. and save yourself time an agrrvation. most XTs are very good atthere jobs. i wuld hold them up in there area aginst most full rt's. |
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| wsb (columbus, Ohio) |
on 01 Mar 2012 at 9:35 am |
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Do you have any idea of the different exams performed in a hospital? Pushing a button is not an option. I would not be willing to have an exam performed by a radiology machine operator, GMXO in most states. Freeing up the techs to do other exams is not the point, quality and a knowledge of radiology is the point.
Besides a six week course in radiology does not give the knowledge gained in a Associate degree program. If you think the nurses think we are not as good as them now, wait for GMXO to start working in hospitals. |
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