Radiological Technology Working Conditions
Some radiographers work in clinics, physician's offices, and with mobile companies, which may provide a stable 9 to 5 working environment but with less compensation. Many radiographers work in hospitals, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students need to understand they are entering a career that will probably involve 2nd and 3rd shift coverage, call, and weekend work. Employees that cover shifts other than 1st, take call, and provide weekend coverage are well compensated monetarily for this work.
Students learn the profession in the classroom and in clinical settings at affiliated hospitals and clinics. You are exposed to a variety of people and patients. The type of patients you see range from premature infants to the elderly; the reasonably well person to the dying; the diseased to the accident victim. There are sounds, sights, and smells that you will have to adjust to and learn to handle in a professional manner. You learn basic radiological examinations that include positioning patients on the table, setting the technique (providing the proper amount of radiation to acquire the image), and critiquing the finished radiographic images. In addition, you learn patient care skills that include performing intravenous injections, urinary catheterization, cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, administering oxygen, and giving enemas to name a few.
Clinical settings can produce high-stress. Students are subordinate to physicians and technologists and must maintain a professional attitude. You must accept constructive criticism and adapt to stressful situations without losing emotional control. You must be flexible to changing situations.
Diagnostic radiography can be a demanding job physically. The diagnostic technologist must be able to reach, stretch, lift, and hold patients. During fluoroscopy, technologists may stand for long periods of time while wearing a lead apron that may weigh ten pounds. Many exams are done in low lighting, so the ability to see in a dimly lit room is essential. In addition, differentiation of various sounds in a radiography room is critical to any medical professional. |