Christine Desjardins

Started my career as a full time third shift employee as the sole imaging provider for a high paced facility offering in patient care, ICU care, and emergency department care in both radiologic technology and Computed Tomography. I have remained per diem since leaving the full time position in December of 2011 while shifting to Mount Ascutney Hospital in a steady pier diem capacity. I have managed a schedule of at least 32 hours a week working shifts at multiple institutions my entire career. Some of my major duties and achievements are as follows:

• Enhanced patient experience with compassionate communication and meticulous attention to detail during examinations.
• Assisted in training new Radiologic Technologists on department policies, procedures, equipment usage, and best practices for patient care.
• Minimized patients' exposure to radiation during x-ray imaging through application of shielding techniques and careful positioning of patients, equipment and restrictive devices.
• Captured images using mobile equipment in operating rooms, emergency rooms, and patients' bedsides.
• Cultivated a positive team atmosphere by sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and fostering collaboration among colleagues.
• Operated radiologic equipment to produce diagnostic images and films.
• Improved patient care by efficiently performing diagnostic imaging procedures, including X-rays and CT scans.
• Handled private and confidential information in compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Collaborated with radiologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnoses through high-quality imaging results.
• Reviewed physicians' orders to determine medical imaging needs and operated radiologic equipment to capture, develop, and produce diagnostic images.
• Contributed to a safe working environment by adhering to all radiation safety guidelines and protocols.
• Optimized image quality by adjusting technical factors according to specific patient needs or clinical indications within prescribed dose limits.
• Streamlined workflow in the radiology department by organizing schedules and maintaining accurate records of completed procedures.
• Promoted patient comfort during invasive procedures, using careful positioning techniques and clear explanations of each step in the process.
• Ensured compliance with all state and federal regulations governing radiation exposure by maintaining proper documentation and following established protocols during every examination.
• Ensured proper functioning of radiology equipment through routine inspection, calibration, troubleshooting and repair when necessary.
• Adhered closely to quality control standards in developing and labeling of diagnostic imaging materials.
• Increased department efficiency by managing inventories of supplies such as contrast agents, films, cassettes and ensuring their availability when needed.
• Participated in quality assurance initiatives, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance patient care.
• Expedited diagnosis processes for physicians by providing timely reports detailing important findings from each examination performed.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry advancements by attending conferences and participating in continuing education programs regularly.
• Supported radiologists with performing high-quality interventional procedures.
• Determined appropriate imaging tests through careful medical record reviews.
• Utilized knowledge of anatomy, physiology and radiation protection to produce quality radiographs.

I continue to work occasional pier diem shifts at this institution that is focused on care for our Veterans and their families. In this role I primarily work the overnight shift where I am the sole imaging provider for a often busy facility.

• Worked in a diversified facility operating radiologic equipment for several modalities including, but not limited to Bone Densitometry, Computed Tomography, C-arm procedures, fluoroscopy, secretarial duties and team based care throughout a small institution that serves as an emergency department, outpatient clinic, in patient acute care, rehabilitation facility and ICU.
• Enhanced patient experience with compassionate communication and meticulous attention to detail during examinations.
• Assisted in training new Radiologic Technologists on department policies, procedures, equipment usage, and best practices for patient care.
• Minimized patients' exposure to radiation during x-ray imaging through application of shielding techniques and careful positioning of patients, equipment and restrictive devices.
• Cultivated a positive team atmosphere by sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and fostering collaboration among colleagues.