8 answers
Brianna
Student
Northfield, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
7734 views
What is the most difficult aspect of having a job as a Radiologic Technologist?
I am a high school senior who has been researching Radiologic Technologist as a potential career. I am interesting in learning more about potential weaknesses once becoming a Radiologic Technologist. #medicine #radiology #technologist #radiology-education #medicine-imaging #x-ray #radiology-student
8 answers
Ronnie Sawi R.T.(R)(CT)(MR)(ARRT)
CT Technologist/ X-Ray Technologist
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Ronnie’s Answer
I've been a Tech now for the last 21yrs. I've spent time as a Navy X-ray tech/ CT tech, time in the civilian sector and I also became an MRI tech. I've ultimately loved my career so far and enjoy all the benefits that I've received from it.
I can't say there is a lot that is truly difficult that you don't eventually become accustomed to. At first starting out, having military responsibilities while as a tech have been taxing on the body and the mind. Often I've worked a 24hr shift on military duty and then saw patients while covering X-ray, Pharmacy, lab and had to help as an EMT at a small clinic. In duty stations that were less populated we would have low tech equipment and we had to improvise often ultimately making everything work. I've X-rayed human remains before and that can be a challenge to some. For others, imaging children can be a challenge as well too. X-raying Navy service animals is always interesting as well and they are treated just like any other service member with rank. Operating room cases can always be a challenge if you're new but once you get the hang of it, you'll be a professional in no time. Trauma can be a challenge as well too if you don't control the scenario or if blood scares you. If that stuff excites you, you're in for a ride. No matter the challenge, they always bring fun and interesting memories. Challenges are the best because you can always find a way to overcome them.
Ultimately, if you keep an open mind about things and enjoy doing things that might be out of the ordinary. You'll have a wonderful career.
I can't say there is a lot that is truly difficult that you don't eventually become accustomed to. At first starting out, having military responsibilities while as a tech have been taxing on the body and the mind. Often I've worked a 24hr shift on military duty and then saw patients while covering X-ray, Pharmacy, lab and had to help as an EMT at a small clinic. In duty stations that were less populated we would have low tech equipment and we had to improvise often ultimately making everything work. I've X-rayed human remains before and that can be a challenge to some. For others, imaging children can be a challenge as well too. X-raying Navy service animals is always interesting as well and they are treated just like any other service member with rank. Operating room cases can always be a challenge if you're new but once you get the hang of it, you'll be a professional in no time. Trauma can be a challenge as well too if you don't control the scenario or if blood scares you. If that stuff excites you, you're in for a ride. No matter the challenge, they always bring fun and interesting memories. Challenges are the best because you can always find a way to overcome them.
Ultimately, if you keep an open mind about things and enjoy doing things that might be out of the ordinary. You'll have a wonderful career.
Jeffrey Stanley BS, RT(R)
Radiology Technologist
1
Answer
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Weaknesses there really are none. It's a good field to enter however there are some tough aspects of it.
The toughest thing I can say is dealing with the Trauma aspect. Working in the field you can be exposed to some fairly horrible things. Seeing horrible injuries first hand. The field is very physically demanding, and can be very emotionally demanding as well.
There always plenty of opportunities to grow and advance in the field into other modalities. The best advice I can give is call hospitals and clinics in your area and ask about job shadowing. Follow some of the Radiology Technologists around. This will give some first hand experience about the field.
The toughest thing I can say is dealing with the Trauma aspect. Working in the field you can be exposed to some fairly horrible things. Seeing horrible injuries first hand. The field is very physically demanding, and can be very emotionally demanding as well.
There always plenty of opportunities to grow and advance in the field into other modalities. The best advice I can give is call hospitals and clinics in your area and ask about job shadowing. Follow some of the Radiology Technologists around. This will give some first hand experience about the field.
Definitely agree with trauma. I progressed from a Radiology Technologist to a CT Technologist and am now in the trauma bay. CT is often used in major traumas. This includes people of EVERY age, moments from death.
It's important to practice self care in this field. Not only are there people who desperately need your help, but they can't move on their own. You'll be physically moving them.
Eat healthy. Surround yourself with family and friends. Make time for yourself. Take of yourself so you can take care of others.
Diana Cardin Escobedo BA RT (R)(CT)
Dallas Denton
Radiologic Technologist
2
Answers
Killeen, Texas
Updated
Dallas’s Answer
I have been in X-ray over 20 years and you can be on the cutting age of care in every changing field.
You meet people from all walks of life some on a good day and some on the worst day of life.
I am often asked what do you do? I am an x-ray tech. Maybe I will see you?
that can be good or bad. Doing and X-ray that clear them or starts down the trail to the rest of their life.
Are treating someone who collapse at home and will recover? Are treating someone who is at the end of their life?
You are the one who gets to care for them for a little while.
Dallas recommends the following next steps:
Holly Mcilroy
X ray tech
1
Answer
Des Moines, Iowa
Updated
Holly’s Answer
I think potential weaknesses are sometimes trying to strategize with a patient who may be unwilling to perform exam due to underlying illness such as alcoholism or drug abuse. They do arrive at hospital/clinic for care but once they are faced with having to say stand for an upright abdomen x ray they decide they cannot...or tell you to hurry. You know you have many more exams to do and when a patient takes extra time because of situations like this it can become unnerving. My philosophy is if you act professional and courteous but also letting them know you also have a job to perform they most likely will agree to do what it takes to get a diagnostic exam. Also having self confidence, a cheerful attitude and knowing you will get through your day no matter what will go a long way. :)
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
I am a radiologist. From my point of view the most difficult part of being a technologist is the physical nature of the job. The older technologists are still helping the increasingly obese patients transfer to and from the exam tables and it doesn't look easy.
Of course there are difficult aspects to the job that I don't see in terms of dealing with hospital administration, obtaining excellent images, sick and stressed out patients etc.
Of course there are difficult aspects to the job that I don't see in terms of dealing with hospital administration, obtaining excellent images, sick and stressed out patients etc.
Rachel Weinheimer
Surgeon
1121
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
My husband sees many children in his orthopedic clinic, and his x-ray tech often has to deal with the difficulty of performing x-rays on patients who are young, scared and in pain. Sometimes it can be difficult to explain to the child why they have to stay in an uncomfortable position for even a short time period to obtain the films.
David Poon, BSMDI, CRT, RT (R), ARRT
Radiology, Imaging
6
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
David’s Answer
There is no weakness if you truly love the job your doing. I think you need to ask yourself the following
- Do you like working with sick people
-are you comfortable seeing body fluids
- Do you enjoy working in a team effort
-Do you like talking to people
If you answer no to any of the above, maybe being a radiologic technologist is not for you.
- Do you like working with sick people
-are you comfortable seeing body fluids
- Do you enjoy working in a team effort
-Do you like talking to people
If you answer no to any of the above, maybe being a radiologic technologist is not for you.
Jason Miller
1
Answer
Updated
Jason’s Answer
I think you're asking an important question and the answer will always be different. What may be difficult for one person will be easy for another.
My advice, remember that you have the freedom to decide what direction you would like your career to go. Try things out, continue to ask questions and find out what works best for you.
For me, work/life balance WAS the most difficult aspect of my job. At times, adapting to the culture was quite difficult, because I have a teaching and business back ground and dominant personality.
However, I am quite satisfied with what the field has to offer and there really isn't anything challenging to me anymore. I've overcome these obstacles and I am grateful for the opportunity to govern my career the way that I see fit.
Here are some of my opinions based on my experience in the hospital.
Politics/Rules/Culture:
The medical field itself has a universal culture.
For example, medical terminology and medical asepsis, surgical technique...etc. This language and practice is shared at every hospital, surgical center and healthcare facilities across the US.
It is imperative that as a healthcare professional you are familiar with the culture, hospital rules, and hospital politics in order to effectively work with other healthcare professionals.
This can be the most difficult aspect of the job, as you'll have to adapt. Aside of universally shared terminology and other universally shared items, the culture, politics and hospital rules will be different from hospital to hospital and department to department.
Getting along isn't always the easiest thing to do and I think this is true in any career.
Work Life Balance:
The medical field is staffed 24/7, so once employed, you can work endless hours and have multiple jobs from freelancing, per-diem, registry travel contracts, etc.
At a time, I worked inconsistent shifts, lots of over-time which was sometimes forced overtime when I was the only tech available.
That period of my life was a "BURN OUT", but I earned six figures. Bittersweet.
I would say that if you allow your work-life balance to become UNBALANCED, then this will be the MOST DIFFICULT aspect of the job.
Complexity:
I don't consider skill development in radiology to be difficult 'after' the learning curve.
For example, learning to operate multi vendor equipment for different purposes, from fluoroscopy to x-ray to the operating room takes time and how quickly you master it will vary from individual to individual.
However, I think 'anyone' who is dedicated can master these skills and become a valued staff member and contribute enormously to the community.
I hope I thoroughly answered your question.
My advice, remember that you have the freedom to decide what direction you would like your career to go. Try things out, continue to ask questions and find out what works best for you.
For me, work/life balance WAS the most difficult aspect of my job. At times, adapting to the culture was quite difficult, because I have a teaching and business back ground and dominant personality.
However, I am quite satisfied with what the field has to offer and there really isn't anything challenging to me anymore. I've overcome these obstacles and I am grateful for the opportunity to govern my career the way that I see fit.
Here are some of my opinions based on my experience in the hospital.
Politics/Rules/Culture:
The medical field itself has a universal culture.
For example, medical terminology and medical asepsis, surgical technique...etc. This language and practice is shared at every hospital, surgical center and healthcare facilities across the US.
It is imperative that as a healthcare professional you are familiar with the culture, hospital rules, and hospital politics in order to effectively work with other healthcare professionals.
This can be the most difficult aspect of the job, as you'll have to adapt. Aside of universally shared terminology and other universally shared items, the culture, politics and hospital rules will be different from hospital to hospital and department to department.
Getting along isn't always the easiest thing to do and I think this is true in any career.
Work Life Balance:
The medical field is staffed 24/7, so once employed, you can work endless hours and have multiple jobs from freelancing, per-diem, registry travel contracts, etc.
At a time, I worked inconsistent shifts, lots of over-time which was sometimes forced overtime when I was the only tech available.
That period of my life was a "BURN OUT", but I earned six figures. Bittersweet.
I would say that if you allow your work-life balance to become UNBALANCED, then this will be the MOST DIFFICULT aspect of the job.
Complexity:
I don't consider skill development in radiology to be difficult 'after' the learning curve.
For example, learning to operate multi vendor equipment for different purposes, from fluoroscopy to x-ray to the operating room takes time and how quickly you master it will vary from individual to individual.
However, I think 'anyone' who is dedicated can master these skills and become a valued staff member and contribute enormously to the community.
I hope I thoroughly answered your question.
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