The Cowboy Cathode
The Official Newletter of the Wyoming Society of Radiologic Technologists

Editor's Note: This version is modified from the edition mailed to our membership because of
updated or duplicate information that may be found elsewhere on our web site.

Winter 1998

President’s Message

As I alluded to last issue, as both president of the WSRT and editor of the Cathode I am in a somewhat unique position in that basically most of what you will read in the Cathode is my president’s message to you. I have decided that instead of occupying a lot of space here, I will just let you read on through the rest of the newsletter for information that I want to pass along to you. Please note that authors of other material in the Cathode will be noted in their individual pieces.

WSRT web site - I am very pleased to announce that the web site for the WSRT is doing nicely. While things were a bit slow in starting and we’ve had to work through some various bugs and such, I think we’re coming up to speed now. I have received some letters through the Internet complementing us and what we’re doing.

I encourage you to check out the web site whenever you can. I have information posted here on many different things including Spring Conference, the Annual Conference, students activities, who’s who with e-mail (so far) and an on-line edition of the newsletter. I want to add even more to the site and am always open to comments and suggestions. I can even post photos and cartoons! Let’s use the site as much as we can and please, don’t be shy.

Membership - I must say that I am somewhat disappointed in the response that we’ve had so far. It was my hope to at least double the membership in the WSRT by the next Annual Conference in Thermopolis. While we’ve had some new members trickling in, we’ve also lost members who simply just haven’t renewed their memberships. I need to hear from you and what you think and how you think that we can improve this. I’ve had some good suggestions through the web site so far!

This professional society is your right to have. It is your voice in your future. However, we’re just not seeing the interest in our society that other professional societies have enjoyed. The nursing societies are very, very strong with almost 100% membership. The legal bar associations are the same. Your physicians, almost every one of them, belong to their state and local societies. Pharmacists, accountants and even real estate brokers all have their professional associations and societies that they belong to. In Wyoming, less than 25% of the RT’s licensed to practice here are members of their own professional society.

I’ve heard complaints about the dues - $30. Just over 50 cents a week to belong to the state society. Less than the cost of one soda for one coffee break during an entire week. Sorry, but I don’t buy it. I challenge you to find another professional society anywhere that expects less in dues from their membership to join. I submit that many other professional societies charge well over $100 annual dues per member.

I’ve heard that we just don’t offer a lot. Well, for a small $30 a year, there isn’t a lot we can offer but we do well with what we have. We offer the Spring and Annual Conferences every year for usually around $5 a credit hour. That’s a great price my friends. Sure, your rooms may cost you additionally at the Annual Conference but we try to rotate the conference around the state so at least you have a break now and then. Bear in mind that the Annual Conference is also a great opportunity to establish connections with not only other technologists but on-site company reps as well. It’s called networking and it’s a valuable resource.

We offer the Cowboy Cathode to you four times a year free of charge. This is your chance to read about news from around our state and from the Society. It’s a great way to find out about job opportunities or to advertise for a position for yourself. It can be used for many other things as well if you’ll only do it.

We offer a representative of you to the State Board of Radiologic Technologist Examiners. This is or can be your voice in how you would like licensing and such carried out and enforced in the State of Wyoming. While the technologist representative is under absolutely no obligation to the WSRT, the State Board of Radiologic Technologist Examiners is interested in our input. Why? Because we are the one and only organization in the state of Wyoming representing RT’s.

We offer the ability to lobby your interests to your legislature. Federal minimum standards for RT’s may just happen (I’d count on it myself) and how the state of Wyoming responds to those will most certainly depend on you. If you just don’t care, or if you’re just foolish enough to not believe that an unregistered technician just may be able to take your job someday, then sit there on your posterior and do nothing. For your information though, I offer that there certainly is a faction in Wyoming that will absolutely be pushing our legislature to allow limited licensed office personnel with only eight hours of training to operate DEXA (BMA) machines in the future. This means that someone will be taking jobs somewhere in the state of Wyoming, possibly everywhere if it passes, that rightfully and only belong to RT’s now. That is a fact and it is happening.

We offer the web site. I’ve discussed this previously so I will only say that this allows us much faster communication to you and about you to the rest of the world. It’s a valuable resource if you will use it.

We will offer what you want. If you don’t voice it, we can’t do it. If you won’t join we certainly can’t help you with much of anything. If you do join, we can do just about anything you want to do. The WSRT only exists for you. We are not a separate faction from you. We don’t represent anyone but you. The WSRT is, in fact, you. Help us to help you. Please join today!

Membership Incentive Program - Don’t forget the newest membership incentive program! Get one new member to join and we will knock off 25% of your next renewal to the WSRT! Get two new members to join and we will take off 50%! Get five new members to join the WSRT and we will pay for your membership to the WSRT for one full year! That’s right! You will receive your next year’s membership to the WSRT absolutely free!

Membership Information

The membership files have again been updated since the last Cowboy Cathode. If we have made an error we apologize and if you have or know of any problems or questions regarding memberships including address changes, please don’t hesitate to contact Mary Bond at execsecretary@wsrt.org

It’s important that we have a current listing of ALL of our members. I encourage you to pass your copy of the Cathode around to other techs in your departments that may not have received a copy so that we have a chance to correct any errors and also a chance to encourage prospective members to join. If you have paid your membership but have not received a card, if you need to pay and haven’t received notice, or if you can help us locate other members, please write to or call Mary ASAP!

Upcoming Conference News

We will be conducting the 1998 Spring Conference on March 28, 1997. So far the sites being looked at are Gillette, Evanston, Cheyenne, Casper and Powell. The cost will be $25 person. Check our web site for further information and let us know if you have any questions.

Plans for next year’s annual conference are already underway. Conference will be held in Thermopolis, WY September 17 - 19, 1998. The word is that evening classes are being considered with an all you can eat spaghetti buffet dinner. We will feed your brain as well as your tummy! Linda Holden tells me that Phil Ballinger (Merrill’s Atlas) is confirmed for speaking on positioning and skills for technologists who work with with students. The WSRT welcomes Phil in coming here once again!

You can also find new about the Annual Conference at our web site. I will try to update it as new information becomes available.

Students & Education Corner

Could you use $50? Or even $100? If you answered "yes," then you should consider entering WSRT's Exhibit Competition! This category of competition has been around a while, but we have recently developed some guidelines to help you out.

Q: What's required for an exhibit?

A: Two things - some sort of display and an accompanying 3-5 page written explanation of the exhibit. (The written report must include a title page and a bibliography in MLA format, also.)

Q: What can an exhibit be about?

A: The subject can be anything related to the radiological sciences, and may be supplemented with actual radiographs, charts, graphs, or other materials which are pertinent to the topic. The topic should offer some practical value and general interest to technologists currently in the field. So if you and/or a colleague have a cool way to position an odontoid that works every time, or you just had a very unusual pathology case come through your department, or you have an unsolved/solved artifact mystery on your hands etc., an exhibit would be a perfect way to share it with the rest of us (and make some quick cash!)

Q: Where/when is the exhibit judged?

A: All exhibits are to be set up on the Friday of each annual conference between 8 AM and 12 PM in the area designated by the WSRT Board and Education Committee. Judging will occur between 1PM and 4 PM on Friday. If possible, all entrants should be available between these hours for questions. Exhibits may be removed on Saturday after 2 PM at the earliest.

Q: How is the exhibit judged?

A: All exhibits will be judged in four main categories: Professional value, educational value and scholarship, practical value, and technical quality. Each category will be ranked as either outstanding, above average, average, below average.

Q: Who 's eligible?

A: Any registered technologist or student technologist who is a member of the Wyoming Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Q· What do I get?

A: First-place winners receive $100 and second-place winners receive $50. Or, if you don't want to do all of the work, enter with a buddy and split the prize money!

Q: How do I enter?

A: Simply submit an application to the Education Committee Chairman, which includes a brief description of what your exhibit will be about and what display needs you will have at the annual conference in September. (However, we do ask that you provide your own viewbox(es) if they are needed.)

Q: When do I need to send my application in?

A: You could send your application in today if you want, but all applications must be postmarked on or before July 1, 1998 to be considered for competition.

Since July 1st will be here before we know it, it's not too soon to get started. (You could also enter the Paper Competition, too, and double your prize money!) If you have any questions or need more information on any of the competitions or grants, call Starla Mason at smason@mail.lcc.whecn.edu. (Grant applications will be ready for distribution in early April.)

News from Linda!

Happy New Year! Hope everyone's holiday was the best ever! Behind the scenes we have been very productive in getting ready for the spring seminar as well as the fall conference. I must admit, work like this is made so much easier when you work with folks like Becky Childers and Jeff Tammen.

For the Spring conference, the five sites for 98 will be, Casper, Cheyenne, Evanston, Gillette, and Powell. Flyers will be going out around the end of the month of January. Registration will be done through LCCC and should run around $25.00 for WSRT members, $5.00 for students and $45.00 for non members. Addresses for each site will be available in the flyer, so don't throw it away!

News on the fall conference is also going very well. Our keynote speakers have been chosen and it looks like we should have an outstanding meeting. There are 40 hours of ECE to choose from, 5 will be ultrasound specific, 5 mammography specific, 4 will be radiation therapy specific, 5 are management specific, 11 are radiography specific, several are on CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, protocols and Quality management, some are fun and some are of human interest geared for everyone.

With Jeff Tammen being such an innovator, the conference will have a different look and we will be doing something new this year, there will be educational speakers in the early evening so that you can get as much education as possible at this meeting. If you are only able to come for a night and a day, you will be able to put all your time to good use. It won't go too long into the evening so there will be plenty of social time, but we want to offer as much as we can, while you are there so that you can get the most for your educational dollar! Hats off to Jeff Tammen! Thanks!

As your junior delegate to the House of Delegates, I have finished the credentialing process to be a delegate. The affiliate must figure out what we will be offering as a donation to the silent auction. If anyone out there has any good ideas, please give either Mike or I a call. Both Mike and I will be attending the Leadership conference this year at the ASRT meeting as well.

I recently applied for fellow, Jack Barr will be my sponsor. It should happen either in 1999 or the year 2000. What a deal! I am very excited about this. My name was also given to the ASRT as a possible candidate to be an ARRT trustee. I must write a position statement and send in my application, but even if I don't get it, it was an honor just to be nominated.

There has been little done to date on the by-laws, but that is my next task to be working on. If you have read them and have ideas on anything in the by-laws your input would be invaluable! Call me, we'll do by-laws!

The Colorado State Conference will be in Estes Park this year April 30 thru May 3. I will be the keynote speaker on the 30th. If anyone is interested in attending, get in touch with me and we can all go together.

There you have it, that is just about it! I look forward to the coming year as things start to open up and show us all the opportunites that we will all be a part of. It should be a great year!

Before I end this, I just want to congratulate all those hard working technologists around this state who have gone back to take those new registries that will give you new credentials behind your name. Some get no monetary reward from their facilities and some get no thanks for staying up in their profession, BUT, there are some who see how special you are, and how special you make our profession by the example you set. All of you are my heros and I take my hat off to you! We are only as good as those out there doing their best! I applaud all of you!

Nominations for the 1998-1999 Board

President Elect        Leslie Troastle

Vice President         Peggy Jereb
                              Melissa Mahaffy
                              Billie Jean Phillips

Secretary                Kristy Nystrom

Treasurer                 Ken Helfrick

If you are interested in being on the board of directors for the WSRT or know someone who you think would do a great job, please submit your or their name to the WSRT!

Committees

I am always looking for additional people to serve on committees. A complete description of each committee and its function is in the packet that each of you was sent by Linda Holden. My interest is in making sure that various corners of the state have some input in this year’s activities and that everything is not centered in Cheyenne. Please contact me ASAP if you are interested at president@wsrt.org.

State Licensure

A Message from the State Board of Radiologic Technologist Examiners

I have been asked to relay the following from the Wyoming State Board of Radiologic Techologist Examiners:

It has come to their attention that several, if not quite a few technologists in Wyoming have expired licenses. You must have a current license to practice Radiologic Technology in the State of Wyoming.

Remember that it is a misdemeanor that is in fact punishable by imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to $750 if you are in violation of chapter 37 of title 33 of the Wyoming State Statutes that defines the scope of practice of Radiologic Technology in Wyoming.

The Board is resolving a firm position in this and is seeking to make sure that every technologist practicing in Wyoming is in compliance. Please make sure that your license is up to date.

Ways & Means Committee
Melissa Mahaffy & Danielle Arterberry

New fund raiser - Buttrey cards to be used at any Buttrey and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to a savings account for the WSRT. Ways and Means committee with receive an annual report on the account. We have 250 cards, anyone needing additional cards please contact us at waysandmeans@wsrt.org.

We would like to continue to encourage everyone in the state to participate in our effort to raise funds for the WSRT. Car washes, bake sales, craft sales, etc, are all beneficial to our cause. If you have any ideas please feel free to contact us. Also keep in mind the fall conference next year in Thermopolis. We will be asking all WSRT members to assist in gathering donations and door prizes from their area of the state. We also would like to encourage other members of the WSRT to join the Ways and Means Committee, the more help we have, the better. Thanks for a great year!

It’s Not My Job - Opinion

How many times do you hear this in a week from your fellow technologists, other staff in your department or other personnel in the hospital or clinical site that you may work in? I’m guessing that we all hear it at least from time to time and are perhaps even guilty of saying it as well.

We’re now in a time when hospital and clinical sites must consider downsizing, or at least limiting their growth in employees due to ever increasing cost restrictions by the insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid. This means that employers are looking for multiskilled and talented people to take on additional duties that may have previously been done by two or three separate people. Does this necessarily mean that there is now an ever-present danger to your job as a Technologist in that RT’s perhaps may not even exist some day? Well, I really doubt that.

However, what it does mean is that employers are going to be hiring people in the future that can handle not only their own traditional roles as technologists, but perhaps some non-traditional responsibilities as well. For example, we’re already seeing more and more technologists doing venipunctures which you would not have seen a great amount of ten or fifteen years ago. Indeed, it’s so common in some places that venipuncture is probably considered a traditional responsibility now in many parts of the country.

Personally, I think it’s great. But what concerns me are those things that we do or can do that we are letting slip away. I see examples everyday of some duty or chore that could have been performed by a technologist that someone else in the hospital ends up doing for us because we are in a hurry to go do something else instead.

Example? Patients in the ER. Traditionally when we bring a patient from ER to radiology we disconnect the EKG leads, monitors, oxygen, etc that the patient has on, then the nurses in ER put it all back on when the patient returns. I’d always thought it a good system but apparently some nurses now want us to put the leads and such back on ourselves. I was really kind of put out about this, as were some of my co-workers, but then I thought about it for a bit.

Why not do it? Teach me and I will be more than happy to learn how to do it. Why? It’s one more skill that I will learn and have to keep, and it is one less thing that I have to depend on a nurse to do for me. It makes me more valuable to the patient and the hospital as well.

The more I thought about this, the more examples of "it’s not my job" came to mind. Pretty soon I had more than a dozen examples in mind, but I also knew of examples the other way as well. Jobs that nurses are now training to do that have traditionally fallen under the realm of the radiologic technologist’s responsibilities. You can read the national publications such as the ASRT Scanner and see examples and letters pouring in from RT’s around the world concerned over nurses taking over their jobs and really quite angry about it.

Is it happening because administrations are forcing it or because we are letting it happen? Well, perhaps mostly the latter or at least a combination of the two but there are other things to consider. Healthcare in the US has become more of a concerted effort on the part of various heathcare workers. As heathcare workers, it’s important that we function as an intergral part of the complete system for the benefit of the patient. Whereas in the past different roles within that system were clear and distinct, there are more gray areas between roles now. So we must learn and know how to do some traditional nursing responsibilities and it’s fair to expect that they need to know how to do some of our responsibilities as well.

Now before there is a lot of heat flying at me for this line of thinking, let me qualify it a bit more. I can’t realistically picture a time when there will be a single, all knowing healthcare worker that can perform all duties of those people that are now involved in a patient’s day to day care, although we all certainly know of someone who thinks they can. Realistically though, there is just simply too much to learn and retain and it gets more complicated everyday. In my opinion anyway, there will always be nurses to fulfill nursing roles and there will always be imaging specialists such as RT’s to fulfill those roles as well.

But I do think there will be a time when RT’s that refuse to expand their horizons in patient care will be phased out. Let me caution that while you are learning to expand your skills as an RT, there are other healthcare workers wanting and willing to expand their skills into your areas as well. While this can lead to the turf wars that we are hearing about from around the country, and we all understand them, let’s not forget that we exist for our patients well being. Primarily whatever we can do to help our patients is what’s important. So instead of continuing this "what’s mine is mine and leave it alone" mentality, why not encourage and teach each other skills that can only benefit our patient. In the end, this will benefit everyone, including the RT.

Just remember, the next time you tell someone that it’s not your job, you may be more right than you realize. Perhaps someday you won’t even have the chance to learn and perform that job because someone will already have taken the opportunity away from you. Think about it.

If you have any contributions to the Cowboy Cathode please send them to cowboycathode@wsrt.org
or mail them to 2615 East 18th Street, Cheyenne, WY., 82001

Previous Issues:

   Fall 1997