2 answers
Mareli
Student
Toms River, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
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What are your overall thoughts on how it might be interacting with patients and assisting them when they are in their appointment?
What is are your overall thoughts what you do ? Is it difficult to interact with the patients while doing your work?
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2 answers
Amanda Strahorn
lead CT technologist
1
Answer
Flat Rock, Michigan
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Mareli!
CT technologist here! I love Dr. H's answer to your question. I echo everything 100%!
Having a tight grasp on your technical skills definitely helps with confidence in interacting with patients. I think a lot of the anxiety when talking to patients is that they'll ask a question you won't know the answer to. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the entire protocol that you're about to do before talking to the patient and that can help alleviate some of that worry/anxiety. Also, don't be afraid to tag your coworkers in with any questions you might not know the answers to.
Empathy is also a huge one. These patients are having scans sometimes for some pretty scary diagnoses. Their fear can often make them not act like their usual selves, and even act out angrily. I just try to put myself in their shoes and think about what I would be feeling if I was just diagnosed with a disease and give them some grace. I definitely don't let patients berate me, hit me or scream at me.... but it's important to validate their feelings and let them know that you're there to help get the best scan possible so the doctors can figure out the best plan of action. I've worked very close with many MRI techs and claustrophobic patients are much more common in their area than CT, but we still get them. I've found the thing that works the best for me is to constantly check in with the patient to make sure they are doing okay. Consistent talking to the patients usually helps get them through a scan.
Healthcare has become pretty crazy the last 5 years or so. It's non-stop patient grids and can feel like assembly line medicine. Just remember, you're one tech scanning one patient at a time. Focus on that and give your attention to the patient in front of you.
If you're the one getting the patient from the waiting room and brining them back to change and go over the metal checklist make sure you introduce yourself. Knowing someone's name is comforting for some patients. I try to do a quick observation of the patient and comment on something they are wearing that I like, ask if they don't mind telling me what book they were reading....etc. It's kind of an ice breaker and can make a patient feel more comfortable talking about something NOT medical and gives you a chance to connect.
My mentality is treat your patients as you would your family or a loved one that you really care about. How would you want them to be treated if they were there for a scan? Every patient deserves that kind of care and compassion.
Just like Dr. H said: SMILE! A kind smile can be a type of healing all in itself. Good luck, you're going to do great!
CT technologist here! I love Dr. H's answer to your question. I echo everything 100%!
Having a tight grasp on your technical skills definitely helps with confidence in interacting with patients. I think a lot of the anxiety when talking to patients is that they'll ask a question you won't know the answer to. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the entire protocol that you're about to do before talking to the patient and that can help alleviate some of that worry/anxiety. Also, don't be afraid to tag your coworkers in with any questions you might not know the answers to.
Empathy is also a huge one. These patients are having scans sometimes for some pretty scary diagnoses. Their fear can often make them not act like their usual selves, and even act out angrily. I just try to put myself in their shoes and think about what I would be feeling if I was just diagnosed with a disease and give them some grace. I definitely don't let patients berate me, hit me or scream at me.... but it's important to validate their feelings and let them know that you're there to help get the best scan possible so the doctors can figure out the best plan of action. I've worked very close with many MRI techs and claustrophobic patients are much more common in their area than CT, but we still get them. I've found the thing that works the best for me is to constantly check in with the patient to make sure they are doing okay. Consistent talking to the patients usually helps get them through a scan.
Healthcare has become pretty crazy the last 5 years or so. It's non-stop patient grids and can feel like assembly line medicine. Just remember, you're one tech scanning one patient at a time. Focus on that and give your attention to the patient in front of you.
If you're the one getting the patient from the waiting room and brining them back to change and go over the metal checklist make sure you introduce yourself. Knowing someone's name is comforting for some patients. I try to do a quick observation of the patient and comment on something they are wearing that I like, ask if they don't mind telling me what book they were reading....etc. It's kind of an ice breaker and can make a patient feel more comfortable talking about something NOT medical and gives you a chance to connect.
My mentality is treat your patients as you would your family or a loved one that you really care about. How would you want them to be treated if they were there for a scan? Every patient deserves that kind of care and compassion.
Just like Dr. H said: SMILE! A kind smile can be a type of healing all in itself. Good luck, you're going to do great!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Mareli,
Alright so, interacting with patients, especially in radiology, can definitely be a mix of interesting and sometimes a little tricky. But at the end of the day, tbh, it’s all about making sure they feel comfortable while you’re doing your job. You’d be surprised how much a simple smile and a little chat can put someone at ease when they’re nervous about the procedure.
Honestly, one of the best things you can do is communicate. Patients are usually worried about what’s coming next, so just explaining things in a calm, friendly way can really take the edge off. And no one likes that cold, "Here’s what we’re doing, now lay down and shut up" vibe, right? It’s the difference between them feeling like just another body in a machine versus someone who's actually being cared for. Being approachable and listening to their concerns really makes a difference.
Empathy is a huge one, too. I mean, it sounds simple, but it works wonders buddy. When someone’s in an MRI machine and they’re freaking out, they want to feel like they’re talking to someone who gets it. They’re not just worried about the scan, they might have a lot on their minds. Acknowledge their fears and take a moment to connect, and you’d be surprised how that little bit of compassion can help them power through. I remember when I went to MRI due to my tendon cut and believe me I was just a kid and I was scared. The doctor connected with me made me feel safe and then he had the procedure to be carried on, I was so comfortable I feel asleep.
But hey, while all that human connection stuff is important, you also gotta be a tech whiz. Patients may not always notice how perfect your scan is, but trust me, that attention to detail goes a long way in giving them the best care possible. The more you’re on top of the tech, the more comfortable you’ll feel—and that confidence is contagious. It’s like when you finally figure out how to use that one feature on your phone that’s been staring at you for months... once you know it, you’re like, “I’m basically a tech genius now!” Same thing with radiology machines.
Also, remember to breathe and not get too bogged down. You’re going to have those days when things feel rushed or overwhelming, but if you keep that cool head and stay patient with the patients and yourself, it’ll all come together. I mean, when it comes down to it, you’re doing a really important job, and if you can make someone’s experience a little bit easier or more comfortable, you’re winning.
So keep doing your thing. You’re learning and growing every time you interact with a patient, and those experiences add up. Just don’t forget to give yourself a little grace on the tough days, you’re only human, after all.
Good luck Mareli, and remember to smile. Your patients will definitely appreciate it! Smiling is medicine itself let me tell you that!
Reach out to local clinics or hospitals and ask about shadowing opportunities or even volunteer work in radiology or any department. Don’t wait for the perfect time or opportunity to come to you, you have to create it yourself to gain it.
You can also brush up the basic skills of interaction, through online resources, videos, or even talking to people who work in healthcare, understanding how to approach patients with compassion and professionalism is important. You can even practice with friends or family—having those awkward but important conversations will make you more comfortable when it matters most.
If you're leaning into radiology, maybe look into basic imaging techniques or the latest tech in the field. You don’t have to be a pro, but understanding the equipment and procedures will give you a head start when you're in those hands-on situations.
Connect with people on LinkedIn or through school events.
Reflect on why you’re drawn to this field and keep reminding yourself of the bigger picture. Build confidence by taking action and getting closer to your goal, even if it feels uncertain at times.
Alright so, interacting with patients, especially in radiology, can definitely be a mix of interesting and sometimes a little tricky. But at the end of the day, tbh, it’s all about making sure they feel comfortable while you’re doing your job. You’d be surprised how much a simple smile and a little chat can put someone at ease when they’re nervous about the procedure.
Honestly, one of the best things you can do is communicate. Patients are usually worried about what’s coming next, so just explaining things in a calm, friendly way can really take the edge off. And no one likes that cold, "Here’s what we’re doing, now lay down and shut up" vibe, right? It’s the difference between them feeling like just another body in a machine versus someone who's actually being cared for. Being approachable and listening to their concerns really makes a difference.
Empathy is a huge one, too. I mean, it sounds simple, but it works wonders buddy. When someone’s in an MRI machine and they’re freaking out, they want to feel like they’re talking to someone who gets it. They’re not just worried about the scan, they might have a lot on their minds. Acknowledge their fears and take a moment to connect, and you’d be surprised how that little bit of compassion can help them power through. I remember when I went to MRI due to my tendon cut and believe me I was just a kid and I was scared. The doctor connected with me made me feel safe and then he had the procedure to be carried on, I was so comfortable I feel asleep.
But hey, while all that human connection stuff is important, you also gotta be a tech whiz. Patients may not always notice how perfect your scan is, but trust me, that attention to detail goes a long way in giving them the best care possible. The more you’re on top of the tech, the more comfortable you’ll feel—and that confidence is contagious. It’s like when you finally figure out how to use that one feature on your phone that’s been staring at you for months... once you know it, you’re like, “I’m basically a tech genius now!” Same thing with radiology machines.
Also, remember to breathe and not get too bogged down. You’re going to have those days when things feel rushed or overwhelming, but if you keep that cool head and stay patient with the patients and yourself, it’ll all come together. I mean, when it comes down to it, you’re doing a really important job, and if you can make someone’s experience a little bit easier or more comfortable, you’re winning.
So keep doing your thing. You’re learning and growing every time you interact with a patient, and those experiences add up. Just don’t forget to give yourself a little grace on the tough days, you’re only human, after all.
Good luck Mareli, and remember to smile. Your patients will definitely appreciate it! Smiling is medicine itself let me tell you that!
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I appreciate this, thanks for the advice!