Radiology Tech Assistant

Summary :

Under the general supervision of the Lead Technologist or Manager Medical Imaging and in accordance with established policies and procedures transports patients requiring radiographic procedures works directly with imaging technologist and radiologists to facilitate and help assure high-quality imaging services to patients.

Exercises critical thinking within the understanding and context of a formalized training program to prioritize workload and patient management situations.

Works closely with Diagnostic Imaging Technologists and others to make recommendations that will improve operational efficiencies.

Responsibilities :

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Lifespan Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.

Incorporate new CARE values of compassion accountability respect and excellence.

Fosters patient and family centered care in accordance with Lifespans mission vision values with consideration of the lifespan including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

Performs all essential functions with consideration of the age-specific needs of the pediatric adolescent adult and geriatric patient.

Maintains quality assurance safety environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital and department policies procedures and objectives.

Prepares room equipment and needed supplies for diagnostic imaging procedure. Positions special kits or trays to facilitate procedure.

Prepares contrast material as needed within the limits of formal training and in accordance with written department procedures.

Assists Technologist and / or radiologist during the procedure or exam as needed and works with equipment and related devices within the scope of formal training and understanding to complete the examination.

Helps manage patients during the procedure while observing radiation safety rules. Remains in the room during fluoro and minor interventional procedures to give the Radiologist supplies when requested.

Assists with packaging specimens for the labs and checking that the specimens are labled as needed properly with the proper patient information.

Cleans the room and equipment upon completion of the exam.

Works with medical documents and information in a manner that supports department and hospital patient care policies and procedures.

Reviews and researches pertinent medical information in chart and various other departmental forms and documents as needed.

Observes patient privacy policies and procedures.

Processes information in PACS Lifechart and other applications pertinent to the job duties such as but not limited reviewing exam worklists for exam completeness and patient readiness and supports the department during downtime.

Greets and escorts patients from the OP waiting area and orients patient to the appropriate department. Explains the basics of test procedure and responds to the patients questions and concerns.

Identifies and assists patient prior to procedure and adhering to the Patient Identification Policy.

Assists nurse and or Technologist in preparing patient for transport by dressing lifting and positioning patient in chair or stretcher.

Transports patient to and from Diagnostic Imaging.

Secures approval of unit supervisor or representative to transport patient toDiagnostic Imaging. Works with department and nursing unit personnel to help assure an efficient process is in place with respect to identifying preparing and transporting patients.

Makes recommendations to in-charge department personnel to improve overall related processes.

Assists technologist with portable radiographic exams. Assists with patient positioning as needed in accordance with training.

Prepares patient for imaging procedures. Assists with lifting and moving patients for imaging procedure to and from the imaging table.

May assist patients as needed to change for procedures.

Secures appropriate transport equipment such as stretcher or wheelchair and necessary additional equipment such as IV pole linen or blanket.

Cleans and prepares equipment before and after use.

Provides and reviews patient screening forms and information sheets with the patient.

Provides various messenger and patient related transport services as needed.

Observes patients awaiting testing. Reports any adverse reactions or unusual behaviors to technologist immediately.

Prepares room for imaging procedure including changing linens and table cleaning before and after each use.

Maintains stock levels of supplies according to established par levels. Performs daily inventory. Stores supplies in proper area in accordance with established systems with particular attention to items having specific storage requirements and expiration dates.

Orders supplies as needed and as assigned. Anticipates equipment and supply utilization well enough to maintain sufficient inventory PAR levels.

Receives materials and verifies contents by reviewing against packing slips receiving slips purchase orders etc. Unpacks supplies and visually checks contents for damaged items.

May break down bulk quantities into smaller sizes. Notifies supervisor and assists with the return of items no longer usable.

Stocks room with Laundry and appropriate supplies.

Maintains stock and linen areas in a clean and orderly manner.

May pick up and deliver supplies and materials for department including linen contrast material and stock requests to stores.

As instructed may contact unit to obtain or clarify information. May perform simple record-keeping duties.

May interact with vendors to check on or expedite delivery of orders or regarding the return of merchandise. May interact with hospital accounting personnel regarding payment and / or cancellation of orders.

Report the need for repair of stretchers wheelchairs and other related patient transport equipment in accordance with hospital policy.

Works with IV Oxygen and other patient support devices to the extent of training and in a manner that supports department and hospital patient care policies and procedures.

Assists patients with toileting. Provides bedpans and urinals when needed and assists with usage and disposal following hospital standard practices.

Performs routine cleaning and maintenance. Maintains cleanliness of imaging rooms patient changing rooms and imaging equipment.

Observes safety and / or isolation precautions per hospital guidelines when assisting infectious patients.

Understands and practices ALARA principles of Radiation Protection including the use and exchange of personal dosimeters.

Transports patients as needed.

Keeps current with required hospital training.

Performs other related duties such as but not limited to assisting the department secretary answering telephones relaying messages photocopying data entry and delivering forms and / or supplies to other areas within Diagnostic Imaging.

Other information : BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

High School diploma or equivalency required. Must have successfully completed a Tech Assistant training program or have previous experience as a Tech Assistant or Tech Aide.

If the training program is not currently available must have clinical background or be enrolled in a healthcare track program.

Basic Life Support Certification is required.

Must have numerical and analytical skills to prepare contrast media and to follow procedures that require quantitative symbols.

Manual dexterity to operate all equipment that is needed to perform the activities that are within the scope of responsibilities.

Understand the relevant parameters regarding Radiation Safety and the departments ALARA program.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Must have demonstrated age specific competencies.

Ability to read write and verbally communicate effectively in English and to perform basic arithmetic computations.

Must be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills while working with patients physicians and family members that will help assure optimal care is being provided.

Interpersonal skills to exchange information and support satisfactory outcomes.

EXPERIENCE :

Must have successfully completed a Tech Assistant training program or have previous experience as a Tech Assistant or Tech Aide.

If the training program is not currently available must have clinical background or be enrolled in a healthcare track program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Some exposure to ionizing radiation and contagious disease while assisting technologists or holding patients. Hazards are minimized with adherence to specific safety precautions and procedures.

Position requires regular exposure to patients including assistance to acutely ill patients.

Considerable standing walking lifting carrying and handling of imaging equipment. May handle flammable or control substances requiring care and alertness to safely store inventory supplies.

INDEPENDENT ACTION :

Performs independently within department policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to lead / manager where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

None