Registered Nurse - Interventional Radiology Services

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

An Interventional Radiology (IR) nurse is a specialized RN who assists physicians in these procedures. The nurse is responsible for patient care during the entire process, including the initial assessment, the plan of care, administering medication, checking for lab results, reviewing the patient's medical history, and monitoring the patient closely throughout the procedure.

During IR procedure down-time, the IR nurse will also float to various patient care units to assume clinical resource tasks responsibilities as requested by clinical supervisors.

What is Interventional Radiology : Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical specialty where various minimally-invasive procedures are performed using medical imaging guidance, such as x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound.

The procedures might be for biopsy, diagnosis, or treatment.

This position reports to the Director of Critical Care Services or her / his registered nurse designee.

ESSENTIAL IR REGISTERED NURSE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, the IR nurse must be able to perform each essential duty and task satisfactorily. Position requirements include :

• Assigned duties and tasks shall be in compliance with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• The IR radiology nurse is responsible for implementing, directing, communicating, and documenting the nursing process.
• The IR Registered Nurse practices in accordance with current established standards of care and the California Board of Registered Nursing Practice Act.
• The Interventional Radiology (IR) RN’s responsibilities cover the patient’s entire procedure, from assessment to discharge.
• Initially, the RN conducts a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual status, utilizing age specific data, among other considerations.
• The RN performs and documents ongoing assessments, including observation, physical examination, laboratory / test results, and patient response to procedural intervention.
• The RN also participates in the identification and clarification of patient needs, to achieve optimal patient outcomes, as well as implements the plan of care according to the identified physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.
• Additional responsibilities include assisting the radiologist during angiographic and interventional procedures by preparing the supply tray, passing guide wires and catheters, as well as setting up and maintains sterile trays and other equipment, practicing sterile technique, and passing instruments and supplies to the radiologist.
• The RN performs Neuro and Vascular angiographic and interventional procedures.
• Finally, the RN educates the patient and primary care nurse on post-procedure requirements.
• During IT procedure downtime, the RN could be assigned to various patient care units to assist staff with resource nurse tasks such as starting intravenous lines, administering medications, transporting patients for radiology for basic diagnostic tests and monitoring patients during these procedures.
• Provides primary clinical support to the provider, patient and their family to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient's condition.
• Follows up on diagnostic testing to ensure completion, accuracy, and filing of same in medical record to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Greet patients and provide an initial nursing evaluation.
• Evaluates assigned patients and plans, implements, and documents nursing care.
• Assists physicians during examinations and procedures.
• Performs various patient tests and administers medications within the scope of practice of a Registered Nurse.
• Promotes patients' independence by establishing patient care goals and teaching patients and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills
• Relies on experience and judgment to perform a variety of tasks and accomplish goals
• Perform other clinical and nurse resource duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITY

• Anticipates customer needs, understands their expectations and responds appropriately.
• Treats others with compassion, fairness, courtesy and respect while honoring their uniqueness.
• Willingly works with others to identify and achieve common goals.
• Enthusiastically approaches their role and displays pride in the organization.
• Takes personal responsibility for doing the right thing.
• Optimizes the talents of self and others and the use of time, materials and equipment.
• Must demonstrate exceptional communication skills along with excellent customer service skills.
• Must be able to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature, without loss of efficiency or composure, and be able to perform under stressful conditions when confronted with multiple requests, demonstrating prioritizing skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

General Requirements

• Required : Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Required : Current unrestricted and active California state Registered Nurse License.
• QUALIFICATIONS (Continued)

General Requirements (Continued)

• Required : California RN licensure; American Heart Association BLS
• Required : American Heart Association ACLS
• Preferred : Certified in specialty practice area
• Preferred : Certification in Radiology
• Recognizes life threatening arrhythmias and initiates appropriate therapy and / or interventions
• Able to read and interpret Tele strips independently
• Must have excellent time management skills
• Use of electronic based charting systems
• Basic EKG rhythm interpretation course completion
• Covid-19 and Influenza Vaccination Card Required
• Ability to meet minimum hospital hiring standards which may include additional background clearances and orientation requirements if applicable to the assigned employment position.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 9 : 00 am - 5 : 30 pm (variable schedule). Non-exempt status. Working evenings, weekends and Holidays may be occasionally required depending on the need for emergency and / or urgent IR procedures.

Physical Aspects of the position

This position requires walking, standing and moving for most of an 8-hour shift. The position requires going into patient rooms and talking with patients and visitors that may be upset, anxious and in pain.

This position also requires the ability to occasionally lift zero to 20 pounds of weight.

Factor

N / A

Rare

Occasionally

Frequently

Constantly

Unassisted Lifting 0 - 20 lbs.

21 - 30 lbs.

31 - 50 lbs.

Unassisted Pushing

0 - 20 lbs

21 - 30 lbs.

31 - 50 lbs.

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Carrying

Bending / Twisting

Pushing

Gripping

Grasping

Listening and talking to patients and visitors

Physical Requirements :

Ability to negotiate physical environment safely.

Visual Requirements :

Ability to translate and understand written communications.

Hearing Requirements :

Ability to understand and translate auditory communications.

Working Conditions :

Usual and customary Interventional Radiology department and other patient care areas. Use safety precautions according to hospital policy and procedure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The IR service workload can be unpredictable because of frequent census fluctuations. This position requires mostly walking, standing, sitting, pushing, and pulling.

This position requires sound judgment, empathy and maturity in handling sensitive issues related to patients and family members.

SUPERVISION

The Director of Critical Care Services or her / his registered nurse designee shall provide day-to-day employee supervision and has overall responsibility for this position.