Radiology Tech Assistant

Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Medical Imaging, or designee, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, performs a variety of functions to assist in daily operation of the Diagnostic Imaging Division; This includes transportation of patients requiring radiographic procedures, preparing patient for examination, maintaining room readiness, cleanliness and stock.

A Radiology Tech Assistant works directly with Imaging Technologist to facilitate and help assure high-quality imaging services to patients, make recommendations that will improve operational efficiencies and exercises critical thinking within understanding of formal training, to prioritize workload and patient management situations.

All essential functions performed reflect the age-specific needs of the adult, adolescent and geriatric patient; As well as adapting to their physical, psychological and cultural needs.

Radiology Tech Assistants receive training in the MRI Department, learn MRI Safety guidelines and policy.

Responsibilities:

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Transports patients to and from imaging modality.

Adheres to all safety guidelines for each imaging modality including but not limited to MRI, CT, and X-Ray and Nuclear Medicine.

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

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 storage requirements and expiration dates. Orders supplies as needed, as assigned. Anticipates equipment and supply utilization well enough to maintain sufficient inventory PAR levels.

Receives materials and verifies contents by reviewing against packaging slips, receiving slips, purchased orders, etc.
Unpacks supplies and visually checks contents for damaged items. May break down bulk quantities into smaller sizes. Notifies manager 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 request to stores. 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 personal regarding payment and/or cancelation of orders.

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

Provides various messenger and Radiology patient/equipment transport services. Secures appropriate transport equipment (stretcher or wheelchair) and necessary secondary equipment, such as IV Pole, Oxygen Tank, Linen or Blanket. Cleans and prepares stretcher before and after use.

Report the need for repair of stretchers, wheelchairs and other related patient transport equipment.

Greets patient and identifies patient adhering to the Patient Identification Policy. Escorts patient by mode of ambulation, wheelchair, stretcher or bed. Orients patient to the appropriate department, explains the basics of procedure and responds to patients' questions and concerns.

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

Assists with lifting and moving patients for imaging procedure to and from imaging table. Patient transfer devices may be utilized to assist with safe transfer. This may include the use of patient Slide Board, Hover Matt and Hoyer Lift as needed. May assist patients as needed to change for procedures.

Observing radiation safety rules, assists Radiographer and/or Radiologist during a procedure, works with equipment and related devices within the scope of formal training and understanding to complete the examination. Positions special kits or trays to facilitate procedure. Remains in the room during Fluoroscopy and minor Interventional procedures to give the Radiologist supplies when requested. Assists with packaging specimens for the labs and checking that the specimens are labeled with the proper patient information.

Demonstrates competency inserting, monitoring and removing IV catheters using appropriate infection control standards. Works with oxygen and other support devices to the extent of training and in a manner that supports department and hospital patient care policies and procedures.

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

Assists Radiographer with portable Radiographic procedures.

Works with medical documents and information in a manner that supports department and hospital patient care policies and procedures. Review and research pertinent medical information in chart and various other departmental forms and documents as needed. Provides and reviews patient screening forms and information sheets with patient. Processes information in PACS, LifeChart, and other applications pertinent to the job duties, such as but not limited to, reviewing exam worklists for exam completeness and patient readiness.

Performs other related duties such as but not limited to assisting the department clerical staff, answering telephones, relaying messages, photocopying and data entry.

Supports the department during downtime.

Provides training and instruction to newly hired staff pertaining to job duties and responsibilities.

Keeps current with required hospital training and certification.

Consistently meets job accountabilities: critical thinking, interpersonal skills, team membership, customer focus, initiative, reliability and fosters patient/visitor centered care in accordance with the Brown University Health and The Miriam Hospitals mission, vision and values.

Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental and Infection Control, in accordance with established department policies, procedures and objectives.

Observes patient privacy policies.

Performs other related job duties as required.

Other information:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

High School diploma or equivalency required.

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

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

Understand the relevant parameters regarding Radiation Safety and ALARA.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns.

EXPERIENCE:

Preferably completed a Tech Assistant training program, had previous experience as a Tech Assistant/Tech Aide, had clinical background or be enrolled in a healthcare track program.

Basic Life Support and IV Certification is required within 6 months of hire.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires regular exposure to patients and potential exposure to contagious disease. Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures, taking precaution and the use of safety equipment and protective clothing.

Considerable standing, walking, lifting, carrying and equipment handling.

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

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

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetics, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran, or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: The Miriam Hospital, USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Per Diem

Shift: Shift 4

Union: Non-Union