RRA - Interventional Radiology - Full Time

General Description: The primary role of a Radiologist Assistant (RA) is to enhance patient care by assisting the radiologist with patient assessment, patient management and radiological procedures. Under direction, plans, organizes and directs all technical / procedural aspects including equipment and related personnel of the Vascular Interventional Radiology (VIR) department, while providing high quality clinical care to all patients. The RA also makes initial observations of diagnostic images but does not provide an official interpretation in the form of a written report.

Essential Responsibilities: Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Performs clinical consultations, including initial consultation and assessment, informed consent, follow-up visits, and patient care.
• Explains procedure to patient, significant others, and/or other health care providers including a description of risks, benefits, alternatives, and follow-up and determines patient compliance, if needed, with pre-examination/procedure preparations (diet, medications).
• Formulates a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as partner and considers the individual needs of the patient.
• Administer contrast media, radioactive materials, or other medication as directed by the supervising radiologist and monitor for any adverse effects. Evaluates images for diagnostic quality and report clinical observations to the radiologist.
• Evaluates electrocardiograms for the purpose of recognizing abnormalities that might impact the procedure/examination.
• Positions and physically prepares patient for a procedure.
• Observes and assesses patients during conscious sedation.
• Recognizes and responds to medical emergencies (e.g., drug reactions, cardiac arrest, hypoglycemia), activate emergency response systems, and notify appropriate personnel.
• Communicates the radiologist's report to the referring physician consistent with American College of Radiology guidelines.
• Provides physician prescribed post-examination/procedure instruction to the patient and perform follow-up patient evaluation and communicate findings to the radiologist
• Documents the appropriate records for review and co-signature by the supervising radiologist.
• Actively participates in hospital and system-wide committees and/or council.
• Assists with or performs fluoroscopic, diagnostic angiographic and interventional special procedures.
• Maintains a sterile field and environment.

General Responsibilities:

• Adheres to guidelines as it pertains to radiation dose and protection, As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).
• Maintains a clinical knowledge of appropriate indications, contraindications, risks, and side effects.
• Maintains knowledge of all procedural products
• Identifies opportunities for clinical quality as well as workplace improvement.
• Maintains a knowledgeable base for all VIR procedures and techniques.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the patients served as specified below. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles relative to the patient's age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.

Education / Experience: Minimum 1-3 years of experience or Completion of an accredited academic institution as a Registered Radiology Assistant. Accreditation is required. MS candidate preferred must achieve a Solid/Strong/Good performance rating or higher on annual performance evaluation for consideration and to maintain status annually.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: Registration with the American Registry of Radiological Technology (ARRT). Current state RA license. Current Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required upon hire. If practicing in an inpatient setting the following certification must be obtained: Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the VIR procedures, medications, operation and monitoring of ionizing radiation equipment, apparatus and storage. Knowledge of prescribed safety standards as outlined by the Council of Radiation Protection and Monitoring. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other medical staff, peers and subordinates. Effective verbal and written communication. Able to obtain history and physical exam, informed consent, and follow-up progress notes. Demonstrates highly developed clinical assessment and analytical skills. Practices solid communication skills, and is able to articulate and translate the patient's condition to other care providers and to negotiate and make recommendations for changes in patient care and clinical practices. Applies evidence based practice as a regular aspect of professional practice. Demonstrates critical thinking in all areas of professional practice.