Description
MAIN FUNCTION:
The nurse is an integral part of the radiology team. The major goal of the radiology nurse is to provide quality nursing care to both in-and outpatients in the department of radiology. The radiology nurse cares for the pediatric, adult, elderly, acutely ill, or chronically ill patient. The radiology nurse should be qualified and prepared to handle all unexpected emergencies that occur during any radiological procedure.The radiology nurse must be attuned to the diverse needs of the community such as language, ethnic, religious, and sexual differences. The radiology nurse must be familiar with the patient's bill of right's and seek assistance from other resources when needed to ensure individualized care. Skills utilized in his/her job performance include assessment, communication, teaching, leadership, and management. The nurse ensures patient privacy, dignity, and safety. Areas where the nurse may function are: general diagnostic, special procedures, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
The overall goal of the radiology nurse is to provide optimum patient care utilizing the nursing process. The nurse will assess, identify needs, plan, implement appropriate interventions, document, and evaluate outcomes.
Specific duties fall into four categories. They are: clinical, education, management and collaboration.
Clinical Duties
**1.Prioritizes patient needs and functions as patient advocate.
**2.Assesses the biological, psychological, sociological, and cultural needs of the patient and
family.
**3.Assesses and monitors patient condition including vital sign monitoring and recognition
of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and initiates appropriate nursing interventions.Requests additional assistance with critical patients from ICU or ED if needed.
**4.Administers contrast material.
**5.Recognizes, documents, and assists in the treatment of contrast reactions.
**6.Intervenes in emergency situations.
**7.Assists radiologists with special procedures and treatments that require professional
nursing skills
**8.Administers conscious sedation and monitors patients as appropriate.
**9.Assesses need for and administers other medications as indicated.
**10.Provides continuity of care for the critically ill patient.
**11.Demonstrates skill in using special equipment such as monitors, infusion pumps,
pacemakers, 02 equipment, ventilators etc.
**12.Documents patient's status and nursing interventions.
**13.Demonstrates ability to prioritize nursing responsibilities within the department.
Educational Duties

1. Provides health teaching and procedural information to patients and families.
2. Provides staff education on CPR, patient care, safety, infection control, etc.
3. Inservices other health care professionals regarding radiology nurses' role, continuity of patient care, and topic related to radiology.
4. Assists with the orientation of nurses, physicians, technologists, and students.
5. Evaluates, prepares, and distributes written patient education material.

Other Responsibilities

1. Acts as a resource person to nursing, medical, and radiology staff.
2. Assists with quality improvement and risk management programs.
3. Participates in the development and evaluation of policies and procedures in radiology.
4. Practices cost containment.
5. Maintains emergency equipment.
6. Monitors medications including narcotics.
7. Participates in hospital, nursing, and radiology committees.
8. On Call is a requirement for this position. The frequency is to be determined by the department Director.

Collaboration Responsibilities

1. Acts as a liaison between radiology and nursing units.
2. Interacts with other health care professionals to maintain continuity of quality patient care.

EDUCATION:
Is a graduate of an accredited school of nursing.Holds a current NYS nursing license.Works effectively with a variety of professional and ancillary personnel.
EXPERIENCE:
One to two years as staff nurse. Critical care experience in preferred.Has a general knowledge of all areas of nursing practice.Demonstrates mature judgment, initiative, and proficiency in nursing skills.Is able to work without direct supervision.Shows professional interest through self-development, continuing education, and involvement in professional organizations.ACLS within 6 months of employment and PALS within 18 months of employment.Is knowledgeable in physical assessment, aseptic technique, IV skills, and universal
precautions.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire date.
INFECTION CONTROL:
Performs all aspects of universal precautions when engaging in patient care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Light physical effort required. Assists with moving patients. Work requires walking and standing.
EXPOSURE CATEGORY:
Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood and body fluids or tissues.Possible job hazards are radiation exposure, electrical and chemical hazards, exposure to communicable diseases, and personal
injury. These hazards are minimal with proper safety awareness and precautions.
**A.D.A. Essential Functions