Radiology Assistant

About the role

The primary role of a Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) 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 RRA also makes initial observations of diagnostic images but does not provide an official interpretation in the form of a written report.

Responsibilities

• 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