Radiology Tech Assistant

Summary

Under the general supervision of the Lead Technologist or Manager Medical Imaging, this position transports patients requiring radiographic procedures, collaborates with imaging technologists and radiologists to ensure high-quality imaging services, and prioritizes workload and patient management situations.

Responsibilities

• Incorporate new CARE values of compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence.
• Foster patient and family-centered care in accordance with Brown University Health’s mission, vision, and values.
• Perform all essential functions with consideration of the age-specific needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Maintain quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established hospital and department policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Prepare room, equipment, and supplies for diagnostic imaging procedures.
• Position special kits or trays to facilitate procedure.
• Prepare contrast material as needed within the limits of formal training and department procedures.
• Assist Technologist and/or radiologist during the procedure or exam as needed, and work with equipment and related devices within the scope of formal training and understanding to complete the examination.
• Help manage patients during the procedure while observing radiation safety rules.
• Remain in the room during fluoro and minor interventional procedures to give the Radiologist supplies when requested.
• Assist with packaging specimens for the labs and checking that the specimens are labeled properly with the proper patient information.
• Clean the room and equipment upon completion of the exam.
• Work 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 charts and various other departmental forms and documents as needed.
• Observe patient privacy policies and procedures.
• Process information in PACS, Lifechart, and other applications pertinent to the job duties such as reviewing exam worklists for exam completeness and patient readiness, and supporting the department during downtime.
• Greet and escort patients from the OP waiting area and orient patients to the appropriate department.
• Explain the basics of the test procedure and respond to patient’s questions and concerns.
• Identify and assist patients prior to procedure and adhere to the Patient Identification Policy.
• Assist nurses and/or Technologists in preparing patients for transport by dressing, lifting, and positioning patients in chairs or stretchers.
• Transport patients to and from Diagnostic Imaging.
• Secure approval of unit supervisor or representative to transport patients to Diagnostic Imaging.
• Work with department and nursing unit personnel to help assure an efficient process is in place with respect to identifying, preparing, and transporting patients.
• Make recommendations to in-charge department personnel to improve overall related processes.
• Assist Technologist with portable radiographic exams.
• Assist with patient positioning as needed in accordance with training.
• Prepare patients for imaging procedures.
• Assist with lifting and moving patients for imaging procedures to and from the imaging table.
• May assist patients as needed to change for procedures.
• Secure appropriate transport equipment such as stretchers or wheelchairs and necessary additional equipment such as IV poles, linens, or blankets.
• Clean and prepare equipment before and after use.
• Provide and review patient screening forms and information sheets with the patient.
• Provide various messenger and patient-related transport services as needed.
• Observe patients awaiting testing.
• Report any adverse reactions or unusual behaviors to the technologist immediately.
• Prepare room for imaging procedures including changing linens and table cleaning before and after each use.
• Maintain stock levels of supplies according to established par levels.
• Perform daily inventory.
• Stock room with laundry and appropriate supplies.
• Maintain stock and linen areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Pick up and deliver supplies and materials for the department, including linen, contrast material, and stock requests to stores.
• As instructed, may contact units to obtain or clarify information.
• 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 personnel regarding payment and/or cancellation of orders.
• Report the need for repair of stretchers, wheelchairs, and other related patient transport equipment in accordance with hospital policy.
• Work with IV, oxygen, and other patient support devices to the extent of training and in a manner that supports department and hospital patient care policies and procedures.
• Assist patients with toileting.
• Provide bedpans and urinals when needed and assist with usage and disposal following hospital standard practices.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance.
• Observe safety and/or isolation precautions per hospital guidelines when assisting infectious patients.
• Understand and practice ALARA principles of Radiation Protection including the use and exchange of personal dosimeters.
• Transport patients as needed.
• Keep current with required hospital training.
• Perform other related duties such as assisting the department secretary, answering telephones, relaying messages, photocopying, data entry, and delivering forms and/or supplies to other areas within Diagnostic Imaging.

Qualifications

• BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
• High School diploma or equivalency required.
• Must have successfully completed a Tech Assistant training program or have previous experience as a Tech Assistant or Tech Aide.
• If the training program is not currently available, must have clinical background or be enrolled in a healthcare track program.
• Basic Life Support Certification is required.
• Must have numerical and analytical skills to prepare contrast media and to follow procedures that require quantitative symbols.
• Manual dexterity to operate all equipment that is needed to perform the activities that are within the scope of responsibilities.
• Understand the relevant parameters regarding Radiation Safety and the department’s ALARA program.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
• Must have demonstrated age-specific competencies.
• Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively in English and to perform basic arithmetic computations.
• Must be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills while working with patients, physicians, and family members that will help assure optimal care is being provided.
• Interpersonal skills to exchange information and support satisfactory outcomes.

• Must have successfully completed a Tech Assistant training program or have previous experience as a Tech Assistant or Tech Aide.
• If the training program is not currently available, must have clinical background or be enrolled in a healthcare track program.

Physical Requirements

• Some exposure to ionizing radiation and contagious disease while assisting technologists or holding patients.
• Hazards are minimized with adherence to specific safety precautions and procedures.
• Position requires regular exposure to patients including assistance to acutely ill patients.
• Considerable standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and handling of imaging equipment.
• May handle flammable or controlled substances requiring care and alertness to safely store inventory supplies.

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.