Registered Nurse - Imaging

This is a professional position responsible for the coordination of outpatient and inpatient services for Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca. The role is dynamic, requiring the RN to function as a procedure nurse and support the clinical needs of all patients utilizing Imaging services at Main Campus, East Campus, and Cayuga Park Campus. Responsibilities include linking the hospital and physicians by providing preadmission nursing assessments, testing, care, and coordinating inpatient and outpatient procedures. Post-procedure care and assessment are also key components of this role.

Responsibilities

• Perform and document accurate patient assessments within established standards of care, identifying immediate needs on admission and ongoing discharge needs.
• Respond appropriately to changes in patient condition and anticipate patient needs based on assessments.
• Administer optimal patient care by providing physicians with appropriate equipment and supplies for each procedure.
• Apply proper handling of supplies and equipment necessary for all Imaging procedures and follow Universal Protocol.
• Handle variations in the plan of care calmly and efficiently; assist with patient positioning and prep.
• Support other hospital units as needed and maintain patient environment by stocking rooms and/or cleaning equipment.
• Individualize plans of care based on procedure and reinforce patient teaching within scope of practice.
• Promote teamwork with all co-workers.
• Recognize and act on patient variances from the established plan; reassess patient condition and document according to standards.
• Report any changes in patient condition to the physician and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to meet patient care needs.
• Complete documentation records at the end of each case and ensure accurate data collection for H&P, moderate sedation paperwork, informed consent, and Universal Protocol Checklist.
• Anticipate potential and actual safety hazards, practice universal precautions, and maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Accurately use the hospital information system to enter and retrieve patient data and demonstrate complete order entry for tests and procedures.
• Demonstrate positive judgment, flexibility, and accountability in actions, scheduling, and patient assignments.
• Respect patient privacy and confidentiality, and address concerns promptly.
• Lead with information from staffing meetings, handle incidents appropriately, and function as a charge nurse when needed.
• Promote teamwork, assure appropriate staffing patterns, and communicate positively with staff regarding unit planning.
• Complete mandatory educational requirements, maintain knowledge of SGNA standards, and seek learning experiences.
• Maintain emergency readiness through daily, weekly, and monthly checks of emergency equipment, including Adult Crash Cart, Pediatric Broslow Cart, Narcotic Reversal Boxes, Contrast Reaction Boxes, and emergency airway supplies.
• Provide nursing care before, during, and after special procedures, including IV access, blood sampling, pre/post assessments, medication management, monitoring, patient education, and mobility support.
• Respond to all clinical needs within the Imaging departments of CHS Main Campus, East Campus, and Cayuga Park.
• Serve as an outward-facing representative of the Imaging Department for ordering provider office communication.
• Perform pre-procedure and post-procedure education.

Requirements

• Current NYS Registered Nursing license.
• BLS certification (obtained during introductory period).
• ACLS certification (must be obtained prior to completion of the introductory period).
• Previous cardiac or critical care nursing experience strongly encouraged.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good dexterity and ability to stand in place for extended periods.
• Ability to move or lift patients with assistance.

Skills

• Assessment and evaluation of patient conditions.
• Coordination of multidisciplinary teams.
• Emergency readiness and equipment maintenance.
• Patient education and communication.
• Flexibility in scheduling and patient assignments.
• Leadership and delegation as a charge nurse.
• Self-development and continuous learning.