General Summary

Under general supervision, perform routine and specialized diagnostic and therapeutic angiography procedures on patients following established parameters/protocols for use by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of pathologies. Assist in maintaining a smooth operational flow and maximum patient volume.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Clinical Practice/Patient Care - Operates technical angiography equipment and applies ionizing radiation to the patient in accordance with standard operating procedures, according to departmental policies, procedures/protocols for a particular patient.

A. Greets and receives patient. Checks patient's ID. Explains procedure to patient.

B. Positions patient according to department's procedure manual. Moves and/or assists patient onto table in accordance with departmental procedures. Provides for the patient's comfort during the procedures.

C. Performs angiography and digital subtraction angiography procedures, utilizing nursing procedures, sterile technique and radiographic technique

D. Operates laser imagers, and PACs equipment to obtain radiographic images. Critiques radiographs for quality and accuracy. Selects and send images to PACS.

E. Provides radiation protection in accordance with regulations. Selects accurate technical factors on an individual patient basis.

F. Reviews history and pertinent films with designated Radiologist to assure appropriate application of procedure. Discusses plan and equipment necessary for the procedure.

G. Assists physicians with specialized diagnostic and interventional procedures by handling equipment, preparing instrument trays, prepping and explaining procedures to patients and other related tasks under the supervision of a Radiologist.

H. Responds effectively to patient care emergencies.

I. Utilizes universal precautions at all times when working with patients. Sets up and maintains a sterile field by utilizing sterile technique; opens sterile procedures trays where applicable.

J. In conjunction with the IR nurses and radiologists, monitors patient condition throughout the procedure. Uses EKG equipment, Intravenous pumps, Blood Pressure equipment, pulse oximeter and related routine equipment to maintain continuous patient care while patient is undergoing procedure.

K. Prepares medications for administration by Radiologist. Opens medication, maintaining integrity of the sterile syringes, needles, and draws-up medication for injection in accordance with departmental procedures.

L. Assists Radiologist with administration of radiopaque materials by setting volume and flow rates on the MedRad power injector.

M. Cleans and disinfects angiography equipment and scanner room. Troubleshoots technical and mechanical problems, and performs minor maintenance on equipment, i.e. laser imagers and film processors, in accordance with departmental procedures.

N. Records and accumulates patient statistics in daily logbooks, enters data into the radiology computer system, IDX-Rad and HI-IQ. Completes records accurately, including the physician-billing sheet.

O. Responds to "Stat" calls for angiography procedures by being available to the Radiology resident on call on a rotating basis.

P. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures.

Q. Demonstrates basic competencies in processing images and troubleshooting.

Unit Management

A. Maintains supplies and inventory in area. Informs Rad 3when supplies need to be ordered from outside vendors.

B. Reviews requests daily for Interventional procedures and assists in prioritizing for a smooth work flow. Reports to Rad3 or Chief Technologist any unresolved issues.

C. Reports all potential or actual patient/equipment problems to the Radiographer 3 or Chief Technologist. Performs minor trouble shooting operations.

D. Documents and reports related equipment problems in accordance to UMMC and department policy and procedures manual.

E. Communicates effectively with patients, nurses, and physicians, particularly regarding information on angiography procedures requiring specialized patient preparation.

F. Acts as a role model for RAD 1, by respecting the workplace and the other healthcare professionals in the area. Acts as an integral member of the IR team, promoting efficient workflow processes and maximum patient safety.

G. Handles telephone inquiries regarding physician and/or patient information relative to angiography procedures in an effective and appropriate manner. Performs miscellaneous clerical functions, as needed.

Leadership

A. Participates in 1 area-wide committee

B. Assumes responsibility for one IR project

Professional Development

A. Attends in-service training programs and other relevant training sessions for professional growth and development.

B. Has Advanced Certification in Cardiovascular Interventional Technology or Vascular Intervention.