Radiology Assistant - Registered Radiologic Assistant (RRA)

Radiology Assistant – Registered Radiologic Assistant (RRA)

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Registered Radiologic Assistant. In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for medical histories, patient monitoring, and diagnostic tests. Performs a patient risk assessment geared towards the relevant data needed pertinent to the patients radiologic exam. Monitors patients under the care of the Supervising Physician during radiologic exams. Recognizes and responds to medical emergencies (e.g., drug reactions, cardiac arrest, and hypoglycemia) and activates emergency response systems, including notification of the radiologist. Verifies appropriateness of radiologic diagnostic procedures in accordance with criteria established by the Department of Radiology and the supervising physician and performs certain procedures. Attends conferences as assigned.

Job Responsibilities:

• Documents any adverse occurrence, reaction, extravasation on department forms and in computer if required.
• Follows up calls made to the patient within 24 hours (except on Fridays) after an adverse reaction or extravasation.
• Obtains informed consent.
• Patient must be able to communicate with the radiologist if he/she requests or if any questions arise that cannot be appropriately answered by the radiologist assistant.
• Determines if patient has followed instructions in preparation for the exam (e.g., diet, pre-medications).
• Assesses risk factors that may contraindicate the procedure (e.g., health history, medications, pregnancy, psychological indicators, alternative medicines). (Note: Must be reviewed by radiologist).
• Obtains and evaluates vital signs. Performs limited physical examination as appropriate. Records appropriate data where needed, copying documents where needed, and filing data where appropriate.
• Presents information (e.g., signs and symptoms, laboratory values, and significant abnormalities) to the Supervisor or Attending Physician in a meaningful and concise manner.
• Reviews the patients medical record (including previous reports) to verify the appropriateness of a specific exam or procedure and report significant findings to radiologist. Interviews patient to obtain, verify, or update medical history.
• Explains procedure to patient or significant others, including a description of risks, benefits, alternatives, and follow-up. Patient must be able to communicate with the radiologist if he/she requests or if any questions arise that cannot be appropriately answered by the radiologist assistant.
• Verifies appropriate tests and medications according to criteria previously established by the supervising physician. Explains the necessity, preparation, nature, and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic radiologic procedures to the patient.
• Ensures proper documentation of all procedures in the medical record.
• Explains effects and potential side effects to the patient of the pharmaceutical required for the examination.
• Administers contrast agents and radiopharmaceuticals as prescribed by the radiologist.
• Administers general medications as prescribed by the radiologist. (Note: for purposes of this document, the term medications excludes contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals). Monitors patient for side effects or complications of the pharmaceutical.
• Performs the following fluoroscopic examinations and procedures including contrast media administration and operation of fluoroscopic unit: Upper GI; Esophagus; Small Bowel Studies; Barium Enema; Cystogram; T-tube Cholangiogram; Retrograde Urethrogram; Nasoenteric and Oro enteric Feeding Tube Placement; Port Injection; Fistulogram/Sonogram; Loopogram; Swallowing Study.
• Performs the following procedures including contrast media administration and needle or catheter placement: Joint Injection and Aspiration; Arthrogram (conventional, CT and MR); PICC placement (Level of supervision dependent upon complexity of examination); Paracentesis with appropriate image guidance; Thoracentesis with appropriate image guidance.
• Operates a fixed/mobile fluoroscopic unit. Assures documentation of fluoroscopy time. Evaluates images for completeness and diagnostic quality, and recommend additional images as required (general radiography, CT and MR). (Note: Additional images only in the same modality such as additional CT cuts).
• Applies to general radiography, CT, and MR). Reviews imaging procedures, makes initial observations and communicates observations only to the radiologist. Records previously communicated initial observation of imaging procedures according to approved protocols.
• Communicates radiologist's report to referring physician consistent with ACR Communication Guideline. Provides physician-prescribed post care instructions to patients.
• Performs follow-up patient evaluation and communicate findings to the radiologist. Documents procedure in appropriate record and document exceptions from established protocol or procedure. Writes patient discharge summary for review and co-signature by radiologist. Participates in quality improvement activities within radiology practice (e.g., quality of care, patient flow, reject-repeat analysis, patient satisfaction). Assists with data collection and review for clinical trials or other research.
• Promotes own professional growth and development in clinical role. Maintains current expertise in area of practice.
• Maintains annual CME requirement for re-appointment and privileging. Maintains RA board certification.
• Serves as a clinical expert and resource for the education of peers and other health professionals.Participates in conferences and conducts lectures as assigned.
• Conferences: Participates in conferences and conducts lectures as assigned. Pursues a planned program of professional growth through continuing education conferences, etc. in order to maintain and upgrade clinical skills.
• Participates in the development and monitoring of patient outcomes per established practice protocols for purposes of quality and performance improvement. Uses evidence-based health care literature to advise and support appropriate practice changes within the designated service.
• Works collaboratively with nursing and other disciplines in the development and implementation of clinical studies within the area of expertise.
• Assists in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of research protocols when applicable.
• Monitors and trends the cost effectiveness of the position, particularly as it relates to the efficiency and performance indicators established for the service. Coordinates implementation of clinical research studies or clinical trials, including patient screening, enrollment and data collection.
• Monitors patients under the care of the Supervising Physician during radiologic exams. Recognizes and responds to medical emergencies. (e.g., drug reactions, cardiac arrest) notification of the radiologist.
• Able to recognize signs and symptoms of IV contrast reactions. Able to recognize and respond to contrast reactions including and up to cardiovascular collapse. Maintains BLS/CPR, and ACLS certifications.
• Able to monthly check full complement of emergency medications and reorder and update them prior to expiration.
• Able to recognize and initiate treatment for anaphylaxis.
• Aware of backup procedures during an emergency. Reports any adverse reaction to an Attending Radiologist and to the patients referring Physician as required for any reactions that are moderate or severe.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an A.S.R.T approved Registered Radiologist Assistant Program
• Current registration by the New York State Department of Education as a Registered Radiologic Assistant (R.R.A.).