Imaging Assistant

Newport Hospital and Health Services Careers•Newport, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists in providing patient care and performing duties related to MRI, able to work safely around both fluctuating and static magnetic fields. Supports the technologist by helping with all aspects of exam preparation, which includes transporting patients to and from the scanner, completing documentation, ensuring patient comfort through proper positioning, and explaining the exam process. Additionally, responsible for administrative tasks such as scheduling exams and handling inquiries related to insurance authorization, coding, and other related matters.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent required.
Current CPR/BLS required.
Knowledge and understanding of general anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

Prefer specific experience and training in MRI and/or Imaging Departments.
Experience with the following computer applications is highly desired: Stentor; EPIC; Microsoft Office; Internet/Intranet.

Responsibilities

Assists the Radiologic Technologist(s) with performing high-quality exams and procedures that are consistent with protocols approved by the Radiologist and completed in a timely fashion.
Obtains pertinent patient history, to include safety information (such as MRI screening forms) allergies and fall risk in preparation for exam.
Responsible for the care and safety of patients undergoing imaging procedures and utilizes equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, facility policies and accepted industry practices to minimize risks of injury, electric shock, uncontrolled movement of metallic items (internal or external) by magnetic field(s), burns, extraneous radiation, inappropriate disruption of functionality in necessary medical devices/implants and other hazards
Maintains current and comprehensive knowledge of MRI safety protocols, policies and guidelines, including MRI Safety Zones relative to implant safety within the department.
Submits necessary documentation and transmitting the same to others involved in patient’s care/imaging processes (filling in relevant info into online forms, creating notes in EHR, etc. when there are unforeseen/aberrant events such as infiltrations, complications, incomplete/limited exams, etc.) on a regular or ad hoc basis.
Assists Technologist in placing patients in the most suitable anatomical posture and positions to acquire necessary radiologic images.
Explains the exam to the patient, answers general questions about imaging and provides instructions necessary to increase the chance of a successful exam and positive overall experience.
Obtains appropriate patient histories, demonstrating proficiency with current EHR, PACS and Online Forms, including in locating prior reports/studies pertinent to exams being done.
Prepares equipment and room for exams and procedures
Ensures proper supplies and linen are available in exam rooms for upcoming exams and procedures
Utilizes EHR to track patient check-in/availability and accurately codes procedures.
Takes phone calls from patients to clarify exams, go over patient preparatory information, answer general questions and provide check-in instructions, including directions to site, if needed.
Communicate with providers, ordering office or hospital unit for order clarification or additional documentation (such as implant information, H&P, “Op” notes, etc.) as necessary.
Discusses exam results with supervisor or attending physician when appropriate.
Obtains procedure consent when necessary, including from parents, guardians, caregivers, providers, or others able to make medical and legal decisions on behalf of the patient.
Assists in the transportation of patients, following facility transport process, as needed
Cleans exam room, imaging equipment and transport devices used (such as wheelchairs, stretchers, etc.) following standard precautions.
Communicates details of patient status with other hospital staff and performs complete ‘hand-offs when needed.
Able to assess patient pain, nausea, anxiety, or other issues interfering with completing a successful imaging procedure; makes appropriate contact with provider, ordering office or hospital unit intervention as needed.
Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.