Radiology Tech Assistant

Brown Medicine•Cranston, RI

5d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Lead Technologist or Manager of Medical Imaging, the Radiology Tech Assistant transports patients requiring radiographic procedures and works with imaging technologists and radiologists to facilitate high-quality imaging services. Within the context of formal training, the role uses critical thinking to prioritize workload and patient management and makes recommendations to improve operational efficiency. Employees are expected to model Brown University Health’s CARE values—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—and its core Success Factors: Instill Trust and Value Differences, Patient and Community Focus, and Collaborate. The assistant prepares imaging rooms, equipment, supplies, and patients; supports technologists and radiologists during examinations; and transports patients to and from Diagnostic Imaging. The role also handles department documentation and information systems, maintains supplies and linens, cleans rooms and equipment, observes patients awaiting testing, and performs related messenger and administrative duties. Work is performed independently within department policies, with complex policy or procedure questions referred to the lead or manager. The position involves regular contact with patients, including acutely ill patients, and exposure to ionizing radiation and contagious disease. Safety precautions and procedures are used to minimize hazards. The work requires considerable standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and handling imaging equipment. The position has no supervisory responsibility.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency.
Successful completion of a Tech Assistant training program or previous experience as a Tech Assistant or Tech Aide. If a training program is not currently available, clinical background or enrollment in a healthcare-track program is required.
Basic Life Support certification.
Numerical and analytical skills to prepare contrast media and follow procedures involving quantitative symbols.
Manual dexterity to operate equipment used within the scope of responsibilities.
Understanding of relevant radiation-safety parameters and the department’s ALARA program.
Knowledge and skills to care for patients across the lifespan, accounting for aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns; demonstrated age-specific competencies.
Ability to read, write, and communicate verbally effectively in English and perform basic arithmetic.
Ability to demonstrate critical thinking when working with patients, physicians, and family members.
Interpersonal skills to exchange information and support satisfactory outcomes.
Ability to perform duties involving regular patient contact, including assistance to acutely ill patients, and considerable standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and handling imaging equipment.

Responsibilities

Follow the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct and model the organization’s CARE values.
Provide patient- and family-centered care with consideration for patient age, development, and cultural patterns.
Maintain quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection-control practices according to hospital and department policies.
Prepare imaging rooms, equipment, supplies, kits, and trays for procedures; prepare contrast material within the limits of formal training and written procedures.
Assist technologists and radiologists during procedures and examinations, including remaining in the room during fluoroscopy and minor interventional procedures to provide requested supplies.
Assist with specimen packaging and verify that specimens are properly labeled with patient information.
Clean rooms and equipment after examinations and maintain imaging, changing, and patient areas.
Review pertinent medical records and departmental documents; process information in PACS, Lifechart, and other relevant applications, including reviewing worklists and supporting department operations during downtime.
Greet and escort outpatients, orient them to the department, explain basic procedures, answer questions, and provide and review patient screening forms and information sheets.
Identify patients according to policy and assist with preparation, dressing, lifting, positioning, and transfer to imaging tables, chairs, or stretchers.
Transport patients to and from Diagnostic Imaging after obtaining required unit supervisor or representative approval; coordinate with department and nursing staff to support efficient patient identification, preparation, and transport.
Assist with portable radiographic examinations and patient positioning within the scope of training; secure and clean transport equipment and related supplies.
Observe patients awaiting testing and promptly report adverse reactions or unusual behavior to a technologist.
Maintain supply and linen inventory, perform daily inventory, stock and organize supplies, monitor par levels and expiration dates, and order or obtain supplies as assigned.
Receive and verify deliveries, inspect items for damage, unpack and stock supplies, notify supervisors about unusable items, and assist with returns as needed.
Perform routine cleaning and maintenance and report the need for repairs to stretchers, wheelchairs, and other patient transport equipment.
Work with IV, oxygen, and other patient-support devices within the scope of training and established patient-care policies.
Assist patients with toileting, including providing and assisting with bedpans and urinals and following standard practices for use and disposal.
Follow isolation precautions and ALARA radiation-protection principles, including use and exchange of personal dosimeters.
Perform related duties as needed, including messenger and patient transport services, simple record keeping, telephone answering, relaying messages, photocopying, data entry, and delivery of forms or supplies.
Keep current with required hospital training and refer complex policy or procedure problems to the lead or manager.