Interventional Radiology APRN/PA

Position Summary: 

Advanced Practitioners are a vital part of Midstate Radiology Associate's approach to workflow and patient care. The role of an AP in a hospital setting is to coordinate procedure-related clinical operations each day and to prepare cases, staff, and patients for upcoming cases. To minimize redundant workflow and communication, the AP serves as the overall triage person for queries and add-on cases. The AP works daily under the direct supervision of a diagnostic or interventional radiologist in the department. The AP performs cases independently in fluoroscopy, US, and CT, as appropriate by skill level. In many cases, the AP works directly with the IR MD, "scrubbed together." The AP works with radiology nursing and clinical staff to update and oversee preparation of the procedure whiteboard each day and upcoming day. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Provides direct care to patients, demonstrating knowledge of the interventional radiology patient population and procedures with the ability to collect and interpret information that meets patient needs.
• Assesses health status of patients in ambulatory settings, through physical examinations and review of medical history.
• Participates in the design and implementation of individualized case and patient management plans in collaboration with staff physicians.
• Oversees maintenance of communication between patients and physicians between visits.
• Initiates and interprets laboratory, x-rays and other diagnostic tests and results as necessary and appropriate.
• Evaluates medical information obtained from performing physical examinations and testing. Prescribes medication and independently initiates treatment.
• Prepares and dictates patients progress notes, history and physicals as well as consult letters to referring physicians and health care providers.
• Coordinates initial and follow-up health education through teaching and counseling.
• Utilizes teaching/learning principles coupled with an expert clinical knowledge base to promote and provide education to the patient and their family.
• Acts as a liaison for patients, families, and health professionals.
• Assists patients and physicians during procedures within the department.
• Assure the pre-procedural information and instructions are delivered to patients upon scheduling of the procedure.
• Collaborate with referring offices to facilitate care of patients
• Provide clinical direction to office staff
• Triage all outpatient problem phone calls and determine plan of care
• Complete all outpatient pre-procedural orders and screening per radiology-specific standards
• Facilitates patient scheduling as needed
• Participates in any performance improvement projects within the guidelines established by the physicians of the practice
• Participates in continuing education, and maintains required credentials.
• Assists in the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Diagnoses and treats according to the interventional radiology treatment guidelines.
• Performs assigned work safely, adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices; reports to supervisor, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and visitors.
• Procedures such as:
  1. Suturing 
  2. Vascular access
  3. Peripherally inserted central catheters
  4. Central venous port placement, removal, and revision
  5. Non-tunneled central venous catheter placement
  6. Tunneled central venous catheter placement, exchange, and removal
  7. Biopsies (with US or CT guidance)
  8. Drainages of abscesses, empyema, seroma
  9. Chest tube placement
  10. Tunneled catheters insertions/removals (chest, peritoneal) 
  11. Thoracentesis
  12. Paracentesis
  13. Baker cyst aspiration
  14. Drain check, exchange/removal
  15. Vein sclerotherapy
  16. Ambulatory phlebectomy
  17. Lumbar puncture and myelography
  18. Joint injection and aspirations

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification.   Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALITY ASSURANCE/EVALUATION

Whether the AP who has been hired by a radiology practice is new to IR or experienced, monitoring of outcomes and complications should be documented. Easily accessible documentation of this monitoring will be critical should a serious complication or adverse event occur. 

Performance reviews should be conducted semiannually in the first 2 years of employment. This can assist in identifying areas of strength as well as those needing further training. Such meticulous documentation also assures hospital administrators and medical staff that appropriate training and monitoring are always being provided.

The AP should keep a log of procedures performed as well as outcomes.

Qualifications Guidelines:

Education Required:   

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Nursing or related field
• Master’s degree 
• CPR certification
• Connecticut  RN license, must obtain permanent license within 90 days Recognized and licensed as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) in the State of  Connecticut

AND

Certified by ANCC or AANP as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) or (AG-ACNP)

OR

• Physician Assistant

Licensed and Credentialed by the Connecticut Board of Physician Assistants

• American Heart Association BLS and ACLS
• Controlled substance registration for practitioner
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration within 6 months of hire
• CPR certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED 

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Ability to communicate in a comprehensive, unbiased, and open way with all health team members in the department and across the institution.
• Demonstrates knowledge and behaviors related to environmental, employee or patient safety requirements
• Demonstrates Developed assessment, clinical, documentation, and analytical skills
• Ability to adapt to unexpected changes
• Ability to facilitate and lead the change process
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in the face of changing demand
• Knowledge of clinical and operational improvement processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft office software, as well as the ability to learn new software programs
• Proven problem solving and analysis skills
• Active member in pertinent professional organizations

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Physical activity might include walking, kneeling, bending, prolonged periods of standing and sitting.
• Physical demands may also include lifting and carrying equipment up to 20 lbs, or providing physical assistance to patients (lifting and moving).
• Other physical requirements include speaking and hearing ability sufficient to communicate effectively by phone or in person at normal volumes; vision adequate to read correspondence, computer screen, forms, etc.; and good manual dexterity.

The Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our team at Midstate Radiology Associates benefits from a diverse workforce and we welcome anyone to apply: 

Midstate Radiology Associates is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To learn more about Midstate Radiology Associates, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, please visit our website: www.MidstateRadiology.com