Radiology Registered Nurse Coordinator (RN)

Job Summary: The Radiology RN Coordinator working under the delegated authority of the Supervising Physician, Director, Manager, serves as a nursing leader professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Will provide high-quality patient care during minimally invasive procedures guided by medical imaging techniques or other procedures in the Imaging department where a patient needs to be monitored by a registered nurse. This role involves patient assessment, pre-procedural readiness, procedural assistance, and post-procedure care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Preferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program; advanced degrees such as MSN with a focus on radiology nursing are beneficial[3].
• Preferred leadership experience e.g. charge nurse, coordinator, manager etc.
• Current RN licensure.
• Certifications: BLS, ACLS required
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in radiology, cath lab, surgical, critical care, or emergency practice settings[4].
• Strong clinical competence, critical thinking, and decision-making skills[2].
• Knowledge of cardiac monitoring and arrhythmia recognition

Skills:

• Proficiency in nursing assessment and clinical decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities[4].

Work Environment:

• Exposure to medical imaging equipment and radiation.

Requires standing for extended periods of medical instruments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment and Preparation:
   • Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' medical history, current condition, and suitability for interventional radiology (IR) procedures or any other Imaging area.
   • Address patients' concerns, provide education about the procedure, and ensure informed consent[1].
   • Preparing patient’s for procedures: including checking and verifying vital signs, meds, NPO status, lab results and medical history.
2. Procedure Assistance:
   • Collaborate closely with interventional radiologists and other team members to ensure smooth execution of procedures in all radiology areas.
   • Assist with patient positioning, maintain sterile technique, monitor patients' vital signs, and manage potential complications[2].
   • Administer medications including conscious sedation.
3. Patient Advocacy:
   • Serve as an advocate for patients' rights, preferences, and well-being throughout their procedure journey.
   • Communicate effectively with patients and their families, provide emotional support, and ensure patients' voices are heard in their care decisions[2].
4. Post-Procedure Care:
   • Provide diligent post-procedure care and monitoring to mitigate potential complications.
   • Assess patients for immediate post-procedural effects, manage pain, monitor for signs of complications, and provide education for post-procedure recovery and follow-up care[2].
   • Observe signs and symptoms of complications, such as bleeding from the puncture site, pain, and/or changes in mental status or vital signs.
5. Leadership:
   • Serves as liaison for section with physicians on issues regarding schedules, issues, capital needs, etc.
   • Ensure the department meets all Assign metrics. e.g. labor productivity, TAT.
   • Responsible for ensuring patients are scheduled timely (I.e. time until next available appointment meets standards, etc.) including inpatients, outpatients, emergency room, and add-ons.
   • Coordinates staff schedules including call schedule (I.e. vacation, education, sickness, etc.) to ensure department needs are met including arranging for PRN coverage, etc.
   • Participate in evaluation (90 days, 6 months, and annual) process for associates in sections including interviewing, hiring, counseling, etc.
   • Serves as preceptor for new employees in section including orientation, competencies, etc. to ensure all completed in a timely manner.
   • Interviews and recommends the hiring of staff and, when necessary, recommends discipline and/or discharges. Effectively counsels and coaches employees when necessary, following guidelines set forth in the policy and procedure manual.
   • Assists the director/manager in budget preparations, equipment selection and recommending procedure changes to the Radiologist.

Troubleshoots daily operational issues within section and informs/involves Director/Manager as necessary.