What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Assistant - General MRI - Day/Evening/Nights position at WellSpan Health Services?
Position Function: Technical Assistant functions under the direction of the Assistant Director of Diagnostic Imaging or the Diagnostic Imaging Manager and the direct preview of technologists in Diagnostic Imaging. The Technical Assistant supports diagnostic imaging technologists in performing exams on patients, helps to coordinate patient flow and related activities of the department.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Collaborates with staff members, management team, and interdepartmental staff to identify and initiate appropriate interventions to deal with problems, needs, and issues.
- Seeks guidance and direction, as necessary, for performance of duties and completion of assignment.
- Maintains a professional image that reflects the employee's role in health care, with confidence and a positive impression.
- Independently transports or transfer patients via wheelchair, patient lift or stretcher requiring imaging procedures in a safe and secure manner.
- Assists and maintains a neat, clean and safe environment for patients and other staff members cleans spills immediately.
- Assists in maintaining equipment assigned to patient care and reports malfunctioning of equipment to appropriate personnel.
- Verifies correct procedure by checking physician orders on chart and/or requisition; verifies correct patient by following department’s patient identification policy. Reviews discrepancies with the technologist and contacts physician with any discrepancy under the supervision of the technologist. Promptly verifies order changes with registration (pre-certification).
- Obtains relevant and accurate patient history using standardized form prior to exam; routinely screens female patients of child-bearing age [10-60 years of age per department policy]; assure history form is signed by all patients; thoroughly explains procedures and equipment to patient; obtains written consent if needed.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate pertinent information and accurate report to all primary care personnel to ensure continuity of patient care.
- Consistently takes ownership of customer problems and follows through to close the loop with the customer.
- Recognizes and responds to priorities in the patient care. Readily adapts to changes in workload and responds efficiently.
- With technologist supervision, will verify labs and report any issues to the Radiologist prior to administration of contrast.
- Familiar with duties and performs them independently, accurately, efficiently, promptly, recognizing their importance and relationship to patient care / imaging for all age/population groups.
- Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and others. Safely positions, transfers and transports patients throughout the facility.
- Observes changes in patient condition & promptly reports to primary care personnel, or Rapid Response Team.
- Responds appropriately to emergencies, universal protocol, patient identification 100%, infection control, room cleaning, and isolation precautions.
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for assisting the technologist with the completion of patient care and accurate documentation throughout the imaging exam.
- Responsible for activation of downtime forms during planned and unplanned Meditech and/or Synapse downtime periods.
- Prioritizes and coordinates workload so that tasks are completed in an efficient manner, keeps team members updated on changes in workflow or patient care, documents critical information in writing to co-workers.
- Maintains appropriate quantity of supplies for the next shift, ensure security of injectables and supplies at all times.
- Completes work left from own shift.
- Recommends additions and changes to update the Cat-Scan/Diagnostic Imaging departments, submits to Imaging Manager, Assistant Director or Administrative Director of Diagnostic Imaging.
- Meets deadlines in special projects and daily responsibilities, demonstrates a "need no reminders" attitude.
- Assists technologist with room preparation prior to procedure.
- Processes computed radiography cassettes (Computed Radiology) to assist the Diagnostic Imaging technologist.
- Assists Diagnostic Imaging technologist with positioning of patient on portable procedures done in the Emergency Department and Hospital.
Qualifications and Standards
Education: High School graduate required with course work in medical terminology, typing and computer use preferred. Currently enrolled or recent graduate in a Diagnostic Medical Imaging program preferred.
Experience: Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required. Previous medical assistant experience in health care facility or medical office preferred; typing/computer skills preferred.
Certifications/Licensure: Healthcare Provider CPR required.