Interventional Radiology Registered Nurse

Job Title:  Registered Nurse (RN) Interventional Radiology  

Department:  Interventional Radiology  

Essential Job functions:

Provides total, comprehensive care to patients by applying the nursing process in an organized and systematic manner according to institutional policy in keeping with patient safety principles.

• Completes initial assessment according to policy.

• Interprets and utilizes clinical data in the plan of care.

• Assesses patient for potential risk factors and intervenes to mitigate risk and prevent harm.

• Recognizes and integrates patient special needs and individualizes care.

• Adheres to infection control standards specific to patient care.

• Assumes accountability for managing the delivery of patient care. Promotes safety in all activities.

• Acts as a patient advocate and uphold patient rights.

• Anticipates changes in the patient’s clinical data and adjusts plan of care.

Collaborates with the patient, significant others and ancillary departments to become a multidisciplinary health care team whose goal is to provide care that is continuous and well coordinated.

• Prioritizes and organizes work assignment and adjusts priorities based on changing situations.

• Promotes and maintains a safe, clean and orderly environment.

• Plans delivery of care according to patient acuity and staff competencies.

• Attends required amount of monthly staff meetings.

Communicates proactively to the health care team plan of care changes in patient condition, the patient progress, the discharge plan and other relevant information.

• Initiates appropriate nursing measures

• Documents assessment / reassessment, plan, interventions and outcomes.

• Documents post-op, post procedure transfer and discharge assessment.

• Communicates and documents change in patient’s condition to all appropriate individuals.

• Documents medication use and controlled substance.

Demonstrates the ability and competency to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations.

• Demonstrates knowledge of Interventional emergency preparedness: Malignant hyperthermia, Cardiac arrest, Latex allergy

• Maintains BCLS and code blue competency per policy.

• Recognizes changes in patient condition and responds appropriately.

• Reprioritizes and delegates other responsibilities during emergency situations.

• Functions calmly and efficiently.

• Facilitates transition of care to PACU.

• Proficient in the use of emergency equipment.

• Checks code cart and emergency equipment according to policy.

• Documents emergency intervention according to policy.

Competently manages the care of the surgical patient.

• Follows policy for Interventional site verification.

• Adheres to universal precautions.

• Maintains BLS.

• Creates and maintains a sterile field.

• Handles specimens according to policy.

• Maintains competency in the role of the circulating nurse.

• Maintains competency in the role of scrub nurse.

• Maintains proficiency with unit specific equipment, trouble shoots and reports malfunctions promptly.

• Utilizes down time constructively.

• Completes all department specific competencies.

Provides equipment and supplies based on patient needs

• Anticipates the required supplies and equipment based on surgeon’s preference cards and patient’s needs.

• Ensures all equipment has been checked by Bio-Med and is functioning safely, i.e. no frayed cords, no alarms

• Operates all equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Removes malfunctioning equipment from the Interventional room and informs the equipment specialist.

• Communicates availability of supplies to ensure that they are reordered as necessary.

• Ensures the emergency equipment is available and functioning always.

Demonstrates knowledge of nursing responsibilities regarding anesthesia administration.

• Able to describe ASA classification code for the Radiology Interventional patient.

• Identifies agents and routes used in administration of anesthesia.

• Identifies risks of all phases of anesthesia and verbalizes nursing actions in response to any complications.

Implements nursing action in transferring the patient according to prescribed plan.

• Identifies patient prior to transporting according to policy.

• Determines appropriate method of transport to the Interventional Room and transfer of patient from stretcher to the Interventional table.

• Re-evaluates transfer methods post-operatively.

• Communicates post-procedure with receiving unit to ensure safe continuity of care.

• Utilizes all safety devices according to policy.

Creates and maintains a sterile field:

• Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and corrective action if needed.

• Inspects sterile items for contamination prior to opening and maintains sterility when handing items onto field.

Performs counts:

• Performs surgical counts according to hospital policy and procedure.

• Verbalizes course of action required when counts are incorrect.

Dispenses drugs and solutions according to policy:

• Identifies with scrub nurse the drug/solution and expiration date prior to dispensing.

• Follows labeling policy.

General Job functions:

• Other job duties as required.

Physical Job Requirements: 

• Pushing and pulling, taking frequency and weight into consideration.

• Physical strength to lift heavy objects, carts, or items, taking frequency and weight into consideration.

• Physical mobility, which includes movement from place to place on the job, taking distance and speed into account.

• Physical agility, which includes ability to maneuver body while in place.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers.

• Balance is maintained during climbing, bending and/or reaching

• Endurance (e.g. continuous typing, prolonged standing/bending, walking).

Environmental Risks:

• Chemicals, Chemotherapy and Fumes

• Magnetic fields

• Radiation

• Sharps

• Latex

• Combative Patients / Visitors

Blood-borne Pathogens:

• Exposure to infectious hazards, blood, body fluids, non- intact skin, or tissue specimens

• Contact with patients or patient specimens is possible

• Unplanned or unexpected exposure

Education, Certification, Computer and Training Requirements:

• Associates degree required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• New Jersey State Nursing License and certification CPR for Health Care Providers required. ACLS, CNOR and PALS, or ENPC preferred. Critical Care certification preferred.

• 2-4 years experience required. 

• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing required.

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required.

• Ability to perform diverse work assignments with time limitations with a high degree of accuracy required.

• Ability to use problem solving, critical thinking and priority setting skills required.

• Must be able to successfully complete initial competency verification for clinical area.

• Experience with Standard Patient Care & Patient Transport Equipment preferred.

•  Experience with Specific Critical Care Equipment preferred.

•  Experience with Standard Office Equipment (Phone, Fax, Copy Machine, Scanner, Email/Voice Mail) preferred.

• Experience with Standard Office Technology in a Window based environment preferred.

Travel:

• Travel to satellite locations for meetings