PER DIEM NURSE

* This job is located in Danvers, MA and is Per Diem *

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The Diagnostic Imaging RN is a registered nurse who is responsible for assuring competent, compassionate nursing care for specific patients and families. The imaging nurse uses evidence -based practice to provide quality nursing care for the patients in the imaging setting. The nurse is knowledgeable in meeting the physical, psychosocial, cultural and educational needs of patients. The imaging RN collaborates with the other team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The dynamic functions of the Off-Campus Diagnostic Imaging Nurse include, but are not limited to, the following:

PROFESSIONAL ROLE MODEL IN IMAGING

* Emphasizes personalized and individualized patient care
* Demonstrates leadership and effective communication skills
* Complies with the National Patient Safety Goals
* Facilitates and fosters teamwork

PATIENT ADVOCATE

* Assists in pre-screening for imaging exams
* CT/MRI, including but not limited to:
* renal function, allergy history, pre-medication requirements and medication review

* Ensures that the patient's rights are respected and protected, including patient confidentiality and privacy
* Reviews the patient's understanding of imaging tests
* Assists in meeting communication needs of patients who are non-English speaking/sight/hearing/speech impaired
* providing interpreter services

* Assists in developing tools and education to provide care that is sensitive to developmental needs and problems across the lifespan.
* Acts as a resource in developing environmental adjustments to minimize stress and promote an optimal patient experience

BASIC NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES (where applicable)

* Performs POCT blood Cre testing
* Insert peripheral IV
* Discontinues short peripheral IV
* Phlebotomy
* Takes and records vital signs
* Access/de-access Power Port (Port-a-cath)
* Computer data entry related to institutional documentation system as applicable
* Documentation of data collection in accordance to departmental standards
* Maintaining par levels and reordering supplies
* Assists with activities of daily living
* Adheres to standard precautions
* Adheres to hand hygiene guidelines
* Assist with arrival and discharge process
* Ensures safekeeping of patient valuable
* Packs and stores patient belongings per departmental guidelines
* Performs patient ID process per departmental policy

MEDICATION SAFETY

* Acts as a resource for radiologist, imaging technologist and patients with areas of concern or risk:
* medications for contrast reaction
* pre-medication protocols
* meds that require patient teaching in regards to imaging, (Metformin and its derivatives)
* administration of Nitroglycerin for Coronary CT imaging

* Consults and maintains an active role in the development of policies and procedures for appropriate screening and patient preparation for receiving contrast media, specifically for the development of renal protection, contrast reactions and extravasation treatment.
* Under physician direction administers and monitors the effects of vasoactive medications.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCE

* Recognizes emergencies and works cohesively with physician and technologist staff when dealing with emergencies
* Coordinates effective handling of patient care emergencies arising from contrast media reactions, seizures, respiratory and cardiac emergencies, and other unexpected events
* Works with allied health team and radiologists to promote rapid response in patient care emergencies. Initiating Medical response: 911
* Records documentation of emergency drugs, equipment, and supplies

LABORATORY/CLINICAL & CRITICIAL TEST RESULTS

* Reviews serum laboratory results, including, but not limited to, serum creatinine and eGFR prior to iodinated contrast studies per departmental policy
* ensures that appropriate pre-contrast regimen is implemented in cooperation with the radiologist
* Communicates abnormal or critical results to Radiologist, referring physician or designee

LIAISON/RESOURCE

* Provides open line of communication between the Off-Campus imaging department, Main Campus Imaging department, referring physician offices, patient care units, and patient care services (MGH and/or NON-MGH)
* Meets routinely with departmental staff to facilitate the exchange of ideas
* Recommends and implements changes to improve nursing performance
* Ensures continuity of patient care by participating in coordination of care among practitioners, including the use of organization-wide policies and procedures
* Provides patients with the tools and follow up necessary to ensure safety at home following contrast reaction/extravasations and hydration.
* Acts as a resource person and liaison with the radiologist in early reporting of problems following procedures and identification of treatment plan.
* Works with nursing colleagues to develop and maintain orientation and training programs that reflect new and current therapies, interventions, and diagnostic studies, including skill labs, mock codes.
* Functions as new staff preceptor during orientation.

DOCUMENTATION

* Maintains compliance by following institutional and departmental established guidelines for appropriate documentation
* Assists other health professionals in documenting pertinent information on approved forms, Epic and any Imaging related system, as needed.

EDUCATION

* Participates in personal continuing education opportunities to maintain current certifications and departmental initiatives.
* Participates in education of other imaging staff in areas that involve patient safety including, but not limited to:
* contrast induced nephropathy (CIN)
* nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)
* contrast media reactions
* extravasations
* infection control

* Provides consistent patient / family education relating to scheduled exam and follow -up care.

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

* Monitors the safety of patients pertaining to Intravenous Access that may place patients at risk for the use of contrast media.
* Evaluates standards of patient care and actively recommends areas for improvement
* Maintains aseptic technique during IV access, identify central access for power injectable device / catheters: i.e. ports & PICCS.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

* Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing practices.
* Adheres to Imaging compliance for competency based training.
* Identifies self learning needs and goals and develops a plan to meet them.
* Maintains and develops professional practice through continuing educational programs and appropriate learning experiences.
* Contributes to relevant committees, professional meetings, continuing educational and/or formal academic programs.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

* Demonstrates clinical competence in nursing practice predominant to Imaging Tests.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

Licenses:

Required:

* Current Massachusetts licensure as a registered nurse

Preferred:

* N/A

Certifications:

Required:

* Basic Life Support (BLS)

EDUCATION:

Minimum Required:

High school diploma, GED or equivalent

Certificate : Please specify

Some college or Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Doctoral Degree

None required

Preferred:

High school diploma, GED or equivalent

Certificate : Please specify

Some college or Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Doctoral Degree

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Minimum one year RN experience with direct patient care

Preferred: 3-5 years of broad-based experience in peripheral and central IV access placement and care

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