RN, Medical Imaging Memorial Hospital

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, provides direct nursing care to patients within the Medical Imaging Dept according to established standards and administrative policies and procedures. Assesses and monitors patients physical and psycho-social needs; identifies problems, plans, implements, documents, evaluates and coordinates the nursing care of assigned patients and performs scrubbing and circulating duties.

Consults, confers, and collaborates with other health care providers as well as with other members of the Medical Imaging team. Demonstrates continuous improvement and best practice approach in nursing. Responsibilities Provides individualized nursing care to patients presenting with variable complexities of illnesses or injuries ranging from outpatients to seriously ill patients with multi-system failure to ensure comfort and safety whilst undergoing diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures.

Assesses patient health status, identifies patient/family priorities and plans, monitors vital signs, and carries out physical assessments at appropriate intervals. Reorganizes priorities and revises care plans as required and includes patient/family in evaluating progress towards their goal. Observes and detects significant and/or life-threatening changes to patient's condition, and intervenes to manage changes; evaluates outcomes to these interventions. Acts to resolve problems or to relieve care/emergent situations.

Assists Radiologists during diagnostic and interventional procedures by acting as the scrub and/or the circulating nurse. Carries out procedures required for the set up of equipment, aseptic counting and opening of instruments and other supplies. Interprets basic ECG data. Based on patient diagnosis, anticipates need for and sets up additional equipment. Sets up intravenous lines, including inserting catheters and intravenous therapy to provide continuous medical infusions, and titrates dosages to ensure therapeutic goals are met.

Administers blood products and oxygen therapy. Performs a variety of health care interventions utilizing nursing skills and knowledge of medical equipment specific to Medical Imaging including diagnostic and interventional procedures such as thrombolysis, embolizations, angioplasties and biliary and urological interventional procedures. Assists with procedural sedation, general anesthesia (at sites where required) and airway management. Monitors patient status and maintains critical care safety protocols for patients as required.

Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and/or families during pre-procedure preparation and provides emotional support to patients pre, peri and post-procedure. Verifies patient identity, checks consent, obtains information about patient essential to procedure, and provides explanations and reassurances to patients and their families in response to questions/concerns. Advocates for and facilitates informed choices. Teaches patients/families about specific procedure and post-procedure care.

Demonstrates self/home care skills. Anticipates, prepares for, and responds to unexpected critical situations during and/or post-procedures such as cardiac arrest by initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or administering appropriate medication. Organizes priorities in response to constantly fluctuating workload volumes and patient treatment requirements in consultation with team members. Assesses patient for discharge in accordance with established discharge criteria. Consults with, and collaborates with peers and other caregivers in the identification and resolution of patient/family care issues, ethical dilemmas, and coordination and integration of care.

Acts as patient advocate protecting and promoting the patient's right to autonomy, respect, privacy, dignity, and access to information. Documents patient/family perspectives, nursing observations and activities that support patient/family priorities. Maintains complete and accurate computerized and paper records through methods such as…