Radiology Practitioner Assistant

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

Supports FMCNA’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy.  Adheres to the FMCNA Compliance Program, including following all regulatory, FVC and FMS policy requirements.

Under the general supervision of the pertinent physician radiologist, provides radiological diagnostic and interventional services as part of a healthcare team in a Fresenius Vascular Care facility in compliance with all pertinent company policies and procedures and government regulatory requirements.   This may include conducting patient assessments, performing approved specialized imaging and surgical procedures and assisting the physician with the more complex procedures. 

This position would be used at the discretion of the supervising physician’s approval based on the Radiology Practitioner’s ability to exhibit competency in the scope of service performed in the operating location.  The Radiology Practitioner Assistant’s procedure selection is determined by the supervising physician and the complexity of the case and scope of practice. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a skilled specialist, completes tasks in resourceful and effective ways which include, but are not limited to…
• Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Understands implications of work and makes recommendations for solutions.
• Contacts are frequently with individuals representing outside organizations, and/or individuals of significant importance within the company.  Contacts involve planning and preparation of the communications; requires skill, tact, persuasion and/or negotiation to accomplish the objectives of the communications.
• Acts as a subject matter expert…
• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments.
• May act as an informal team leader and provides assistance to A1, A2, and A3 with support tasks that require considerable judgment and initiative.
• May escalate difficult/complex issues to supervisor for resolution, as deemed necessary.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Contributes to the provision of superior healthcare and the efficient and effective execution of services provided by the Vascular Access center by performing physician approved radiological diagnostic and surgical procedures related to vascular access issues and assisting the physician with more complex procedures.  Ensures all activities are performed in compliance with RPA Code of Ethics and all pertinent national, institutional and/or departmental standards, policies and procedures regarding the standards of care for patients.
• Ensures enhanced quality of patient care by performing various Vascular Access related procedures, identifying and addressing or recommending the appropriate treatment and care of vascular related issues for patients.  Procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Floroscopic procedures (static and dynamic) to examine and study the blood flow and identify issues and to assist with and direct the placement of a catheter.
  • Using Ultrasound to guide central venous catheter line placement to facilitate the administering of medication or fluids in critically ill patients and/or to obtain blood tests. 
  • Utilizing and interpreting Arteriograms and Venograms to see inside arteries and examine and check blood flow and to identify the correct placement within blood vessels for the pertinent medical device such as an Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter.
  • Fistulagrams to study the patient’s fistula to detect problems such as blockages to allow for treatment to improve fistula performance.
  • Surgical Thrombectomy to treat fistula or graft malfunction if appropriate.
  • Permacath (an external catheter) placement into the large central veins of the chest or upper arm to allow access to the vascular system on a more permanent basis for dialysis or to administer medications.
• Performs other clinical functions such as suturing and suture removal and Ultrasound evaluation and infection management of patients’ vascular accesses.
• Reviews the procedures scheduled for each day to determine and assign the procedures to be performed independently by the Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA) and those where the physician will require assistance.  .
• Conducts the initial examinations/physicals and patient consultations independently or with the physician depending on the physician’s availability.
  • Assembles patient’s medical history to ensure all pertinent information is considered in preparation for the procedure.  
  • If the procedure required is one the RPA is authorized to conduct independently, then the RPA will do so unless physician is available. Discusses more complex cases with physician to determine best care plan.
  • Assists physician with complex procedures when required.
• Evaluates results of medical image procedures to determine normal from abnormal providing the physician with a technical report for physician to provide final interpretation. Reviews preliminary reports from referring physician.  Utilizes expertise and knowledge to identify the appropriate course of action from the procedure results for discussion and verification with supervising physician.
• Documents all procedure notes performed independently for billing and medical records purposes as well as the assisted procedures notes as directed by the physician.
•  Administers and/or orders intravenous contrast media to improve imaging in techniques such as computer tomography and radiography for patients while in pre-op, depending on availability.
•  Remains current on emerging techniques, procedures and therapies obtaining the minimum continuing education requirements per CBRPA, and maintaining Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Participates in the hands-on education and training pertaining to Interventional Radiology, for the clinical staff, including medical students in fellowship training and new physicians.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Day to day work includes desk and personal computer work and interaction with patients, facility staff and physicians.  The position requires travel between assigned facilities and various locations within the community.  Travel to regional, Business Unit and Corporate meetings may be required. The work environment is characteristic of a health care facility with air temperature control and moderate noise levels.  May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases/materials. Extensive mobility required, some lifting.  Position requires ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally; perform difficult manipulative skills, arm-hand steadiness, and hand-eye coordination skills; walk and stand for prolonged periods; see objects closely; and hear normal sounds with some background noises.  Position requires ability to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption and attend to tasks for 45 to 60 minutes at a time.  Individual must be able to understand and relate to theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given to self and others over long periods of time and be able to communicate in writing, using advanced writing skills.  Patient care setting with excellent working environment.  Associate may be exposed to blood, body fluids, tissue and radiation.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree required; Advanced Degree preferred.  Completion of an accredited Radiology Technician program and licensed as a Radiology Technician by the Department of Health per state requirements.
Completion of the Radiology Practitioner Assistants’ exam certified by the Certification Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants (CBRPA).

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• 4 – 6 years’ related experience  or a Master’s degree with 6 years’ experience; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience.  Five or more years of experience in interventional radiology. 
• Must maintain current and active ACLS certification. 
• Ability to act in a professional capacity and serve as a professional role model. 
• Excellent verbal and communication skills. 
• Ability to perform invasive procedures under the supervision of, and provide a primary technical report to a licensed physician.  

EO/AA Employer: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Fresenius Medical Care North America maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.