Staff Nurse

Position Summary

The Staff Nurse will demonstrate a sound knowledge base and decision making ability in direct provision of effective and comprehensive nursing care for designated patient population.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients before administration of contrast material for MRI, PET or CT procedures or other imaging studies. Monitor patients throughout the procedure. Obtain appropriate history including allergies.
• Establish intravenous access for contrast administration.
• Provide safe and accurate administration of MRI and CT contrast, radioactive material, medication, intravenous fluids in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards.
• Perform physical, psychological and cognitive status assessments of patients.  Perform POC testing for Glucose, Creatinine, and Pregnancy
• Monitor patient while in the imaging area for change in status and implement appropriate intervention; contact physician if needed.
• Explain procedure; assess patient's pregnancy status if needed. Initiate care and discharge plan for patient's pre and post imaging procedures.
• Identifies and corrects problems as appropriate with all critical occurrences reported to the next level of authority.
• Responsible for maintaining required checklist for equipment and medication related to patient care.
• Maintenance of Cardiac Arrest cart, defibrillator, EKG machine, BP machine, pulse ox and medical gases etc.
• Order and store medication and supplies related to patient care.
• Evaluate patients prophylactically medicated for Claustrophobia, Contrast Allergy.  Ensure patients pre-medicated have escort home
• Evaluate daily patient schedule and ensure all the Lab records, any related imaging reports are available. Document all aspects of care including hand offs and transfer of care in the EPIC Chart.
• Provide Patient and Family Education. Assist with Coordination of Patient Care Inpatient/Outpatient
• Follow Radiation Safety /EHS/ Safety guidelines set by the Institution.
• Responsible for the administration of contrast material, assessing vital signs, blood draws, management, monitoring, and evaluation of patient care, protocols, and patient care programs that apply to research participants. Primary duties include: establish, implement, and monitor patient care standards; direct, coordinate, and monitor research protocol and research team activities. Responsible for monitoring Arterial line on the Research participants if needed.
• Collaborates with MRI and PET Center staff and faculty to ensure proper communication.
• Ensures that all patient, patient's family, as well as coworkers receive prompt attention and are treated with respect no matter how limited the contact.
• Conforms to all applicable HIPAA, OSHA, Billing Compliance and safety guidelines.
• Provide coverage in other practice sites, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus 4 years of related experience.
• New York State RN license, ACLS, BCLS and PALS

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years Radiology MRI /CT and PET experience preferred. 1 year ICU/PACU/ER preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.