The Role of the Radiology Nurse

1. The Role of the Radiology Nurse Senior Sisters Jill Harris & Carol Ewen 7th November 2011

2. Overview of our role • Provide nursing support to Radiology Directorate within NUTH • Form part of the Management Executive Team • Act as educators + Infection Prevention & Control leads • Responsible to Heads of Nursing via Directorate Manager • Matron as professional lead only

3. How we see the “perfect” Radiologist Knowledgeable / Reliable / Safe • A source of up to date information for the MDT • Educators of colleagues and patients • Start lists promptly • Be available to support staff when required • Know your own limitations and don’t put patients at risk

4. How we see the “perfect” Radiologist Good leadership skills / Team player • Provide pre-procedure team briefing in line with WHO guidelines • Direct the team and offer advice • Integrate with the team to improve workflow & relationships

5. How we see the “perfect” Radiologist Communicative / Good listener • Liaise re: specialist equipment • Inform staff of any delays to the start of your list • Suggest service improvement and development • ‘Be open’ • Listen to the team and acknowledge their concerns • Value team views & opinions

6. How we see the “perfect” Radiologist Organized / Hands on • Inform the team and secretary of any changes to the list • Utilise the skills of the MDT to provide a seamless service • Assist with cleaning, M&H, cannulation and sedation

7. How we see the “perfect” Radiologist Good sense of friendly/ Good sense of humour • Be approachable and understanding • Try and see the funny side of situations • Banter is good!

9. What we can offer • 40 + years Radiology Nursing experience • Support change, improvements & introduction of new services • Facilitate training – CPR / M&H / IPC • Role expansion / All degree profession by Sept 2013 • Provide support during emergency situations • Act as patient advocate

10. Infection Prevention & Control Issues in NUTH • Reduction in MRSA bacteraemias per annum from 95 in 2003/04 to 7 in 2010/11 • Reduction in C. Dif. per annum from 466 in 2007/08 to 155 in 2010/11 • Introduction of and publicising good hand hygiene technique for everyone • Introduction of DOH “Saving Lives” campaign (launched nationally in 2005) • Clinical Assurance Tool

11. Scenario 1 • A request for a CT scan is sent for a patient with active C. Dif • How do you & your team manage this?

12. Scenario 1 - Answer • Establish how urgently the scan is required • If non urgent, postpone until diarrhoea has stopped • If urgent, appoint at end of list • Remove excess equipment from room + don protective clothing • Post scan, clean room with hypochlorite solution 1:1,000 & arrange for wall washers to clean walls before room used again

13. Scenario 2 • Patient collapsed in waiting room • What do you do?

14. Scenario 2 - Answer ABC – BLS if appropriate Provide emergency care Make area safe & private if possible Communicate clearly to the staff (a nurse may not be present) Try to identify patient Establish medical history & reason for radiology visit Contact relatives Arrange referral to clinicians for admission

15. Any questions ?