Radiology Reception Ambassador

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The Radiology Reception Ambassador assists with routine, non-professional clinical and clerical tasks and serves as a liaison between patients, their families and appropriate department staff. It is imperative that the volunteer effectively communicate with the medical staff of the SMH Radiology Services Department.

Duties:

Regular duties for this assignment include but are not limited to the following:

1. Check in with the Radiology staff when arriving to be on duty.
2. Check on patients and their families as necessary. Provide non-medical information when appropriate, i.e. - directions, etc;
3. Answer any non-medical questions or relay any requests to other staff
4. Stock supplies in the waiting room
5. Continue to enhance the cleanliness of the waiting room by wiping down the chairs, tables and wheelchairs, remove any used blankets and garbage left on the tabletops of the lobby, etc.
6. Check on and stock of warm blankets throughout the shift
7. Deliver specimens to the General Lab when needed
8. Transport appropriate patients to and from and within the Radiology Services Area via wheelchair. Appropriate patients include those who are considered non-critical condition, not on a cardiac monitor, not being treated for psychiatric reasons, and patients who do not require frequent assessments/continuous monitoring. Patients with IV’s and foley catheters may be transported in these areas
9. Transport patients/visitors via wheelchair to the lobby and patient discharge area
10. Assist with various clerical-type duties during slower times
11. Pick up and deliver supplies to various areas within the hospital
12. Use hand sanitizer or wash hands before and after contact with patients.

A volunteer is required to keep his/her activities within the defined scope of the position description. He or she is to decline a request by a staff member or patient if at any time the volunteer is physically or emotionally unprepared or unqualified to perform the service or if the volunteer is required to perform duties outside the realm of this assignment description.

The volunteer serves under the direct supervision of the department staff. All patient related activities performed by volunteers must be supervised and approved by the professional staff that retains the ultimate responsibility for the patient’s treatment and care. Volunteers may not perform any patient related activities that require licensure or educational degrees even if the volunteer has those credentials. The key issue is that the volunteer is not employed by SMH and therefore liability, risk management and safety reasons, the volunteer must not exceed the limits and boundaries of these specific volunteer duties.

1. Do not write on patients’ charts or other confidential documents unless directed to do so by SMH medical staff personnel
2. Do not enter rooms for patients who are on non-contact/isolation precautions
3. Maintain confidentiality of patient
4. Do not witness legal documents
5. Do not make inquiries to anyone about their personal belief systems such as religious preferences, political affiliations and other sensitive issues that may be regarded as intrusive
6. Do not operate medical equipment such as oxygen, suction, or intravenous solution equipment
7. Do not transport any patient unless specifically directed/requested to do so by the professional SMH nursing or radiology staff.
8. Do not move a bed or change a patient’s body elevation without prior staff approval
9. Do not handle used needles or syringes. Only handle sealed supplies when stocking equipment
10. Do not EVER give medications to patients. Volunteers may deliver non-controlled medicines to the nursing units as requested by staff
11. Do not give patients any food or beverages without approval of the nursing or radiology staff. Obtain approval each time the patient requests food or beverages
12. Do not enter a patient’s room if the physician or clergy are present unless requested to do so
13. Knock before you enter a patient’s room. Introduce yourself by name and that you are a volunteer after you enter a patient’s room
14. Do not take physician’s orders or medical information such as diagnostic test results over the telephone or in person. Refer such information to the department staff and/or Registered Nurse
15. Do not accept responsibility for any patient’s valuables or belongings. Volunteers may transport belongings with a patient if the transport is occurring with the SMH Radiology Services Department or to the Patient Discharge Area
16. Volunteers may not accept tips or gratuities
17. Do not work when you are ill, injured, or contagious
18. ALWAYS lock brakes on wheelchairs, stretchers, or beds prior to transporting a patient
19. Volunteers are often the best AMBASSADORS for SMH and the Outpatient Service Departments. Remember a positive attitude goes a long way.