It is expected that during your observations at the RAH you are an active observer, whether helping with patient transfers or preparation, cleaning rooms or equipment, asking questions, actively observing or performing other tasks as directed, we want to ensure that you get the most out of observing these modalities rather than being asleep in a corner and poking your own eyeballs to stay awake.

Here are some suggestions from the heads of modality to help you get the most out of your clinical placement at the RAH. Questions are encouraged during observations. Please see detailed descriptions of the expectations for each modality for further information.

CT

Please do:

• • • • Help with patient transfers onto the CT table
      • Help with patient transfers into the CT room
      • Help clean the CT couch/PATslide between patients.
      • Help prepare the room for the next patient (ie: attach the head holder, change the sheet)
      • Ask to see the scanning protocols, and follow them as the radiographer performs the scan.
        Be involved – come into the scanning room with the Radiographer, listen to how they communicate with the patient. Position the patient for scanning under the Radiographer’s guidance.
      • Note:  We are more than happy for you to perform some scans under observation but please be aware that this may not be possible at times. Be prepared to actively observe.

Please do not:

• • • • Draw up IV contrast media or medications
      • Load the IV contrast injector
      • Carry your mobile phone unless urgent
      • Allow yourself to be put in a situation where you do not feel comfortable (ie. Manual handling if you have an injury)

 MRI

A day in MRI will commence with basic orientation i.e. Tea room, toilets and where to put bags etc. You will then be asked to watch the Siemens MRI safety video on one of the back computers. You will then be asked to make yourself MRI safe to be able to enter the room; you will be checked over by MRI staff and then asked to fill out a MRI safety questionnaire.

If you require observations or examinations to be signed off, you need to fill out a MRI examination observation form for each examination. This ensures that you understand what is happening and prompts you to ask questions to encourage you to self-direct your own learning and to be able to fill the form our properly. Please find this form attached.

There is an expectation that you participate in MRI. We expect help with transfers, and cleaning equipment. If you’re keen, enthusiastic and have seen some MRI before you may get to position coils. 

BMD in Nuclear Medicine

• • • • The department of Nuclear Medicine is located on level 2.
      • Contact person: Trish (BMD Specialist/Snr Radiographer) or Miroslav (Clinical Educator)
      • It is important to report to the reception not later than 8:45am, the BMD clinic starts at 9:00am and Quality Control on the scanner needs to be performed prior.
      • It is good to read up on your lecture notes prior to attending but you also will receive some relevant information on the day to assist your observations and understanding of clinical objectives in BMD.
      • Due to limited placements for Medical Imaging students please advise Deb Sander your clinical supervisor if you had already been exposed to BMD imaging either at RAH or on previous clinical placement and perhaps give another student the opportunity to attend.
      • The expectation for MI students is to mainly observe and consult actively with your BMD supervisor but certainly help out with transfers and cleaning equipment.  

Angiography/Fluoroscopy

An observation day in Angio and Fluoroscopy for students will begin with an orientation of the area including the angio rooms and screening room, generator rooms, equipment/control room, scrub rooms, lead apron storage areas and change rooms.

The student will be introduced to key staff within the area and explained their roles and responsibilities in this multidisciplinary team.

A hands on demonstration of some of the equipment and devices will be given by either one of the radiographers or nursing staff as well as a demonstration of how DSA works with the use of hard copy films on the light box.

The student will be asked to read a short chapter entitled Angiography/DSA on page 49 of the book "Radiological Procedures and Techniques" author: Prof. Hans H. Schild., which is located in the angio library in the control room. On completion of this reading the student will begin their observation of cases throughout the area.

The student can expect to wear scrub attire for certain procedures, lead gown, and surgical hat and mask. Students are expected to assist nursing and radiographic staff with the transport of patients to and from the angio/screening rooms from the barouche bay and waiting room, assist in manual handling, patient transfers and assist in cleaning of equipment and changing of linen.

There are many specialised procedures which take place at the RAH and an observation day in the area can be very interesting and rewarding. Students are encouraged to get involved as much as possible and the staff are happy to answer any questions.

CVIU (Cardio Vascular Investigations Unit)

Students are required to be:

• • • Punctual
    • Polite
    • Prepared

In assisting wherever directed by the Lead Angiographer, not by nursing, technical or medical staff and to be aware of the lines of demarcation that are pointed out to them.

Mostly students will be observing, assisting with patient transfers, archiving images onto PACS and/or CD etc.

Students are not to finish their day early unless they have organised something with Deb Sander.

Students are to obtain the Angiographer's signature etc. for their log books, not from the other radiographers.

Other modalities where you may observe whilst at the RAH:

• • • Ultrasound
    • Dental