NUCM 1100 - Patient Care in Imaging

Credit hours: 1

Prerequisites: BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I, ENGL 1010 - English Composition I, MATH 1130 - College Algebra

Course Description:
This course introduces the basic concepts of patient care in the imaging setting. Special emphasis is placed on basic patient care skills that an imager will need to know, in order to better care for his/her patient, and assist more skillfully with procedures. The categories discussed include: radiation safety, ethics, patient care, diversity, infection control, vital signs, age specific considerations, medical emergencies, imaging procedures, pharmacology, and venipuncture.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the educational plan of the nuclear medicine technology program in terms of course sequence, schedules, the integration of academic education with clinical education and competency based instruction.
Explain the scope of practice for the nuclear medicine technology profession.
Identify major duties/responsibilities of a nuclear medicine technologist.
Discuss career advancements and opportunities for the nuclear medicine technologist.
Describe ethical and legal practice and identify the ethical and legal responsibilities of the imager relative to health care delivery.
Demonstrate an awareness of the patient as an individual who has emotional as well as physical needs that may be met by establishing a therapeutic relationship.
Demonstrate knowledge of the need to accept personal responsibility for controlling the spread of microorganisms in the radiology department.
Be able to explain the purposes of the medical chart, the purposes of consent forms, and the care of patients’ belongings.
Under simulated conditions, be able to move and transfer patients in a manner that is safe for the patient and for herself/himself.
Demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for basic fire, electrical, general safety and radiation protection concepts and practice.
Demonstrate knowledge of radiology department organization, administration, personnel and function.
Be familiar with the routine imaging examinations and treatments performed in the imaging fields.
Learn to use isolation technique, so that when working with a patient who has a contagious disease he may control its spread.
Understand comparisons of diverse populations based on their value system, cultural and ethnic influences, communication styles, socioeconomic influences, health risk’s and life stages.