Job Description
Schedule: typically, 10:00 PM–6:30 AM central time; weekends and holidays included
The Reading Room Assistant (RRA) provides critical operational and administrative support to the Emergency Radiology section during deep overnight hours. This role ensures efficient exam workflow, timely communication, and uninterrupted support for radiologists interpreting high-acuity emergency imaging studies. The RRA serves as a key liaison between radiologists, technologists, emergency department staff, and other clinical teams to support patient care in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.
Primary Responsibilities
- Workflow & Operational Support
- Monitor imaging worklists to support timely interpretation of ED studies
- Assist with exam prioritization and escalation of urgent or critical cases (Stroke Codes)
- Track exam status and support turnaround time optimization during overnight shifts.
- Ensure appropriate exam protocols, histories, and clinical indications are available for radiologist review.
Communication & Coordination
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the overnight ED radiology reading room.
- Facilitate communication between radiologists, ED providers, technologists, and nursing staff.
- Relay critical results and ensure documentation of communication per departmental and regulatory standards.
- Respond to phone calls, pages, and secure messages promptly and professionally.
Administrative & Documentation Support
- Assist with image transfers, outside study uploads, and prior exam retrieval.
- Spreadsheet - Interesting case studies (work with section chief)
- Support documentation of critical results, addenda, and workflow-related tasks as directed.
- Maintain accurate logs related to overnight operations and escalations.
- Assist with downtime procedures and recovery workflows when needed.
Quality & Safety Support
- Support compliance with Northwestern Medicine policies, Joint Commission standards, and patient safety protocols.
- Identify workflow issues during overnight operations and escalate concerns to on-call leadership as appropriate
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by sharing feedback from overnight operations.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Prior experience in a healthcare, radiology, emergency department, or clinical support role preferred.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with clinical staff.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records and radiology information systems (or ability to learn quickly).
- Availability to work deep overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays.
- Knowledge of Basic Medical Terminology
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, science, or related field.
- Previous experience as a Reading Room Assistant, Radiology Assistant, Unit Coordinator, or similar role.
- Familiarity with Visage PACs, Epic, Workflow Orchestrator, and/or other radiology/EMR systems.
- Interest in pursuing a career in healthcare, radiology, or advanced clinical roles.
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum six (6) months of experience in a clerical position dealing with the public.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
