Glossary of Terms

Q

Quality Assurance
Responsible for maintaining the set of activities designed to demonstrate that goods and services provided by the organization are the best possible with available resources and consistent with achievable goals.

R

Radiology/Medical Imaging
Oversees the x-ray of diagnostic imaging department, which uses radiation for diagnostic and treatment of medical conditions and diseases. This department could also include radiation therapy and/or nuclear medicine sections.

Receptionist/Secretary
See Administrative Assistant/Executive Secretary.

Regional Vice President
Responsible for the overall management of the offices within specific regions. This person deals with clients and reports to the President.

Registered Dietitian
An individual qualified by training to use his or her knowledge of nutrition to help people maintain or recover good health.

Research & Development
Supervises the activities performed by a team of professionals working to transform a product idea into a technically sound product capable of being promoted.

Respiratory Therapy/Cardiopulmonary
Supervises the administration of oxygen and certain potent drugs to patients, such as surgery patients. They provide ventilator support and associated services to patients.

Risk Management
Ensures the prevention and containment of liability by the careful and objective investigation and documentation of critical or unusual patient care incidents. For example, in psychology, the risk management deals with preventing suicide and patient-related violence and its association with liability.

S

Sales Training Manager
Responsible for coordinating training and education programs for the sales department.

Security Services
Responsible for protecting patients, their families, and an institution staff as well as safeguarding the facility, equipment, and supplies.

Skilled Nursing Services
Supervises the nursing care for patient whose professional nursing needs do not require acute hospital nursing care, but who need inpatient supervision by a registered nurse, either because of the nature of procedures that must be performed, the amount of care needed, or both. Some of the procedures and treatments generally included in skilled nursing care include injections, administration of medications, changing of dressing, and observation and monitoring of a patient's condition, including taking vital signs.

Social Services
Manages the psycho/social support services and other resources that are provided to patients and their families. Services include crisis intervention and support group. Sometimes also known as the director of patient or guest relations.

Social Worker/Counselor
An individual qualified by education and authorized by law to practice in the field of social work. This classifies in two groups: A pre-professional may be classified as a social service aide or technician. A professional position is one requiring a Bachelor of Social Work degree, a Master degree or related experience.

Staff Pharmacist
Staff or Registered Pharmacist working under a chief, manager or director of the pharmacy.

Staff Physician
A general practitioner/physician or specialist who is employed by the hospital, but is not considered to the Chief, Chairman, Director, etc.

Store Manager - Pharmacy
A supervisor/manager (Non-pharmaceutical) in charge management of the store.

Support Services
The person who oversees the departments that are integral to the operation of an institution. The three groups are: administrative (i.e. Medical records, volunteers, personnel, purchasing), environmental (i.e. maintenance, plant operations, housekeeping, laundry) and patient (i.e. social services, dietary).

Surgery
Oversees the administration of inpatient surgical services. Director of Surgery is usually a registered nurse, in smaller hospitals sometimes referred to as Operating Room Supervisor.