MRI Technologist

Ohio County Healthcare•Hartford, KY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skills may be required. The MRI Technologist will perform quality MRI examinations under the direction of the Lead MRI technologist, Director of Radiology, and the Radiologists. Must be able to lift patients, push portables, work under stress, make independent judgments and deal professionally with others. The MRI technologist is responsible for assuring that services are provided in a manner that is consistent with Ohio County Hospital policies, procedures and the purpose, vision, and values. Adheres to legal compliance and other regulatory policies. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Radiology, MRI, CT scan, Ultrasound, Mammography, DEXA, and Nuclear Medicine. Consistently standing on feet, frequently bending, stooping, lifting, pulling heavy objects, and pushing heavy equipment is required. Will be required to provide direct patient care, which requires both fine and gross motor skills. Subject to the hazard of contact with patients with communicable diseases and combative patients. Frequent exposure to blood borne pathogens is possible. Occasional exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals is possible. Must be able to take call, work holidays, and accept various shift assignments including occasionally work routine days off during vacations, sick, etc. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Acceptable pre-employment health screening. ( No communicable diseases or disabilities which would prevent the employee from being able to perform the required functions of the job description in accordance with the American Disabilities Act). Emotional Stability. Ability to function effectively under stressful circumstances. Acceptable attendance record. Must be able to see with or without correction well enough to read, observe signs and symptoms, and read monitoring equipment. Must be able to hear well enough to conduct a proper patient assessment ( blood pressures, breath sounds, etc.). Acceptable MRI screening for metal and/or ferrous properties. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Communications. Skills/Knowledge Quality Control and Improvement. Equipment maintenance and safety Patient Care/Satisfaction PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Communications Keeps Radiology Manager/Supervisor informed on matters which are of importance to the well being of the MRI/ Radiology Department (safety, morale, work methods, equipment, procedures, staffing, transfers, etc.) Expected to attend 75% of the department staff meetings throughout the year and initial and date staff meeting minutes. Attends 100% of mandatory staff meeting unless approved by Manager/Supervisor in advance. Attends mandatory hospital in-services. Regularly reviews posted memos, notes, and in-services and sign forms promptly. Maintains confidentiality. Establishes a good rapport with physicians, other hospital departments, and physician office staff. Informs Manager/Supervisor of actual or anticipated problems to include staffing, performance, or patient related problems. Listens attentively and requests clarification and/or feedback as indicated. Supervises radiology assistant and radiology students. If requested, will perform supervising and other reasonable management duties in absence of Manager or Supervisor. Will assist in conducting MRI magnet safety in-services with hospital staff as needed. Demonstrates a cooperative attitude when interacting with others, tactful, maintains composure, and is diplomatic in all situations. Shows enthusiasm for the job and supports the hospital’s purpose, vision, and values. Demonstrates reliability and dependability in attendance and punctuality per hospital policy/procedures. Communicates daily patient schedule changes i.e., re-schedules, cancellations, and/or other schedule modifications. Will communicate equipment errors/mal-functions, delays in repairs, immediately to Manager/Supervisor. Consults with the radiologist regarding important patient information, i.e. history/labs/most specific test for the diagnosis/contraindications, any other information that would contribute to a safe procedure, and optimal reporting. Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members. Skills/knowledge Demonstrates solid understanding of MRI physics. Possesses the ability to perform; T1, T2, Proton density, gradients echoes. Understands effect of Magnetic field gradients, Fourier Transformation, Magnets, Receiver/Transmitter, Computer System, Frequency encoding and Phase encoding and reconstruction. Possesses solid understanding of Scanner functions and all attached component operations; contrast injector; etc. Selects proper format, coil, and protocol. Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet department/radiologist standard for MRI imaging quality. Consistently practices and puts patient safety as top priority. Assures proper patient identification before performing any MRI Scan, by department ID policy. (Verify name twice, birthdates, ordering physician, and medical record number) Follows all contrast injection policies. Informs and educates the patient and family regarding the MRI procedure. (Documents the education on the MRI worksheet) Ascertains patient and family’s understanding level before proceeding with the MRI Scan. Properly screens all MRI patients by utilizing, but not limited to, the MRI Screening Form. Assures complete screening is carried out before scan begins. Obtains patient or guardians signature on all MRI Screening Forms. Removes all instruments, monitors, clothing, jewelry, metal from the patient before taking the patient into the scan room. Consistently informs the radiologist of all pertinent patient information before and after each MRI procedure. Notifies the radiologist of any “Critical Test Results” immediately. Notifies the radiologist of any changes in the patients condition and performs a “hand off” of the patient to the nursing staff, physician, physician office, etc. and documents the “hand off” Demonstrates competency with all computer programs; RIS, PACS, etc. Starts and completes each procedure as required, assuring complete/accurate patient information, proper ID labeling, and correct side marking, sending only correct and completed MRI procedure to PACS for the radiologist review and final storage. Provides the radiologist with all pertinent paperwork in a timely manner. Prior to any invasive MRI procedure, a “time out” is completed and documented on the MRI worksheet. Follows proper sterile and aseptic techniques during IV starts and injections. Assures all contrast is properly labeled. Quality Control and Improvement Will perform all quality controls prior to performing the scan to endure safe operating conditions. Will accept various quality control duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor.. Will participate in Performance Improvement efforts in the department and hospital. Demonstrates the ability to perform all required Quality Control Test as recommended by ACR. Maintains accurate Q.C. logs, service records; etc. Safety standards for patient observed; screening of patient, SAR (soft tissue absorption rates), cryogen level checks, surface coils, etc. Will assist with MRI ACR Accreditation under the direction of the Lead MRI technologist and the radiology director. Maintains ARRT registry and promptly updates certificates/cards in the radiology department, and develops a plan of action to obtain MRI registry. Must maintain 6 specific MRI specific C.E.’s annually. Will promptly place a copy of renewed certificates prior to expiration dates in certification binder as well as a copy to the Radiology Manager. May be requested to be member of QI team. Equipment maintenance and safety Proper use of MRI equipment and PACS systems, including equipment safety practices/policies. Identifies equipment failures and reports to service vendor ASAP. Knowledge of procedure for contacting service. Utilizes PACS equipment accurately, and completes call report forms accurately/completely, and follows proper troubleshooting for equipment errors. Proper use of PACS to obtain readings. Utilizes and handles all equipment with utmost care, enters complete/accurate information into all equipment, and promptly reports any concerns to radiology manager or supervisor ASAP. Recognizes a quench and understands the policies and procedures to follow in the event of a quench. Follows MRI safety policy regarding safe delivery of oxygen tanks, prior to taking tanks into zone 3 and 4. Patient care/satisfaction Interprets and complies with current standards of practice, policies, and procedures at Ohio County Hospital. Transports patient to and from department in accordance with hospital and department safety standards. (Returns patient to their bed in a neat and orderly manner). Signs patient in and out at nurses station, performs “hand off”, and documents hand off on chart. Brings patient to department in proper gowns brings patient chart and assures the MRI area is kept clean and in a state of order. Requests any housekeeping/maintenance needs. Make sure patient is covered with a sheet during transportation, and place a sheet or towel in wheelchair seat. Obtains readings for urgent scans following critical test results policy.(do not let outpatients leave until reports are called back on critical test results). Checks MRI suite for ample supplies/ equipment and checks up to date status of supplies. Makes sure no metal or ferrous equipment/supplies in the magnet room. Follows all policies regarding I.V. contrast, i.e., prophylaxis treatment, I.V. contrast policy. Labels all syringes with pre-labeled stickers completing all information on the sticker. Obtains a thorough history from the patient and records all information on MRI worksheet, including procedure explanation documentation. Follows patient identification policy, complete/accurate information policy, and other compliance policies. Carefully screens patients for magnet safety using screening form. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide MRI services to patients served in relation to growth/development over the life span, and to identify their requirements relative to age-specific needs.( Assist the elderly, extra time/precautions when positioning and transporting. Children and infants may require special arrangements during the MRI scan, i.e., explain procedure to parent or guardian. All patients 17 years or younger must have a parent or guardian signed consent for contrast, surgical, refusal, etc; unless an emancipated minor. Pregnancy status and nursing status must be obtained on all female patients of child bearing age. Performs all quality controls, follows all housekeeping policies, and infection control policies.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent (May be allowed to sign a GED agreement to obtain within 6-months)
Current Kentucky State license.
CPR certification or obtains within six months of employment
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Prefer ARRT (MR) registered and willing to take call verses on-shift during periods of low volumes.
Prefer documentation for competency in performing all types of MRI procedures, and willing to obtain MRI registry.
Prefer previous MRI experience in an acute care setting, with demonstrated knowledge of all types of MRI procedures.

Responsibilities

Communications
Skills/Knowledge Quality Control and Improvement
Equipment maintenance and safety Patient Care/Satisfaction
Keeps Radiology Manager/Supervisor informed on matters which are of importance to the well being of the MRI/ Radiology Department (safety, morale, work methods, equipment, procedures, staffing, transfers, etc.)
Expected to attend 75% of the department staff meetings throughout the year and initial and date staff meeting minutes.
Attends 100% of mandatory staff meeting unless approved by Manager/Supervisor in advance.
Attends mandatory hospital in-services.
Regularly reviews posted memos, notes, and in-services and sign forms promptly.
Maintains confidentiality.
Establishes a good rapport with physicians, other hospital departments, and physician office staff.
Informs Manager/Supervisor of actual or anticipated problems to include staffing, performance, or patient related problems.
Listens attentively and requests clarification and/or feedback as indicated.
Supervises radiology assistant and radiology students.
If requested, will perform supervising and other reasonable management duties in absence of Manager or Supervisor.
Will assist in conducting MRI magnet safety in-services with hospital staff as needed.
Demonstrates a cooperative attitude when interacting with others, tactful, maintains composure, and is diplomatic in all situations.
Shows enthusiasm for the job and supports the hospital’s purpose, vision, and values.
Demonstrates reliability and dependability in attendance and punctuality per hospital policy/procedures.
Communicates daily patient schedule changes i.e., re-schedules, cancellations, and/or other schedule modifications.
Will communicate equipment errors/mal-functions, delays in repairs, immediately to Manager/Supervisor.
Consults with the radiologist regarding important patient information, i.e. history/labs/most specific test for the diagnosis/contraindications, any other information that would contribute to a safe procedure, and optimal reporting.
Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.
Demonstrates solid understanding of MRI physics.
Possesses the ability to perform; T1, T2, Proton density, gradients echoes.
Understands effect of Magnetic field gradients, Fourier Transformation, Magnets, Receiver/Transmitter, Computer System, Frequency encoding and Phase encoding and reconstruction.
Possesses solid understanding of Scanner functions and all attached component operations; contrast injector; etc.
Selects proper format, coil, and protocol.
Demonstrates the ability to consistently meet department/radiologist standard for MRI imaging quality.
Consistently practices and puts patient safety as top priority.
Assures proper patient identification before performing any MRI Scan, by department ID policy. (Verify name twice, birthdates, ordering physician, and medical record number)
Follows all contrast injection policies.
Informs and educates the patient and family regarding the MRI procedure. (Documents the education on the MRI worksheet)
Ascertains patient and family’s understanding level before proceeding with the MRI Scan.
Properly screens all MRI patients by utilizing, but not limited to, the MRI Screening Form.
Assures complete screening is carried out before scan begins.
Obtains patient or guardians signature on all MRI Screening Forms.
Removes all instruments, monitors, clothing, jewelry, metal from the patient before taking the patient into the scan room.
Consistently informs the radiologist of all pertinent patient information before and after each MRI procedure.
Notifies the radiologist of any “Critical Test Results” immediately.
Notifies the radiologist of any changes in the patients condition and performs a “hand off” of the patient to the nursing staff, physician, physician office, etc. and documents the “hand off”
Demonstrates competency with all computer programs; RIS, PACS, etc.
Starts and completes each procedure as required, assuring complete/accurate patient information, proper ID labeling, and correct side marking, sending only correct and completed MRI procedure to PACS for the radiologist review and final storage.
Provides the radiologist with all pertinent paperwork in a timely manner.
Prior to any invasive MRI procedure, a “time out” is completed and documented on the MRI worksheet.
Follows proper sterile and aseptic techniques during IV starts and injections.
Assures all contrast is properly labeled.
Will perform all quality controls prior to performing the scan to endure safe operating conditions.
Will accept various quality control duties as assigned by the Manager/Supervisor..
Will participate in Performance Improvement efforts in the department and hospital.
Demonstrates the ability to perform all required Quality Control Test as recommended by ACR.
Maintains accurate Q.C. logs, service records; etc.
Safety standards for patient observed; screening of patient, SAR (soft tissue absorption rates), cryogen level checks, surface coils, etc.
Will assist with MRI ACR Accreditation under the direction of the Lead MRI technologist and the radiology director.
Maintains ARRT registry and promptly updates certificates/cards in the radiology department, and develops a plan of action to obtain MRI registry.
Must maintain 6 specific MRI specific C.E.’s annually.
Will promptly place a copy of renewed certificates prior to expiration dates in certification binder as well as a copy to the Radiology Manager.
May be requested to be member of QI team.
Proper use of MRI equipment and PACS systems, including equipment safety practices/policies.
Identifies equipment failures and reports to service vendor ASAP.
Knowledge of procedure for contacting service.
Utilizes PACS equipment accurately, and completes call report forms accurately/completely, and follows proper troubleshooting for equipment errors.
Proper use of PACS to obtain readings.
Utilizes and handles all equipment with utmost care, enters complete/accurate information into all equipment, and promptly reports any concerns to radiology manager or supervisor ASAP.
Recognizes a quench and understands the policies and procedures to follow in the event of a quench.
Follows MRI safety policy regarding safe delivery of oxygen tanks, prior to taking tanks into zone 3 and 4.
Interprets and complies with current standards of practice, policies, and procedures at Ohio County Hospital.
Transports patient to and from department in accordance with hospital and department safety standards. (Returns patient to their bed in a neat and orderly manner).
Signs patient in and out at nurses station, performs “hand off”, and documents hand off on chart.
Brings patient to department in proper gowns brings patient chart and assures the MRI area is kept clean and in a state of order.
Requests any housekeeping/maintenance needs.
Make sure patient is covered with a sheet during transportation, and place a sheet or towel in wheelchair seat.
Obtains readings for urgent scans following critical test results policy.(do not let outpatients leave until reports are called back on critical test results).
Checks MRI suite for ample supplies/ equipment and checks up to date status of supplies.
Makes sure no metal or ferrous equipment/supplies in the magnet room.
Follows all policies regarding I.V. contrast, i.e., prophylaxis treatment, I.V. contrast policy.
Labels all syringes with pre-labeled stickers completing all information on the sticker.
Obtains a thorough history from the patient and records all information on MRI worksheet, including procedure explanation documentation.
Follows patient identification policy, complete/accurate information policy, and other compliance policies.
Carefully screens patients for magnet safety using screening form.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide MRI services to patients served in relation to growth/development over the life span, and to identify their requirements relative to age-specific needs.( Assist the elderly, extra time/precautions when positioning and transporting. Children and infants may require special arrangements during the MRI scan, i.e., explain procedure to parent or guardian. All patients 17 years or younger must have a parent or guardian signed consent for contrast, surgical, refusal, etc; unless an emancipated minor. Pregnancy status and nursing status must be obtained on all female patients of child bearing age.
Performs all quality controls, follows all housekeeping policies, and infection control policies.