MRI Technologist, Per Diem, Radiology

BASIC FUNCTION

This position will perform MRI procedures as requested by the ordering providers through established protocols, policies, and procedures. This position also performs work and patient care as a member of a multidisciplinary team consisting of radiologists, radiology residents, radiologic technologists, and nurses.

DIMENSIONS

Indeterminate. NATURE AND SCOPE

Provides MRI imaging to patients of all age groups from newborn to geriatric. Interacts with patients and their families, physicians, hospital staff, and other departments.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Identifies each patient and reviews their information for consistency of exam, ordered clinical diagnosis, prep, and all demographic information.

Assesses all information and factors that may contraindicate the exam such as medications, insufficient preparation, etc.

Screens all patients for ferrous and RF-sensitive materials and prosthetic devices before patient enters the MRI magnetic field. Makes sure that the safety screening forms have been completed and checks for contraindications for the exam.

Utilizes all safety devices on equipment to insure the safety of the patient and technologist.

Reviews the patients chart and physicians request to determine optimal imaging parameters for suspected pathology. Selects appropriate images, coils, and protocols for each exam. Knows how to revise patient position or imaging parameters to better visualize the anatomy or pathology according to established guidelines.

Determines the appropriate amount of contrast agent to be administered based on the patients age, weight, and requested procedure. Administers contrast agents according to established guidelines.

Monitors patient during contrast injections for contrast infiltration or reactions and notifies the radiologist and pages emergency response team when required.

Provides accurate explanations and instructions to the patient, significant others, and healthcare providers at a level that they can understand. Addresses patient questions and concerns regarding the procedure.

Responds to questions about MRI risk factors. Verifies that the patient has consented to the procedure and obtains consent as needed and makes sure the patient fully understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Assesses and monitors the patients physical and mental condition prior to, during, and after procedures. Administers first aid and/or provides life support CPR in emergency situations.

Documents clearly any issues with the study or patient.

Knows how to reformat images and performs special 3D imaging as needed.

Notifies appropriate health care provider when immediate clinical response is necessary based on procedural findings and patient condition.

Sends all images to PACS with all relevant documents. Archives images to data storage devices according to established standards.

Sends images to Nighthawk service per established standards.

Reports all equipment failures and safety problems.

Maintains controlled access to MRI magnetic field.

Conducts daily QA and equipment warm-up per established standards.

THE EMPLOYEE IS EXPECTED TO

Achieve appropriate Hospital performance and productivity standards as established.

Perform other duties that further the customer service needs of the unit, such as answering phones, greeting and escorting patients, and administrative and clerical duties upon demand.

These may include entering orders, obtaining lab results electronically or via phone call, printing CDs and reports, scheduling appointments, and calling to obtain referral if appropriate.

The employee will respond to emergent and urgent patient and operational issues.

The employee on occasion may be requested to cover part or all of other shifts and/or be on call.

The employee will obtain necessary certifications as required by regulatory agencies.

PARTICIPATES IN

Teaching programs and in-service education programs as required to acquaint faculty, staff, and students in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging procedures.

Enters and retrieves data from the hospitals and departments information systems.

Cleans equipment, performs inventory of supplies in area, and restocks supplies as needed.

PARTICIPATES IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

To enhance knowledge, skills, and performance.

Provides healthcare services with respect for the patients dignity and age-specific needs and acts as an advocate to support the patients rights.

Promotes adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, the Howard University Code of Ethics, and the Health Sciences Standards of Conduct.

ATTENDS

Annual and periodic mandatory Compliance Program training, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy training.

PARTICIPATES IN ACTIVITIES

That promote adherence to federal healthcare program requirements.

MAINTAINS CONFIDENTIALITY

Of patients, families, and staff. Adheres to the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Policies and Procedures.

ASSUMES OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

That are related and appropriate to the position and area.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Computer literate.

Capable of eliciting confidence and cooperation from the patient, the public, and other healthcare providers about procedures, equipment, and facilities.

Capable of monitoring personal work ethics, behaviors, and attitudes.

Willing to evaluate personal performance and recognize personal strengths. Uses them to benefit patients, co-workers, and the profession and recognizes opportunities for improvement.

Capable of recognizing and taking advantage of opportunities for educational growth and improvement in technical and problem-solving skills.

Willingness to share knowledge and expertise with colleagues, peers, students, and all members of the healthcare team.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relationships with staff, physicians, Hospital, and University officials, and the general public.

Capable of taking responsibility for professional decisions.

Knowledgeable of human cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology.

Competence in both oral and written English.

ABILITY TO WORK EFFECTIVELY

Must demonstrate collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence, and service.

Works with team members and peers in and outside of their immediate work group to create an exceptional experience for patients, students, and other visitors, looks for ways to achieve departmental-institutional results by partnering.

Accepts responsibility for his/her actions to provide health care and/or ancillary functions in a highly efficient and compassionate manner.

The employee must function as a Steward, Have Ownership of the Howard values that foster a commitment to improving the patient and student experience, organizational efficiency, and the environment.

Embraces diversity, cares holistically for those we serve, treats all as we would like to be treated, manages the patients right to privacy with meticulous care 100 of the time, and keeps patient and proprietary information about the institution confidential.

Anticipates the patients and students needs, presents as a model representative of the institution, and maintains high standards of care while striving to improve performance and create exceptional experiences for our customers.

Behaves in a friendly, resourceful, and professional manner towards all they encounter, treats patients, students, and visitors in the same way that they would want their family members or themselves to be treated.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Must be registered technologist through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Must have 2 years experience as MRI technologist.

Must be certified as a MRI technologist.

Required experience:

MRI Technologist 2 years

Required license or certification:

Certified MRI Technologist and Registered Technologist through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Must be able to stand, walk, sit, lift supplies, stoop, bend, pull, push, reach, write, type, finger dexterity, file, speak, hear, see, interpret, and organize for extended periods of time.