Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI)

About the role

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (MRI) will function in Imaging Service.

Responsibilities

• Schedule exams in a manner that optimizes all of the MRI equipment capabilities while maintaining the flexibility to allow for emergency cases. This requires the prioritizing scheduled patients while also accommodating the extreme emergent patient who may need immediate attention.
• Determine best scanning parameters to optimize imaging technique. Coordinates with the Radiologist and Physicist to determine ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient procedure.
• Position patient within the examining unit, monitors patient during all phases of the MRI examination and removes patient from the magnetic field upon completion of the acquisitions.
• Start IV's and administer MRI contrast to patients requiring such monitoring for allergic reactions
• Work with Anesthesia personnel to assure proper assessment of sedated patients which involves starting the IV, positioning of monitoring equipment and post MRI procedures.
• Maintain records and files of exam performed on patients. This includes editing of patient exams in the Radiology Information System (RIS). Properly identifies patient through the RIS interface identifier and assures the marking of proper laterality. The technologist must be certain that the patient's information and request are identical by check with the patient
• Affirm MRI patients are screened in advance for any contraindicating conditions per Imaging Service policy.
• Explain exams to competent patients so the patient understands what is to be done.
• Continually reviews new developments in MRI. The DRT/MRI improves quality of MRI examinations by utilizing new techniques that are available
• Train new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices in compliance with ACR guidelines. Instruct employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies
• Employ proper use of hospital computers for patient reference and information. Troubleshoot computer problems and report them to the VA IT helpdesk
• Check on work in progress or spot check work not requiring review. Reviews completed work to see that the Supervisor or staff Radiologist's instructions on work sequence procedures methods and deadlines have been met.
• Establish interdepartmental partnership with vascular department in the procurement of vascular studies including abdominal and runoff exams
• Perform daily quality assurance tests. Archives MRI images and exports them for permanent storage. Monitors performance of MRI and ancillary equipment
• Assist in the calibration and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions in all equipment associated with the MRI unit.
• Perform safety checks on patients, employees and visitors to comply with the Medical Center, OIG, VISN and ACR safety standards regarding ferrous objects, cardiac pacemakers, etc. to those persons entering the environment of the 5 gauss magnetic field. Observes and makes recommendations to the supervisor regarding working conditions such as seating, ventilation, lighting, safety, etc.
• Aid in the preparation of procedure manuals and assist in devising and modifying procedures
• Work Schedule: Full-time, 2nd Shift (2 p.m. -12 a.m.) Tuesday-Friday, with on-call Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Requirements

Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).

Certification: All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.

Physical Requirements: Work requires walking, pushing, and lifting of patients and their respective transporting devices, patient's records and MRI scans and inputting data into the VISTA computer system as well as laundry and other stocking items needed. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and various lifting devices. Work requires technologist to be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them along with the type of monitoring equipment they may have (ex; O2 tank, IVAC pump). Incumbent must pass pre-employment physical and designated drug testing.