MRI Technologist

Patient Care

• Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
• Follows established procedures for the administration of contrast media so that no patient condition deteriorates and no patient suffers undue pain due to error or poor technique.
• Ensures that all studies have proper patient identification.
• Reviews images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Affords assistance to other technologists in all modalities when needed.
• Observes patient condition and evaluates when physician intervention is necessary so no patient condition deteriorates.
• Verifies correct identity of patient prior to performing a procedure according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Maintains patient privacy and comfort is accommodated; maintains patient dignity throughout the exam/procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in selecting and applying appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on the age of patients.
• Organizes schedule, time and priorities to accomplish required activities within designated time frames.
• Fulfills physicians' instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
• Understands, demonstrates and documents pre-procedure verification and Time Out process when appropriate.
• Demonstrates and understands pre- and post-procedural care.
• Prepares the patient for procedure.
• Demonstrates and understands sterile technique.
• Prepares trays and catheters for procedures; participates in biopsies when applicable.
• Demonstrates proficiency on the Dynacad when applicable.
• Prepares and may administer contrast.
• Verifies order is with contrast, checks patient GFR (labs) and ensures contrast dosing is weight-based.
• Uses appropriate safety devices to protect the patient's hearing during the exam.
• Understands anatomical positioning, correct labeling of body parts and infant immobilizer.
• Knows cross-sectional anatomy and includes all appropriate anatomy.
• Uses critical thinking skills.
• Sets up the equipment to provide imaging service and positions patients for the procedure.

Equipment

• Demonstrates the ability to adjust technique so that patient receives the best study possible and that image quality is maintained.
• Reports problems regarding malfunctioning equipment to supervisor or service provider so problems can be corrected in a timely manner.
• Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment in accordance with infection control policy and department cleaning schedule.
• Ability to operate patient monitoring system.

Education and Communications

• Patiently and clearly explains purpose and nature of exam to patient prior to procedure using AIDET to minimize anxiety and facilitate cooperation.
• Safely addresses patient questions, concerns or contraindications; notifies physician when unresolved prior to procedure.
• Participates in the orientation and training of departmental employees.
• Completes mandatory departmental and hospital-wide education without prompting.

Quality Control

• Produces acceptable images and follows established exam protocols.
• Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion in RIS and prints CDs as needed.
• Sends studies transmitted after hours to teleradiography are printed and scanned into PACS when applicable.
• Maintains MRI suite in a safe environment, locked down at all times.

Operations

• Restocks linens and supplies and maintains MRI department in clean and orderly condition.
• Transports patients, positions patients and assists them on and off procedure table.
• Performs patient charging activities on the day service is rendered.
• Applies supportive and immobilization devices and equipment.
• Willingly lends knowledge and assistance to others upon request and when time allows.
• Performs routine clerical and support duties when required to ensure continuity and quality of services.
• Keeps supervisor informed on all responsibilities, providing prompt notification of problems or potential problems.
• Maintains individual productivity rate equal to other coworkers.
• Operates all workstations associated with the MRI scanner.
• Operates and pushes/retrieves studies to the PACS system.
• Maintains Joint Commission standards and any other regulatory agency standards.

Required Minimum Education, License(s) And Certification(s), Experience, Skills

• Successful completion of an accredited MRI program or ARRT-R — Required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association Required
• Minimum 1 year experience in a clinical setting caring for patients — Required
• Minimum 1 year experience in an MRI clinical setting — Preferred
• Required Minimum License(s) And Certification(s) (All required upon hire unless otherwise stated): Certified MRI Technologist or ARRT Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Required Minimum Experience: Minimum 1 year experience in a clinical setting caring for patients — Required MRI clinical setting — Preferred
• Required Minimum Skills: Must exhibit excellent communication skills due to frequent verbal and written communication with physicians, patients, visitors, departmental staff and nursing staff. Routinely obtains, presents and discusses clinical information regarding job responsibilities. Must be able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and cooperation. Must function independently and under pressure while still participating actively in a team environment. Must exhibit excellent customer service skills at all times. Must be able to perform effectively in a stressful and fast-paced work environment. Must have the ability to prioritize appropriately. Must be detail-oriented and able to multitask effectively throughout the shift. Must have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a variety of customers including patients, families, coworkers, volunteers and physicians. Must function independently yet productively as a cooperative team member with various work teams associated with the position. Must be compliant with all hospital policies as well as established practices, protocols and professional standards. Competent in all aspects of MRI, patient positioning, pulse sequence parameters and magnet safety. Must have an understanding of anatomy and pathology and how they affect procedure quality.