MRI Technologist I or II (Days)

MRI Technologist

Under the direction of the area supervisor, performs patient care and technical functions to insure proper radiologic diagnosis of patients.

Responsibilities:

• Performs MRI exams under the order of a licensed medical practitioner
• Reviews and verifies MRI exam orders, radiologist's protocol instructions, and patient identification in accordance with hospital policy to ensure correct exam is performed on the correct patient
• Assesses patient risk via patient interviews and chart review; alerts nurses and/or physicians to possible contraindications for procedure (e.g. screening for MR conditional / unsafe devices, lab work, allergies, etc.)
• Investigate and obtain information from various sources (e.g. device manufacturer) for radiologist to determine whether or not patient may safely undergo MRI exam
• Ensures patient is prepared and radiologist-ordered protocols for pre-medications have been completed (e.g. contrast allergy pre-medication)
• Assess patient's need for care following contrast administration; arranges renal function tests and follows up according to radiologist protocol
• Provides education to patient and family members and assesses understanding
• Provides for the physical and psychological needs of patients during MRI exams, including monitoring of patient's oxygen saturation levels when caring for patients with orders for "continuous" O2 sat monitoring; addresses issues according to hospital protocol; assesses patient's level of pain and notifies nurse / provider as needed
• Performs venipuncture for contrast administration, evaluates patency of IV access; administers saline flush per protocol pre/post IV contrast administration
• Performs Point-of-Care lab tests for evaluating renal function prior to contrast administration
• Prepares and administers oral and/or IV contrast per department protocols as prescribed by a licensed practitioner
• Ensures personnel caring for patient follow safety procedures (e.g. MR safety policies/procedures, infection prevention)
• Documents clinical and required regulatory information in patient's electronic chart (e.g. IV documentation, signs / symptoms relevant to exam, contrast administration in MAR); performs order entry / modification / cancelation in accordance with hospital policies
• Initiates response to complications and emergencies arising during exams in accordance with MR policies and procedures; requests assistance from nurses, providers, and other personnel as needed
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and effects of disease processes; evaluates images, recognizes normal vs. abnormal anatomy, and notifies the appropriate Radiologist as needed
• Handles and secures medications and equipment in accordance with hospital policies
• Utilizes the image management system; acquires, formats, manipulates, archives images to the PACS system
• Assists physicians and residents as required with MR-Guided exams/procedures using aseptic technique as needed
• Assists patient with completing informed consent form, after provider has completed informed consent discussion with the patient
• Implements downtime procedures (manual operations) when computer systems or equipment fails
• Instructs new staff and students in MRI procedures and techniques
• Performs competency evaluations for new MRI personnel
• Assists with education and training of medical staff (Radiology Residents, Fellows, RPAs, etc.)
• Maintains equipment and room in proper working condition and trouble-shoots malfunctioning equipment; takes appropriate action to address image quality issues; performs quality control procedures
• Demonstrates and promotes a healthy work environment and good teamwork; makes suggestions for improvements; demonstrates and promotes patient and family-centered care behaviors
• Assists in organizing work flow utilizing available staff and rooms
• Assists performing exams identified for approved IRB research
• Assists in coordinating and participates in departmental continuing education in-services
• Provides peer feedback for staff performance evaluations
• Performs various clerical duties and completes additional duties/projects as assigned