MRI Technologist

Summary :

Under general supervision of the MRI Manager Medical Imaging and Lead MRI Technologists for the MRI Division and according to standard procedures operates an MRI unit and related equipment in order to produce MR images of any designated anatomical area.

Collects and completes records on patient data and equipment operation. Provide assistance to patients and radiologists.

Solve minor equipment problems. Performs calibration tests and other quality control functions on equipment and notifies service personnel as required.

All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the geriatric adult and pediatric patients.

Fosters patient and family centered care and nursing services in accordance with the Lifespan and Rhode Island Hospitals mission vision and values with consideration of the life span including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns.

Responsibilities :

Understands and practices principles of safety with regards to strong magnetic fields as those generated by MRI systems per RIH MRI MAGNETIC FIELD SAFETY GUIDELINES(Policy MRI-02).

Prepares and tests the MRI unit for daily operation.

Recognizes and reports any equipment problems errors and malfunctions.

Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems per department guidelines and / or vendor assistance.

Screens all patients visitors and non-MRI personnel prior to entry into zones 3 & 4 of the MRI department and obtaining radiologist approval when necessary.

Appraises physical condition and level of cooperation of all patients to determine ability to comply with and tolerate the MRI exam.

Selects proper technical factors utilizes & manipulates appropriate parameters on an individual patient basis.

Verifies and / or obtains informed consent for examinations requiring consent.

Able to record obtain and communicate appropriate medical history from : patient chart referring physician and / or electronic medical record needed to complete the study.

Including patient labs (i.e. creatinine to calculate eGFR) in addition to the patient history to assess the need for radiologist approval for contrast.

Accurately performs eGFR calculations and obtains approval for the administration of contrast when necessary.

Accurately calculates and administers contrast per the department guidelines and dosage charts.

Positions patients for imaging to obtain satisfactory examinations and performs requested procedures.

Protects and immobilizes patients in accordance with prescribed safety standards.

Utilizes a wide variety of technical equipment including computers radio frequency and gradient coils power injectors monitoring and other miscellaneous equipment to produce MRI images.

Ability to perform complex imaging of cross-sectional multi-planar generated MR images recognizing normal pertinent anatomy.

Prepares labels & QCs images to be interpreted by the radiologist including appropriate laterality contrast amount / type tech ID image weighting saturation techniques etc.

Assists the radiologists to implement new protocols.

Participates in in-service education programs for technical staff and other hospital support groups.

Participates in clinical instruction and supervision of radiology students and newly hired staff.

Maintains a thorough knowledge of the latest developments in the MRI field.

Maintains knowledge of nursing procedures such as sterile techniques and infection control.

Able to assist with discharge instructions following MR exams / procedures.

Observes established departmental policies and guidelines as well as state local and federal regulations.

Maintains ethical conduct with all medical and non-medical personnel.

Upholds Diagnostic Imaging Universal Standards & Expectations in the MRI work environment.

Maintains working area in a clean and orderly condition.

Performs other related duties as assigned and / or required.

Other information : BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

This position requires thorough knowledge of a specialized MRI technology. Must be registered and in good standing with the American Registry of Radiological Technology (ARRT) or the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).

Knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy advanced MRI applications and computer operations.

Current BLS Certification from AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers.

Basic understanding of the operation of computer consoles.

An in-depth knowledge of the MRI equipment in order to analyze equipment problems and arrange for its repair.

Appropriate interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients patientsfamilies departmental staff physicians and others.

EXPERIENCE :

Six months recent experience as an MRI Technologist or successful completion of an accredited MRI program with a minimum of 1200 clinical hours completed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Individual has prior experience working in a healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals physiciansoffices or ancillary healthcare enterprises.

Works with medical equipment and has direct patient contact. Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions including use safety equipment and protective clothing.

Individual will have exposure to high magnetic fields. Applicant cannot have any physical condition that would be aggravated by magnetic fields acoustic noise and occasional RF exposure.

Ability to utilize and obtain basic vital signs (i.e. blood pressure heart rate pulse ox).

Able to competently insert & remove IVs for contrast administration. Ability to learn to administer IM injections per radiologist instructions.

May be in contact with patients with communicable diseases.

Ability to hear verbal direct request from physicians patients etc.

Ability to crouch reach and lift to allow appropriate manipulation positioning and placement of MR coils and ancillary equipment.

Ability to see for appropriate visualization in the MRI environment.

Ability to lift and move patients to and from scanner table transport patients in wheelchairs and / or stretchers.