Cardiac MRI Technologist I

At Houston Methodist, the Cardiac MRI Technologist I position is responsible for encompassing knowledge of the indications for the most common cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) procedures and fluency in the technical considerations for acquiring cardiac images. This position is expected to independently perform a basic exam for cardiac volumes and function and will be able to complete a variety of routine diagnostic cardiovascular procedures to include Cardiac MRI exams of moderate complexity with minimal supervision. The Cardiac MRI Technologist I position provides direct assistance to physicians with all diagnostic procedures and delivers exceptional patient care, adhering to Cardiac MRI exam standards and guidelines established by regulatory agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section
• If not an ARRT, NMTCB, ARDMS, or ARMRIT, successful completion of an MRI training program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which includes verified didactic and supervised clinical experience in MRI

EXPERIENCE

• Cardiac MRI experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Must have one of the following: •American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) RT(MR)•American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (ARMRIT)•American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS) and ARMRIT• Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) credential and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Demonstrates knowledge of general MR safety, metal screening, contraindications for MRI
• Knowledge of appropriate indication for non-contrast CMR evaluation of cardiac morphology and function
• Encompasses a knowledge of indications for the most common CMR procedures and fluency in the technical considerations for acquiring cardiac images
• Ability in applying different ECG gating (retrospective, prospective, real-time) appropriate to the cardiac rhythm and cycle length
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Radiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving
• Performs a variety of tasks, which includes scanning patients (with and without devices), performing research scans (volunteers, flow loops, organs), research analysis (measurements and flow sheets), consenting patients for research, and essentials for department operations (Quality assurance/improvement, screening of patients, communicating efficiently with physicians (CMR Fellows and Attending))
• Identifies proper anatomy images of cardiac and vascular structures in order to provide physicians with proper information for interpretation

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members at an appropriate level utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills, terminology and language. Communicates effectively with others to facilitate providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department goals for employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs diagnostic cardiovascular procedures to include CMRI exams which creates both still and moving pictures of the heart and major blood vessels. Modifies technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizes complications and limitations.
• Applies the appropriate sequence protocol for assessment of left ventricular function. Performs the left ventricular volume and ejection fraction (LVEF) analysis.
• Assures proper review of patient medical information, providing care to and appropriately monitoring each patient.
• Provides direct assistance to physicians during diagnostic or special procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.
• Performs post processing and enters data into report documentations.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows imaging and MRI safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures accordingly. Properly utilizes patient protective gear and immobilization during diagnostic procedures. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job, departmental and hospital safety standards, practices and policies.
• Reports “near misses” and inputs errors promptly into appropriate hospital patient safety reporting system to improve processes and identify trends. Contributes to identification of corrective actions and improvement activities and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.
• Ensures all imaging equipment has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use. Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered and ensures correct charges are entered for the procedure performed.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects focused on innovation, efficiency or improvement in patient care or shared governance activities. Assumes responsibility for growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a technologist. Pursues educational opportunities for professional growth and benefits the department through knowledge dissemination. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section
• If not an ARRT, NMTCB, ARDMS, or ARMRIT, successful completion of an MRI training program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which includes verified didactic and supervised clinical experience in MRI

EXPERIENCE

• Cardiac MRI experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Must have one of the following: • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) RT(MR) • American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (ARMRIT) • American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS) and ARMRIT • Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) credential and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association