Lead Cardiac MRI Technologist

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Cardiac MRI (CMRI) Technologist position functions as the lead person for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging generally for an assigned shift, completes a variety of routine to complex diagnostic cardiovascular procedures to include Cardiovascular MRI exams of extreme difficulty, and performs lead job duties and/or regularly leads projects or performs specialized responsibilities as a regular part of their normal job responsibilities. In addition to the lead responsibilities, this position functions at the Sr CMRI Technologist level, serving as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues for Technologists as well as support staff, resulting in the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to standards of practice for optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties for the Lead Cardiac MRI Technologist position may be varied and may include many of the following: organize work schedules, make work assignments, review time cards for accuracy, conduct quality assurance audits of staff performance, develop and implement quality improvement activities, train and mentor staff, provide feedback on staff performance and developmental needs, participate in the development of skills and performance of staff, lead and regularly perform special projects, collect/analyze/report on data, prepare reports on performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level. This position attends routinely scheduled meetings with attending physicians and leadership for process improvements and assists directly with vendors in the process of developing protocols and application improvements.

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

• Five years of MRI technologist experience with three years specifically in cardiovascular imaging
• Prior experience in a lead role or HM experience and performance that demonstrates leadership abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Must have one of the following: •ARRT-MR - Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) •ARMRIT - Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist •RDMS - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS). If ARDMS must have ARMRIT •Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) certification 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
• Advanced learning of multiple programs and ability to interpret data on a clinical standpoint
• Proficient in cardiowebpax, SyngoVia and new software as it becomes available including advanced training
• Must attend a local, regional, national, or international meeting that includes some CMR content every 1-2 years
• Attendance (in person or virtual) to cutting edge research and technical developments
• Performance of at least 200 CMR exams every 2 years to maintain Lead level competence
• Assists in protocol developments with vendors
• Attends process improvement meetings with attending physicians regularly and relays vital information to the rest of the team
• Crucial decision maker in the hiring process of new Cardiac Technologists
• 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.
• Possesses a positive attitude with self-motivation to work efficiently and effectively with peers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving
• Possesses a strong understanding of the cardiovascular system, understanding advance knowledge in anatomy/physiology and pathologies associated

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Collaborates with management and all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Independently and expertly serves as the department primary resource for staff ensuring optimal department services and outcomes. Develops skills of team members to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities and continually assists with improving skills, performance, and outcomes. Validates appropriate competencies and provides feedback to management. Trains and leads all Technologists to perform procedures in the areas of responsibility at the highest competency level. Facilitates teamwork by coordinating department needs and responding positively to requests for assistance.
• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Leads and initiates problem resolution within the work unit. Role-models skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, to optimize improvement of department score for employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs a variety of high quality clinical and research Cardiac MRI exams and differentiates protocols and sequences as needed for each exam. Adjusts or changes scan protocol based on cardiac findings observed during CMR exam. Identifies when to switch from one sequence to another and takes appropriate action in order to provide the proper information to the physician.
• Screens patient for caffeine prior to vasodilator stress MRI. Utilizes knowledge of the common cardiac issues that would prompt a CMR stress exam. Applies understanding of basic congenital heart disease (aortic coarctation, bicuspid aortic valve, ASD/VSD, repaired tetralogy of Fallot) for indication of a scan.
• Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Drives improvement of department score for patient satisfaction, through peer-to-peer accountability for service standards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows stress perfusion MRI protocol, valve regurgitation and stenosis protocols and basic congenital heart disease protocols: Aorta coarctation, ASD/VSD, sinus venosus defect, repaired tetralogy of Fallot during procedures.
• Independently post processes and establishes measurements needed for physician’s readings. Performs Advanced post processing including: 4D Flow and Myocardial Strain and 3D graphical reconstructions including generating MIP volume rendered images of all thoracic, abdominal and extremity vascular exams.
• Ensures all staff properly utilize patient protective gear and immobilization during diagnostic procedures. Ensures staff follow imaging and MRI safety standards and conduct all imaging procedures accordingly.
• Conducts quality audits on equipment, processes, outcomes, and team member performance. Documents, develops, and evaluates processes and procedures. Provides input to management on staff performance. Leads opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Appropriately oversees scheduling to accommodate patients’ needs and ensuring adequate staffing for operations is maintained. Monitors and adjusts activities to ensure optimum patient throughput and patient experience.
• Accountable for ordering of supplies; does not waste supplies. Accurately reviews team member’s time cards for management approval, if applicable. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Initiates and leads department projects and shared governance activities. Participates in one or more department committees or subcommittees and facilitates the accomplishment of the goals of the committee.
• Takes the lead in teaching/training others. Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives. Assists in policy and procedure developments. Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols.
• Encourages and participates in opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies a focus on continual development as a technologist and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan 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

• Five years of MRI technologist experience with three years specifically in cardiovascular imaging
• Prior experience in a lead role or HM experience and performance that demonstrates leadership abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• Must have one of the following: • ARRT-MR - Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) • ARMRIT - Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist • RDMS - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS). If ARDMS must have ARMRIT • Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) certification and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association