Staff / Sr. MRI Technologist

The MR Radiologic Technologist provides technical knowledge and/or coordinates the delivery of MRI services. Under the direction of a qualified physician, this position will operate a variety of equipment including high field strength magnets and support systems with MRI safety as a priority. The MR Radiologic Technologist will be responsible for patient coordination, acquisition, processing, and archiving of all patient data. This position is responsible for training new staff as well as existing staff on new technologies. The incumbent will maintain and operate equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications, reporting all problems appropriately. The MR Radiologic Technologist is an ARRT licensed technologist who maintains an ARRT sponsored MRI certification and has more than 1 year of MRI experience. 

The MR Radiologic Technologist will comply and adhere to department protocols, UCSF policies and procedures, Department of Radiology policies and procedures and other applicable work rules and regulations. Incumbent works independently and under general supervision. The technologist must act with initiative and responsibility to achieve maximum radiographic quality. All duties and responsibilities will be performed in a calm manner even in stressful situations.  Incumbent will interact with Radiologist, Clinicians and peers in a cooperative, harmonious manner for maximum effectiveness. Incumbent must be able to perform all job functions deemed by Department of Radiology. 

Responsibilities

%  

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(Areas of Emphasis)

Duties and Essential Job Functions

1. Presents oneself in a professional manner, and with a positive attitude.

2. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to perform all responsibilities related to producing quality MRI exams, to include utilizing proper technique, views, positioning, labeling and patient identification.

3. Properly prepares room, equipment, and contrast media as needed to perform various imaging examinations and/or to assist Radiologist.

4. Acts in accordance with the department MRI safety policy and guidelines. Properly screens patients and support staff, for contraindications before entering the MRI environment.

5. Technologist may perform duties at the Main hospitals (Parnassus, Mission Bay, Mt Zion), Ambulatory Care Centers (China Basin, PCMB, Ortho Institute, Weil Neuroscience Center, UCIC) and/or satellite facilities throughout UCSF’s network as deemed necessary by management.

6. The MR Radiologic Technologist will be required to maintain competencies in all Routine MRI exams including but not limited to:

• Neuro Studies
• MSK Studies
• Abdominal Imaging
• Pediatric Imaging
• Chest Imaging ( Non Cardiac)

1. The position involves direct contact with both inpatient and out-patients, including interviewing them, explaining the scanning process, and positioning them on the examining table to produce high quality images.

2. The position requires prior experience with all age-range and specific type patients including but not limited to neonatal, pediatric, adult, geriatric and bariatric.

3. The technologist helps patients to feel comfortable by introducing self, calling patients by their name (using Mr., Mrs., Miss or Ms. as appropriate), respecting patient autonomy and dignity, knocking before entering exam rooms and always remaining patient and courteous.

4. The Technologist will anticipate patients’ needs and within scope of practice and authority take initiative to meet those needs. Will keep patients informed about actions to be taken.

5. Properly troubleshoots equipment failures, documents, and reports to appropriate individual(s). Properly carries out QA procedures according to recommended frequency and parameters.

6. Schedules, begins, and completes exams using current radiology information system.

7. Demonstrates Living Pride and practices AIDET.

8. Demonstrates the ability to perform job duties in a reliable, responsible and timely fashion.

9. Maintains constant communication with patients as well as fellow staff.

10. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and efficiently under any workload and/or patient volume.

11. Works safely and effectively with the anesthesia team in the MRI environment, and participates in the timeout procedure.

12. Demonstrates competency with MRI compatible patient monitor as well as familiarity with other MRI safe equipment including but not limited to the MRI safe infusion pump, MRI respirator and A/V equipment.

13. Works safely and effectively with ancillary staff in the MRI environment.

14. Participates in orientation and training of assigned staff, students, residents, and faculty.

15. Follows department guidelines and policies for MRI contrast administration.

16. Injects patients following department protocols and procedures.  Demonstrates competency in using the power injector.

17. Active participant in ACR/JCAHO accreditation.

18. Annual staff meeting presentation relating to one of the following topics: MRI Safety, technology, quality control, infection control, or patient satisfaction.

19. Annual participation in a departmental or hospital committee.

20. Active participation in Peer Review process

Policies and Procedures

1. Utilizes proper body mechanics to ensure patient and personal safety upon moving and/or transferring patients and equipment.

2. Follows established MRI safety guidelines as outlined at: http://www.radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/patient-safety/mri.

3. Follows established department and hospital guidelines for attendance and tardiness. Regular and predictable job attendance is mandatory, as outlined by the Radiology Department Standards and Service Expectations and the represented Union Contract.

4. Adheres to all hospital and department policies and procedures.  Remains current on patient safety, to include electrical, mechanical, fire, safety, and disaster procedures.

5. Adheres to all radiation and MR safety policies and procedures.  Prioritizes patient safety at all times during imaging.

6. Provides excellent customer service to patients, co-workers, physicians, and other departments. Utilizes the AIDET acronym as the standard for patient communication.

7. Is respectful of everyone, including those of different backgrounds, beliefs, and gender.

8. Assures that work environment is clean and in compliance with infection control and environmental health and safety standards.

9. Role models professionalism by maintaining a neat appearance and adhering to department dress code policy.  Displays hospital ID badge above the waist.

10. Adheres to the patient identification policy. Verifies correct patient identity using a minimum of two identifiers for every patient.

11. Adheres to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Standard of Ethics: https://www.arrt.org/pdfs/Governing-Documents/Standards-of-Ethics.pdf.

12. Adheres to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Magnetic Resonance Practice Standards: https://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/practicestds/GR11_MR_PS.pdf.

13. Handles phone calls and in person contacts in a friendly, courteous and sensitive manner. Promptly acknowledges patients waiting for their scans and provides an indication that they will be helped as soon as possible.

14. Always maintains strict patient confidentiality. 

15. Resolve differences in a spirit of cooperation, create solutions which benefits all parties, especially clinic/department customers.

16. Responsible for ensuring MRI protocols are current and streamlined for ease of use and efficient workflow.

17. Participate in recruitment/ interviewing of MR staffing. 

18. In conjunction with MR Supervisor, provides input on employee evaluations.

19. At the beginning of each shift, checks the adult and pediatric crash cart, oxygen, suction and other patient monitor equipment in assigned area.   

20. Notify and communicate with the front desk for any delays which may affect patient appointment times. 

21. Participate in and performs exams for approved research studies.

22. Performs daily quality control scans.

23. Proactively assists in other areas when patient volume is low in assigned area.

24.  Is able to place an IV if nursing staff is not available. 

25. Screens patients for possible contraindications to MRI 

26. Rotates supply and linen inventories in assigned areas.

27. When applicable, reviews images with the Radiologist before dismissing the patient.   

Information Management

1. Demonstrates competency in the Radiology Information System.

2. Demonstrates competency with the hospital’s electronic ordering/information system.

3. Demonstrates competency on the related MRI computer systems.

4. Ensures clinical data is correct and relevant for specific procedures being requested and seeks physician assistance when indicated.

5. Demonstrates competency in the selection of the correct visit number.

6. Completes all exams in the radiology computer system following the procedure. 

7. Demonstrates competency of downtime procedures for PACS and RIS systems.

8. Utilizes hospital and department computers for hospital business only.

9.   No personal use of cellphones in clinical areas.

Development

1. Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual professional growth and practice. Attends assigned staff development activities.

2. Participates in cross training activities when necessary.

3. Recognizes and performs duties which need to be performed although not directly assigned.

4. Attends professional meetings or seminars to keep current within the field of radiology, and maintains current knowledge on developments in technology and procedures by participating in ongoing learning activities.

5. Complies with the department expectations and standards.

Quality/Process Improvement

1. Assist in developing and initiating a patient satisfaction improvement process/project

2. Assist in developing and initiating a patient or MRI safety improvement process/project.

3. Attends required hospital training and in-services.

100%

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job, training, and licensure.

2. Assists other departments when necessary, including but not limited to patient and specimen transport.

3. Demonstrates ability to work well with others.

4. Mentors junior staff.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of a formal radiology technology training program in an AMA approved school. 

• Flexibility in scheduling, ability to rotate shifts as well as coverage for weekends and holidays.
• Required for Sr. Level classification: 
  • Minimum 3 years experience with high field magnetic resonance system in acute care settings. 
  • Sr. Level must demonstrate and maintain competency in 3 of the 6 specialty scans within 6 months of hire: 
    • 1. Cardiac Imaging 
    • 2. Fetal Imaging 
    • 3. Whole body Pediatric scans 
    • 4. Special procedures (neuro intraop [HIFU/DBS], etc.) 
    • 5. Pediatric/Adult Anesthesia 
    • 6. Breast Imaging 
    • 7. Device vetting (pacemaker, etc.) 
• Flexibility to rotate to other sites when necessary.
• Be able to perform all 

1. Neuro Studies
2. MSK Studies
3. Abdominal Imaging
4. Pediatric Imaging
5. Chest Imaging (Non Cardiac)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• CRT Licensure

• MRSO – Additional Credential

• Minimum 1 year experience with high field magnetic resonance system in acute care settings

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• ARRT approved MRI Certification 

• BLS Certification 

• Phlebotomy/Venipuncture Certification