Job Description

Lead MRI Technologist

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Parkwest Overview:

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health’s flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region’s largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It’s consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top 100 Heart Hospital, as well as an “A” safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region’s largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety.

To learn more about Parkwest Medical Center and our units, visit Covenant Health Parkwest Medical Center Opportunities.

This position is designed to provide supervisory leadership to MRI staff level employees, coordinating such activities with the Imaging Department’s Director/Manager. Provides assistance to radiologists, physicians, nursing and others in the care of MRI patients. The MRI team leader is expected to exercise independent judgement and discretion in performing duties listed below. The MRI team leader is responsible for maintaining a safe MRI environment for all. The MRI team leader serves as Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) for the facility or may designate another MRI technologist or radiologist to serve in the MRSO role. Consults with Imaging Director/Manager in determining MRI level I and level II training for employees/others.

Responsibilities

• Clinical expertise and knowledge of MRI are such that complex patient management and physician issues are resolved independently. Demonstrates proficiency in complex clinical skills and develops MRI protocols with guidance of radiologists/physicians. Serves as a role model to others by assuming the role of the team leader, responsibilities of a preceptor, cross-trains to other areas and provides education to the community and department.
• Maintain established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, general safety and MRI safety standards, and equipment quality control. Acquires and maintains ACR, or other accreditation as required.
• Assists in determining MRI educational needs. Provides six (6) hours of in-services per year, including training, instruction, and education to imaging technologists, nursing and other related areas.
• Participates in performance appraisal of staff, in hiring process by providing recommendations to the imaging manager, prepares documentation and forms for possible disciplinary actions to director/manager, provides recommendations to manager for commendations, bonuses, or other appropriate forms of recognition for outstanding performance of employees on applicable shift. Makes work assignments and directs work activities. Coordinates staff relief for meals, breaks, and meetings. Performs payroll edits.
• Perform complex tasks associated with the operation of high field strength magnets and related equipment to produce high quality MRI images. Selects and operates the magnetic resonance system, surface coils, physiologic gating devices and associated equipment to achieve desired results. Selects appropriate pulse sequences with consideration given to established protocols and other factors influencing data acquisition parameters. Evaluate MRI scans for technical quality, post processing, complete MRI exam in electronic medical record and send to PACS. Must maintain the four (4) MRI safety zones per ACR guidelines. Must obtain high quality MRI scans in a timely manner. Assist radiologist in developing new protocols and MRI imaging techniques.
• Identifies and screens patient and others according to MRI guidelines for safety. Obtains patient history, completes and verifies accurate consents, informed consent and/or permits as needed. Provide patient instructions/education to obtain desired results, gain cooperation and minimize anxiety, including the monitoring of patients by audio/visual means during exams. Position patients for MRI scans using immobilization and protective equipment to comply with regulations while applying principles of magnetic resonance safety to minimize risk to patient, self and others. Position patient and equipment to best demonstrate the anatomic area of interest, respecting the patient’s ability, safety and comfort. Provide for psychological and physical needs of patients for MRI procedures. Practices aseptic technique and applies universal precautions at all times. Applies appropriate infection prevention techniques and processes.
• Identifies, prepares and/or administers medications as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner. Performs venipuncture or IM injection for contrast media or other ordered/per test design medication as necessary for MRI procedure being performed within scope of practice. Load and operate pressure/power injector for contrast media injection. May administer oral and/or rectal contrast as needed. May perform lab draws as applicable.
• Assist radiologist with MRI procedures (biopsies, etc.). Assures time outs are performed.
• Coordinate scheduling and patient flow. Proficient in clerical skills. Assists in inventory control.
• Educate, train, orient and assist new staff members. Provide education for student technologists.
• Stays current in Basic Life Support (BLS) and performs BLS as needed.
• 12. Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:

Minimum of 1 year MRI experience or equivalent.

Licensure Requirement:

Must have and maintain ARRT (MR) or ARMRIT certification. State licensure in accordance with Tennessee guidelines.