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 and in this capacity 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 also functions at the CMRI Technologist II level, this position serves as the liaison between management, staff and physicians for routine matters as the primary point of contact for resolving questions and issues for Technologist I and II jobs 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 CMRI Technologist position may be varied and may include many of the following: organize work schedules, make work assignments, review and edit 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. As an experienced and fully competent CMRI Technologist II, this position completes a variety of routine to complex diagnostic cardiovascular procedures and applies magnetic resonance knowledge and skills, including a strong sense of pathology & physiology, to each clinical situation. The Lead CMRI Technologist position works independently, exercising sound judgment and execution of above average clinical skills on challenging diagnostic procedures and patient care situations. This position requires availability to be on call.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be 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. Will be communicating with physicians (Attending and Fellows), nurses and peers in order to provide the best care for the patient.

• Orients, guides and mentors Fellows/observers, CMRI Technologist I's, II's and students to help build confidence in skills, knowledge and abilities. Trains and leads all Technologists to perform procedures in the areas of responsibility at the highest competency level.

• Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service.

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. Identifies when to switch from one sequence to another and takes appropriate action in order to provide the proper information to the physician.

• Ensures proper review of patient medical information, independently performs high quality diagnostic studies according to specified protocols for routine, specialty and research studies while teaching, providing care to and appropriately monitoring each patient. Performs post processing and enters data into report documentations

• Provides direct assistance to physicians during clinical and research procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.

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.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and hospital targets for quality and safety. Reports ¿near misses¿ and inputs errors promptly into documentation system to improve processes and identify trends.

• 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.

• Assists with implementation and education of departmental based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Provides input to management on staff performance.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Orders supplies; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Accurately reviews and edits team member's timecards for management approval, if applicable.

• Appropriately handles 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.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads departmental projects and shared governance activities within the department.

• Encourages and participates in opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Technologist.

• 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.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Five years of clinical imaging 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

• RDMS - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) OR
• RDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographerr (ARDMS) OR
• CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International, Certified (CCI) OR
• CNMT - Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB) -- If certification held thru NMTCB or ARRT, registration as a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT-GC) is required OR
• ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists -- If certification held thru NMTCB or ARRT, registration as a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT-GC) is required AND
• ARRT-MR - Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) OR
• ARMRIT - Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist OR
• CMRT - Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist - State Licensure AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills and competency assessments

• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging / difficult procedures and patient care situations; demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average clinical skills

• Possesses advance computer knowledge, in order to operate multiple systems, which includes, Hospital Information Systems, Office software, Reporting/processing systems to maintain patient and exam documentations; ability to scan on different platforms

• 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 the 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

• 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

• Possesses a strong understanding of the cardiovascular system, understanding advance knowledge in anatomy/physiology and pathologies associated

• Ability to correctly recognize pathologies seen in scans and communicate with CMRI Fellow and/or Attending

• Demonstrates advance knowledge of cardiac rhythms (i.e. sinus, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bigeminy¿etc.) and knowing what modifications to sequences are needed, in order to provide the physician with proper images

• Ability to independently post process and establish measurements needed for physician's readings

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

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.