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.

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

• 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 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.

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 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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Cardiac MRI experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• ARMRIT - Registered Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (ARRT) OR
• ARRT-MR - Radiologic Technologist - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) OR
• RDMS - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) -- If ARDMS, then must have ARMRIT within 18 months AND
• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, 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

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.