Under the general supervision of the Medical Imaging Manager and according to established policies and procedures is responsible for the performance of department procedures requiring the use of more difficult techniques. Assists the Medical Imaging Manager and functions as a lead resource person providing technical guidance and instructions interpreting communicating and administering policies and procedures. Work is performed at a level not requiring constant supervision of technical detail. Instructs Radiology students and/or employees in the clinical procedures used. Performs clerical and/or administrative functions necessary to the efficient operation and for patient records.
This position is system wide MRSO-MR safety oversight of all MR facilities in the Brown University Health system(BUH). The MRI Safety Director oversees all aspects of MRI safety for the BUH ensuring compliance with national and institutional safety standards. This role involves developing implementing and monitoring safety protocols training staff conducting risk assessments and maintaining a safe environment for patients staff and visitors in all BUH affiliates.
Collaborates with Medical Director of the section and vendor as needed to develop new and advanced computer driven imaging sequences. Develops test models and when approved finalizes these protocols from the test mode to production. Updates imaging protocol books and works with Medical Imaging Manager to define related changes that may impact technologists� workflow. Schedules and makes provisions for in-service training for technologists. Validates technologists� competencies on the new protocols and works with technologists individually as may be needed so they can achieve the required level of competence.
Utilizes experienced-based knowledge with little technical supervision to perform all the duties of an advanced practice Technologist in routine and complex imaging procedures including advanced imaging and research studies.
Provides for the clinical experience of Radiology Technology students instructing and guiding students through imaging procedures in area of responsibility. May review performance of student with supervisor.
Provides on-the-job instruction to employees in clinical procedures in area of responsibility. May participate in formal in-service educational classes.
Performs clerical and/or administrative tasks such as a) inventory and ordering supplies; b) compiling statistics; c) checking equipment for proper operating condition and reporting need for repair.
Understands and practices ALARA Principles of Radiation Protection when applicable including the use and exchange of personal dosimeters when applicable
Understands and practices principles of safety with regard to strong magnetic fields as those generated by MRI systems if applicable or radiation safety generated by other imaging systems when applicable. May be assigned specific safety responsibilities such as MRI Safety Officer; or Dose Monitoring applications.
Assists Manager in Regulatory Accreditations such as The American College of Radiology The Joint Commission Center for Medicare Services etc.
Assumes charge-duty responsibility in the absence of the Manager of Medical Imaging.
May direct the work of others in assigning coordinating and reviewing their work. May provide input to performance appraisals counseling or disciplinary control or other personnel actions for employees regularly assigned to the area.
Site assessment surveys to ensure compliance with locally determined institutional policies and national safety standards (approx. 40 hrs. per week for 1�2-week initial assessment followed by a monthly assessment survey -8 hrs.)
Provide education to MR safety leadership (locally designated MRSO�s) within each facility in the topics of MR safety clinical decision making research scheduling and safe scan execution of complex implants/devices/ retained FB�s. This would consist of classroom-based education (approx. 1 week or 40hrs for initial education) in addition to hands on clinical application (job shadow 1 month-40 hrs per week) at each site. This would include arranging outside vendors to in-service this staff on each product�s unique technologies.
Ensure uniformity of MR safety policies and procedures across the system including policy creation review and revisions.
Observe workflows at all facilities during operating hours to ensure safety policies and procedures are being consistently performed and adhered to.
Consult/support MR safety leaders as needed within each facility during complex clinical situations implants risk identification and safe scan execution.
Provide educational in services to all MRI Staff on various MR safety topics including the management and safe scanning of active electronic devices. Oversee and ensure all system wide MR facilities are proficient in scanning these complex devices. Work with ICS responsible for protocol development to ensure Techs have access to tailored protocols that meet the requirements for safety labeling on each unique device.
Serve as a liaison between Rad safety leadership hospital service lines outside vendors and site administration.
Provide and oversee MR safety training and education to individuals identified as MR personnel (those working in and around the MR suite and have access to MR Zones 3-4)
Consultation/analysis on reported MR safety related events across the system.
Chair MR QAC safety committee�coordinate and conduct quarterly meetings with imaging facilities throughout the state.
Assist in suite construction and design plans to ensure compliance with national safety and ACR standards.
Provide support in the ACR QAC process including Bi-annual accreditation testing and clinical exam review/submission.
Work with MRI program leadership at RIC to incorporate a more robust and extensive MR safety curriculum to engage new students into the MR safety career path and encourage/facilitate MR safety certifications.
Remain engaged with national and international MR safety committees.
Assist in the development of improved interdepartmental workflows that will increase efficiency and patient throughput.
Development and oversight of proper documentation and billing of additional services related to MRI safety and complex device programming/management.
Operate MRI equipment to perform diagnostic imaging procedures according to department protocols and safety guidelines.
On-call responsibilities.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Special Computer Imaging Tasks
Meets with Radiologists to discuss need for the new imaging sequences/protocols.
Uses information obtained from Radiologists to experiment and develop draft protocols for new or updated imaging procedures.
Uses input from vendors if needed to build a draft imaging computer program.
Reviews initial resulting images with the Medical Director to verify the diagnostic information that has been obtained.
Continues to development the draft protocol - or advances the draft to its final status.
Enters final program into the scanner�s computer.
Performs a final test run with patients and if validated updates the imaging protocol books with the new sequences.
Clarifies changes in Technologist workflow issues with Manager.
Works with the Manager to provide in-service classes to Technologists and Radiologists.
EXPERIENCE:
One-year experience as a Radiologic Technologist in a hospital Diagnostic Imaging department plus one year specialized training in the operation of the imaging equipment. Provides a high level leadership to employees. Must be able to demonstrate a superior capability to work with understand the complexities of the imaging system�s capabilities to maximize its diagnostic applications in conjunction with the Medical Director.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Exposure to high magnetic fields. (if in the MRI setting) Individual cannot have any physical condition that would be aggravated by magnetic fields. May be in contact with patients with communicable diseases. . May be exposed to radiation. Ability to lift and move patients to and from scanning table transport patients in wheelchairs.
INDEPENDENT ACTION:
Performs independently within the guidelines of the department�s policies and procedures. Works with Manager and/or Medical Director of the Section to resolve complex problems and when to provide clarification of department policies sand procedures is required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervisory responsibility for up to 25 FTEs.
The system wide MRSO is required to supervise counsel and educate the site MRSO and staff in the BUH system in MRI safety practices and policies.