MRSO - MRI Tech Safety Officer

The MRI safety officer provides clinical services according to MRI practice standards and acts as a resource to MRI students and other technologists to ensure optimal department functions and safety. The MRI safety officer is responsible for creating, operationalizing, enforcing and auditing MRI safe practices across the system or assigned location. The MRI safety officer will ensure adequate safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures and operation instructions are created and being followed. Responsible for protocol management and optimization, monitoring and reporting of quality programs, and MRI safety education and compliance for accreditation. Ensures medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups who may be exposed to the MRI environment are educated appropriately on a regular basis as to the safety requirements and updated as necessary. The MRSO performs diagnostic testing according to established departmental procedures. This position operates diagnostic equipment, including peripheral equipment, in a safe and efficient manner to obtain optimal test results.

This position demonstrates proper technique for injection of IV contrast under the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines. Creates, enforces and audits MRI-safe practices across the system. The MRSO develops, documents and introduces in conjunction with the MRSE, and under the authority of the MRMD, safe working procedures for the MRI environment. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of magnetic resonance principles and theory, anatomy and pathology processes utilizing the most appropriate technique and/or positioning for optimal examinations, as demonstrated by exam results. Communicates effectively with the patient to obtain clinical history/informed consent from the patient or patient's chart to assist the physician in optimizing the performance and interpretation of the examination, as evidenced by the exam results. Explains the procedure to patients/families and answers any questions to ease anxiety and ensure patient cooperation, as evidenced by customer satisfaction. Demonstrates patient safety in the department by use of side rails, braking mechanisms, proper body mechanics and patient monitoring. Correctly identifies patients and their files ensuring a high degree of accuracy. Tracks patients according to department procedures. Identifies errors and takes immediate action for corrections. Assists the physician in performing a variety of examinations using standard department protocols, isolation precautions and/or sterile technique. Recognizes clinical and/or emergent problems that may interfere with exams and take appropriate action to resolve them and produce the most desirable outcome, as evidenced by exam results and patient satisfaction.

This position ensures the efficient operation of the department by providing technical and administrative support to the administrative director, radiology manager, radiologists and staff. The MRSO evaluates the quality of images and equipment; submits and maintains ACR accreditation duties and compliance in conjunction with the radiology supervisor MRI as applicable; conducts protocol evaluations and maintenance; interacts with vendors; and ensures continuity of patient care, employee education and competency completion.

This position actively participates in and supports student clinical education activities.

This position supports organizational goals by providing quality customer service, participating in performance improvement efforts and demonstrating a commitment to teamwork and cooperation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited school of radiography or graduate of an accredited school of MRI training. Associate's degree required or in active pursuit of degree and obtained within 2 years of hire.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: ARRT, must be MRI-registered through ARRT or ARMRIT certification. Licensed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection when MRI registry is accompanied by ARRT (R). Must obtain American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS) MRSO certification within 1 year of hire into MRSO position. Renewal prior to certification expiration is required as an essential work requirement. American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification required upon hire/transfer.
• EXPERIENCE: 5 years of experience as an MRI technologist in a hospital/healthcare or outpatient environment. 3 years of MRSO experience preferred. The ability to perform frequent standing, pushing, pulling, and lifting objects heavier than 50 lbs., including patients. Proficiency in clinical applications preferred at time of hire. Incumbents within position will be trained appropriately and then skill will be required for this position within 30-60 days from date of hire.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Demonstrates the technical competencies as established on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool for the appropriate modality.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens along with infectious diseases. Requires frequent standing, pushing, pulling and lifting objects heavier than 50 lbs., including patients. Frequent exposure to blood, body fluids/tissues and electromagnetic radiation.

The essential functions for this position are listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

UNIT	POPULATION SERVED Core competencies will be assessed primarily on the following patient population(s) served:
MRI	MRI cardiac/cardiovascular, mammary, GI, endocrine, renal, skeletal conditions and disease including, but not limited to, CAD, PVD, CVA/TIA, COPD, CHF, oncology, etc.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
This position reports to Radiology Administration and Radiology Manager and supervises incumbents as assigned.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.