Radiographer-MRI, Full-Time Days - Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Radiographer - MRI reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

• Performs MRI procedures according to set protocols established by radiologists.
• Evaluates the request for procedures and assesses the patient to determine the appropriate procedure protocol and method of application.
• Appropriately employs imaging systems, accessory devices, and patient positioning techniques to generate quality images.
• Cares for the patient throughout the procedure according to department and hospital standards of patient care, age-specific sensitivities, and patients first guidelines.
• Participates in lifting and transporting patients to and from imaging devices.
• Evaluates the resultant images in comparison with industry standards and takes corrective action if needed.
• Refers to appropriate reference materials for clarification when needed.
• Provides patient education in the form of written material and/or verbal explanation prior to, during and subsequent to the procedure in order to reduce the patient's anxiety and enhance his comfort zone with and tolerance of the procedure.
• Performs imaging procedures in accordance with safe practice guidelines for MRI.
• Performs preliminary interpretation by applying independent judgment, subsequently customizing the procedure accordingly.
• Uses this knowledge to expedite intervention by the radiologist, if necessary.
• Notifies physicians as required of changes in the condition of the patients or regarding unique imaging characteristics.
• Maintains level of flexibility to accommodate daily schedule and high level of productivity.
• In collaboration with the Resource Coordinators and Technical Coordinator, learns and becomes proficient in new procedures and new levels of software as they become available.
• Documents imaging procedures manually and/or electronically to insure correct charging, and patient and film file tracking.
• Sends acquired images to PACS system correctly, using the appropriate accession numbers for future retrieval by medical staff.
• Monitors stock of supplies in imaging rooms to assure their regular availability by timely reordering, rotation of dated items, and by maintenance of a clean and orderly environment.
• Reports incidences of equipment failure, irregularities in equipment performance, and equipment in disrepair to supervisory and technical coordinator as soon as possible.
• Distributes Radiology outpatient surveys to all patients for self-evaluation purposes and to enhance the Best Patient Experience.
• Quality Management Responsibilities:
  • Provides imaging services of optimum quality with optimum productivity and customer service.
  • Collects data to support the measurement and tracking component of quality management.
  • Participates in formal and informal process improvement and problem solving to enhance the quality of service to customers.
  • Proactively identifies quality issues to be addressed and brings to attention of the Manager, Resource Coordinator and Quality Committee as appropriate.
  • Ensures the continuity of care through effective interactions with other departments, i.e., other off-site Facilities, emergency department, registration, Feinberg-General Radiology, radiology reading rooms.
• Functions as a role model for newly hired radiographers as experience in position increases.
• Participates in department in-service programs.
• Over time, takes a more active role in the development and delivery of the in-service program.
• Maintains competencies and complies with continuing education requirement of credentialing agencies.

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited Radiologic Technology program or accredited MRI program – Diploma/Certificate of completion.
• ARRT (MR) or ARMRIT certification or certification eligible. Must receive certification within 1 year of start date.
• CPR Basic Life Support (BLS) through American Heart Association (AHA)
• Excellent interpersonal verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Licensed with Illinois Emergency Management Department of Nuclear Safety Administration
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification in Radiography (ARRT)(R)
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Technology

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.