Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading healthcare provider as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, specializing in MRI procedures and patient safety. In this role, you'll manage MRI protocols, ensure compliance with safety standards, and provide quality patient care. Your expertise will be critical in enhancing MRI operations and safety measures in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Benefits

37-50 days of annual paid time off

Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave

Child care subsidy for eligible employees

Federal health, vision, dental insurance

Traditional federal pension and federal 401K

Qualifications

• Must be proficient in English, both spoken and written.
• Advanced ARRT certification required for MRI duties.
• Knowledge of superconducting magnets required.

Responsibilities

• Operates MRI equipment and monitors patient safety.
• Develops and maintains patient prep procedures.
• Coordinates and conducts MR safety programs.

Skills

Safety requirements knowledge

Training ability

MRI procedure development

Education

Completion of a full-time training course in diagnostic radiologic technology

Job description

Employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality have expert specialization at this grade level for Radiology Service at Chalmer's P. Wylie VAACC in Columbus, Ohio. The MRSO operates with full responsibility for training, developing, and directing the MR safety program. Duties may include coordination of MR safety committee meetings, evaluation of hospital equipment to ensure MR safe operation, and oversight of employee and patient MR screening programs.


Duties

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf


A. Serves as operator of a super conductive magnetic resource imaging unit. The operator will develop new techniques, define optimal protocols, and devise alternative ways to visualize pathology within the patient. Interaction with physician, physicists, computer programs, and biomed engineers will be normal occurrence of the daily duties of the operator.

B. Provides patient care which is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Positions and monitors patient during all phases of the examination and removes patient from the influence of the magnetic field upon completion of the data acquisition.

C. Coordinates with radiologist and physicist to determine the most ideal parameters to pulse the magnet for each individualized patient examination. Programs technical factors by interrogating computer console and responding with inputs that will result in the parameters of pulse form, pulse sequence, slice profile, etc. Monitors the examination by checking computations, performances, and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images.

D. Assists manufacturer representative and biomedical engineers in the calibration and troubleshooting of malfunctions associated with the MRI unit. Maintains equipment malfunction and downtime log. Establishes and monitors quality control programs. Maintains examination log, computer data and technical parameters on each examination.

E. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to Imaging manager those that would improve the operation of the MRI department. Keeps technical knowledge up to date by attending continued medical education training. Must be familiar with agency policies and regulations to follow it accordingly.

F. Develops and maintains patient prep procedures so that patients and wards understand the proper preparations for MRI examinations to minimize delays of exams. These preps are disseminated either by written preparation information or by telephone conversation.

G. Explains examinations to be performed to the patients and wards so that an understanding of the purpose of the studies as well as any requirements of the patients are thoroughly understood. This is done so that an adequate MRI exam may be obtained to get diagnostic examinations for the purpose of treatment and diagnosis of disorders.

H. Provides oversight of employee and patient MRI screening programs. Performs or monitors safety checks on patients, employees, and visitors to comply with FDA safety standards and The Joint Commission regulations regarding ferrous objects and cardiac pacemakers prior to those persons entering the environment of the magnetic field.

I. Assumes full responsibility for training, developing, and directing the MRI safety program. Works to establish required safety zones and enforces unauthorized entry.

J. Organizes and facilitates MRI monthly quarterly MRI Safety Committee meeting. Writes after action notes/reports and follows up on any changes or recommendations. Contributes valuable input to both meetings as Chair.

K. Evaluates hospital equipment to ensure it is safe for MRI operation. Networks with engineering and other services to make certain non-MRI safe equipment is far from the magnet room.

L. Coordinates training of hospital staff and ensures maintenance of educational documentation. Answers all questions or looks up the appropriate contact to get the answer. Maintains currency on new developments and procedures in the MRI safety community.

M. Schedules and documents security and patient emergency exercises.

N. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Work Schedule: 7:30am-6:00pm Tues-Wed/Sat Sun

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 91748-0

Requirements

Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from [other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).]
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), [or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.]
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Preferred Experience:
MR Safety Officer (MRSO) This special assignment requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets, the physics of superconducting magnets, and how they relate to the human anatomy and the magnetic effect on non-removable devices. Technologists operating as an MRSO work to support and maintain an MR safety program. Duties of the position include management of an effective screening program, development of MRI-safe scan protocols, and training of MR and Non-MR staff on MR safe practices. Please refer to VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G2

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the
candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of safety requirements for physical space pertaining to MR imaging area
2. Ability to establish and monitor access and safety requirements for the physical zones.
3. Ability to develop and ensure that adequate written safety procedures, work instructions, emergency procedures, and operating instruction are issued and enforced.
4. Knowledge of hazards posed by magnetic fields on implants, medical devices, hospital equipment and retained foreign bodies, and the development of measures taken against those hazards.
5. Ability to train medical, technical, nursing and all other relevant staff groups (including ancillary workers) in all procedural aspects related to MR safety.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over; Straight pulling (1 hour); Pushing (1-2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Hearing (aid may be permitted).