Melissa Rockford
Radiation Safety Specialist
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. Expert Nuclear Medicine Technologist offers top-notch knowledge, abilities and education. Works great in team-based environments to optimize patient care and outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
6025
6025
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Radiation Safety Specialist
The University of Kansas Health System
Kansas City, KS
03.2022 - Current
- Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations by conducting thorough audits of radioactive materials usage and storage.
- Performed dose assessments for staff members working with ionizing radiation sources, ensuring adequate protection measures were in place at all times.
- Evaluated new or revised health system policies to abide by regulations affecting radiation safety practices, providing guidance on necessary changes to maintain compliance standards.
- Established effective lines of communication between various internal stakeholders involved in radiological activities, fostering collaboration towards common goals related to health physics initiatives.
- Conducted routine inspections of laboratory areas, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment.
- Facilitated license renewals for radioactive material usage, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements at all times.
- Served as a liaison between the organization and regulatory agencies, effectively addressing inquiries and concerns regarding radiation safety practices.
- Developed and delivered tailored radiation safety training programs for radiation workers, raising overall awareness of the importance of proper handling practices of machine and material based ionizing radiation.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure adherence to radiation safety guidelines across all organizational levels.
- Enhanced radiation safety awareness by conducting regular training sessions and workshops for staff members. Created training material for TUKHS Helix educational modules.
- Kept abreast of advancements in radiation protection technology and best practices, incorporating new methodologies into existing processes as appropriate. Created brochures, posters, and educational information in BrandIt
- Monitored employee exposure levels using personal dosimeters, analyzing results to identify trends or areas warranting further investigation or intervention measures.
Clinical Team Lead
Saint Luke's Health System - Heart Institute
Kansas City, Missouri
03.2012 - 03.2022
- Optimized department efficiency through the implementation of new scheduling strategies and workflow improvements.
- Streamlined communication among staff members, leading to increased productivity and better patient outcomes.
- Managed Kronos for approximately 30 employees.
- Ensured proper functioning of imaging equipment by performing routine maintenance tasks as well as troubleshooting any issues that arose during operation.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring sufficient supplies were available for daily operations without excess waste or expense.
- Established partnerships with other medical departments, fostering collaboration between specialists for enhanced patient care.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System and Electronic Health Record (EPIC) system.
- Fostered positive employee relationships through communication, training and development coaching.
- Organized and prioritized incoming work orders and optimized team workflows and resources to handle dynamic demands.
- Kept work flowing smoothly in and out of department by working closely with transportation, scheduling, unit floor nursing, and other personnel to coordinate efficient workflows.
- Promoted to leadership position in recognition of strong work ethic and provided exceptional customer service.
- Coordinated regular team meetings to discuss case progress and address concerns or challenges, fostering an environment of open communication and collective troubleshooting.
- Championed interdisciplinary collaboration between departments resulting in more comprehensive care plans for patients.
- Successfully managed complex cases by collaborating with physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring optimal patient care delivery and image quality.
- Developed tailored training programs for new hires, ensuring they were equipped with necessary skills to excel in their roles as part of the clinical team.
- Fostered staff development and competency through supervision, coaching, trainings and team meetings.
- Achieved timely completion of projects by efficiently managing resources and prioritizing tasks for the clinical team.
- Scheduled tests and procedures for patients needing additional or specialized care.
- Ordered and restocked medical supplies and medications for the nuclear cardiac imaging department.
- Evaluated and updated emergency response protocols for the nuclear medicine department, ensuring staff members were prepared for any potential situations requiring immediate action.
- Maintained thorough documentation related to patients'' treatments including progress notes and reports which facilitated effective communication among healthcare providers.
- Assisted in radiation safety audits, adhering to regulatory requirements and maintaining a safe work environment for all employees.
Application Specialist
Cardiovascular Imaging Technologies
09.2010 - 03.2012
- Offered go-live support during critical activation period for smooth implementation.
- Answered software and clinical application questions with detailed explanations and examples.
- Trained healthcare staff to operate software such as Imagen Pro, ImagenMD ImagenQ, Cedars-Sinai Cardiac Suite.
- Identified and took corrective action to solve problems with cardiac software systems.
- Reviewed cardiac imaging quality control with the Health Physics and Cardiologist for optimal image quality.
Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Saint Luke's Cardiovascular Consultants
Kansas City, Missouri
07.2006 - 09.2010
- Trained, mentored and precepted new employees on procedures, best practices and department hospital policies.
- Operated and processed cardiac images on various nuclear medicine imaging cameras such as; SPECT, SPECT/CT, D-SEPCT, dedicated PET, PET/CT (16, 64,and 128 slice), and CT Cardioscans
- Prepared, administered and measured radioactive isotopes to produce diagnostic scans and images to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Maintained highest levels of quality, safety and patient confidentiality by following hospital and regulatory guidelines when collecting patient information and conducting imaging procedures.
- Maintained state and federal compliance, facilitated state inspections and spearheaded quality assurance programs to meet state regulation requirements.
Radiology Technologist
Saint Luke's Hospital
07.2002 - 06.2006
- Captured and developed images following physicians' orders allowing proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Reviewed diagnostic image quality and filed diagnostic images in appropriate patient records.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Health Care Management
Ottawa University
Ottawa, KSCertified And Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB) -
Research Medical Center School of Nuclear Medicine
Certified And Licensed Radiology Technologist (ARRT) -
Saint Luke's Hospital School-Radiology Technology
Skills
Dynamic Leader
Empathetic and patient
Team management
Problem resolution
Multitasking Abilities
Patient Assessment
Effective Communication
Active Listening
Coaching and Mentoring
Emergency Response
Troubleshooting
Clinical oversight
Patient Safety
Clinical Research
Healthcare regulations
Joint Commission and NRC standards
Accomplishments
- Certified and Licensed in specialized Nuclear Cardiology Exam (NCT)NMTCB (2016)
- Conference Presentation at the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Conference (ASNC) 2011 Denver, CO
- Conference Presentation at International Cardiology Conference in Belgium, Brussels
- Conference Presentation at International Cardiology Conference Buenos Aires, Argentina (2011)
- Presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Conference (SNMMI) 2008 Toronto, CA
- Awarded Clinical Excellence Award - SLHS School of Radiology Technology (2003)
Timeline
Radiation Safety Specialist
The University of Kansas Health System
03.2022 - Current
Clinical Team Lead
Saint Luke's Health System - Heart Institute
03.2012 - 03.2022
Application Specialist
Cardiovascular Imaging Technologies
09.2010 - 03.2012
Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Saint Luke's Cardiovascular Consultants
07.2006 - 09.2010
Radiology Technologist
Saint Luke's Hospital
07.2002 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Health Care Management
Ottawa University
Certified And Licensed Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMTCB) -
Research Medical Center School of Nuclear Medicine
Certified And Licensed Radiology Technologist (ARRT) -
Saint Luke's Hospital School-Radiology Technology
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