Nina Paragon
Shepherdsville,KY
Summary
Imaging Manager: Oversee operations of 10 areas, including two departments off site. Proficient in managing both scan acquisitions and departmental personnel. Prepared to apply deep technical knowledge and deft personnel management skills to streamline competent and compassionate patient care. Certified ARRT, CT, KBMIRT, and BLS. 30 years Radiology experience in Hospital Setting with 20 years of specific CT experience. Associate degree in Radiologic Technology University of Louisville. Proven ability to learn and eagerness to try to procedures and challenges. Dedication to ACR Guidelines and Safety Standards. Extensive knowledge of Joint Commission Guidelines and currently serving in Audit Committee. Knowledgeable Healthcare professional with significant background in radiology positions. Committed to building and managing high-performing teams to regularly surpass expectations. Administers budgets, coordinates logistics and maintains smooth department operations.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Diagnostic Imaging Manager
UofL Health Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
11.2010 - Current
- Manager Position since 4/2022
- Supervisor of CT/MRI/IVR November 2021
- Lead Technologist for CT and MRI since 2015. Added IVR department in 2021.
- Adherence to ACR best practices and regulatory standards for CT/MRI/IVR exam acquisitions
- Extensive knowledge of CT scan acquisition and reconstruction for Emergency patients as well as Outpatients and Inpatients, while demonstrating excellent patient care
- Implementation of new scan protocols, programming of CT scanners, as well as process changes
- Interact professionally and effectively with patients, co-workers, physicians and visitors.
- Improved patient experience by streamlining diagnostic imaging processes and reducing wait times.
- Enhanced department efficiency through effective scheduling and resource allocation.
- Collaborated with radiologists, physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care plans.
- Managed budgetary responsibilities, optimizing financial performance while maintaining high-quality imaging services.
- Promoted culture of safety within department, leading to decrease in workplace accidents and injuries.
- Fostered strong working relationships with vendors, securing favorable contracts for equipment procurement and maintenance services.
- Oversaw accreditation processes, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on professional development opportunities and career growth strategies.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving overall patient satisfaction rates within diagnostic imaging department.
- Championed data-driven decision-making within team, harnessing analytics to identify trends and inform strategic planning efforts.
- Participated in hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives to foster continuous enhancement of patient care across all departments.
- Ensured consistent delivery of high-quality diagnostic imaging services by regularly assessing staff performance and providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Managed day-to-day operations, logistics and schedules.
CT Technologist
Floyd Memorial Hospital
08.1997 - 11.2010
- Performed Medical Diagnostic X-rays at start of employment
- Cross trained into CT in 2003
- Proficient at starting IV's and obtaining creatinine/eGFR results prior to Contrast Media administration.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing clear explanations of CT scan procedures and addressing concerns.
- Reduced wait times for patients by efficiently scheduling appointments and managing equipment maintenance.
- Ensured accurate diagnosis by meticulously following imaging protocols and adjusting techniques based on patient needs.
- Collaborated with radiologists to optimize image quality, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy.
- Implemented safety measures to minimize radiation exposure for both patients and staff members.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through attendance at conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
Radiology Special Procedures Technologist-Trauma
University of Louisville Hospital
03.1994 - 08.1997
- Started as Tech Assistant while still in Radiographer training
- Transferred to Special Procedures Technologist upon Graduation
- Promoted to Second Shift Lead Technologist within year
- Supervised Radiology Students
- Performed Diagnostic X-rays for Trauma patients, while minimizing patients' exposure to radiation with beam-restrictive devices and shielding techniques
- Assisted Radiologists with QC of new Technologists on staff
- Educated patients on procedure details, provided instructions, and answered questions to minimize anxiety and improve cooperation, especially in trauma setting.
- Streamlined workflow for department by efficiently coordinating with physicians and other medical personnel.
- Improved patient outcomes by maintaining high-quality imaging standards and adhering to safety protocols.
- Collaborated with radiologists to optimize image quality, enabling accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
- Mentored new technologists on special procedures best practices, fostering culture of continuous learning within department.
Education
Associate of Science - Radiologic Technology
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY05.1995
Skills
- Kronos/UltiPro/Workday Time Keeping
- Proficient use of Word and Excel
- Citrix, Cerner, Teletracking
- Issue Analysis
- Safety and Compliance
- Cost Control
- Staff education and training
- Performance Improvement
- Inventory Oversight
- Extensive Organizational Skills
- Written/Verbal Communication
- Schedule Coordination
Accomplishments
- To lead technologists and IVR RNs to deliver compassionate patient care that exceeds hospital requirements
- Implementation of new CT/MRI protocols
- Active member of Stroke Task Force, always looking for ways to improve Stroke diagnosis and treatment
- Implemented tracking system to justify the cost of a new scanner for DR to reduce patient care delays
- Active Member of several committees, including Infection Control.
- Recently became member of Accreditation Team to evaluate areas for compliance for Joint Commission and Medicare/Medicaid Services
Future Education
Planning to enroll in UofL Bachelor's Program for Healthcare Leadership for Fall 2024
Hobbies and Interests
Enjoy spending time with my young adult children, kayaking, hiking, traveling and trying new things.
Timeline
Diagnostic Imaging Manager
UofL Health Mary & Elizabeth Hospital
11.2010 - Current
CT Technologist
Floyd Memorial Hospital
08.1997 - 11.2010
Radiology Special Procedures Technologist-Trauma
University of Louisville Hospital
03.1994 - 08.1997
Associate of Science - Radiologic Technology
University of Louisville
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