Vascular Sonographer

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Vascular Sonographer I will learn to perform and document vascular studies in the Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory. The Vascular Sonographer I must always maintain a high standard of medical ethics and is self-motivated to increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease and new procedures as they evolve. Duties will also include greeting and assisting patients, preparing, and maintaining examination rooms, maintaining laboratory equipment, learning to assist in test scheduling, and interacting with hospital staff to promote use of the laboratory services for the best care of the patient.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop the ability to assess patient to determine if the patient is able to undergo procedure. Review results of previous examinations. Consult, if necessary, with the Chief Sonographer or reading physician if it is unclear what vascular test is ordered.

2. Develop the ability to obtain appropriate medical history on patients and explains the testing procedure to the patient.

3. Develop the ability perform noninvasive peripheral vascular ultrasound tests efficiently and accurately and follow all documented protocols for the necessary procedures to include:

3a. Plethysmographic studies of the peripheral arterial system. Determine correct placement of the pneumatic cuffs and obtain accurate measurements with Doppler ultrasound.

3b. Duplex ultrasound. Identify all anatomic structures without direct supervision, and determine absence, presence and extent of disease. Learn to determine areas of interest, acquire images and provide the reading physician with descriptive, concise information for the physician's final report.

3c. Learn to understand spectral analysis of Doppler ultrasound signals to identify areas of arterial frequency shifts. Visual and audio identification and interpretation of spectral Doppler flow signals are necessary for correct assessment. Determines and record the highest peak systolic velocities.

3d. Exercise testing with Doppler ultrasound arterial pressure measurements.

4. Will adhere to documented hospital infection control guidelines at all times.

5. Will develop the ability to document concise preliminary results. Enter preliminary findings into the vascular laboratory reporting system in the hospital electronic medical record. Review results to determine if it is necessary to notify referring physician based on department Critical Results policy. All reporting are documented in EPIC.

6. Will help to keep patient examination rooms stocked and organized with all appropriate supplies.

7. Will learn to assist in scheduling patient examinations as needed in EPIC.

8. Will voluntarily develop and maintain knowledge of the vascular technology field.

9. Will work with the medical and nursing staff to promote appropriate use of laboratory services.

10. Will perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Minimum of college undergraduate degree
* Certified by the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers)
* RVT or RVT eligible (an examination of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers)
* RVT credential obtained within 2 years from date of hire.
* Related diagnostic ultrasound experience from past employment or training program
* Certified in CPR.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Ability to learn to effectively operate sonographic equipment.

2. Ability to learn to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.

3. Ability to learn to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.

4. Ability to learn how to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information and to communicate diagnostic information to the ordering physician.

5. Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient needs.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.

7. Ability to learn and follow established departmental procedures

8. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

9. Ability to exercise independent judgment with respect to continued learning in order to advancing ones clinical acumen.

10. Ability to work efficiently under stress and pressure and to cope with emergency situations.

11. Ability to interact with patients of all kinds.

12. Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.

13. Ability to float to other satellite locations affiliated with the department.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal working conditions where there is no discomfort due to temperature, noise etc. However, the job may be stressful on busy days.

Some exposure to infectious diseases. Actual incidence of infection is low if infection control guidelines are followed.

Portable examinations will be performed when required.

Emotional and physical health sufficient to meets the demands of the position.

Strength sufficient to lift patients, move heavy equipment, and to move patients in wheelchairs or stretchers.