Vascular Sonographer/Ultrasound Technologist

Job Type

Full-time

Description

I. INTRODUCTION

A. This position is located at our Midtown Raleigh Radiology, freestanding outpatient imaging center.

B. The primary function of the technologist-sonographer at Raleigh Radiology is to provide outpatient ultrasound and vascular studies. In addition, if registered as a radiographer, will provide diagnostic outpatient radiographic procedures.

C. The technologist is responsible for the coordination of patient care. He or she follows established protocols, policies, procedures, and specific instructions.

D. The technologist must be registered in any sub-specialty of Sonography with ARDMS or ARRT. RVT is preferred. Rotation through general ultrasound is required to assist when necessary.

E. This position works closely with the Interventional Radiologist performing Interventional Procedures.

F. This position reports to the Technologist - Lead and Senior Manager of Clinical Operations.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) General Diagnostic Duties 50%

a) Maintains standards of professional care and maintains patient confidentiality.

b) Implements policies and procedures of Raleigh Radiology.

c) Performs ordered procedures safely, efficiently, and professionally to include all required views.

d) Assesses patient's condition (physical and psychosocial); prioritizes needs, sets goals, and responds appropriately to meet those needs, which includes discharge teaching.

e) Reports and records pertinent observations and reactions to care rendered.

f) Assists with specific tests and procedures as needed.

g) Participates in economical utilization of supplies.

h) Assures that equipment is always maintained and available for use.

i) Assists co-workers and physicians in giving care to patients.

j) Establishes and maintains open communication.

k) Utilizes teaching opportunities with patients and other significant individuals.

l) Assists with / or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse occurrences in patients.

m) Maintains a clean, safe, and well-maintained supplied environment for patients and staff.

n) On a regular, sustained basis, cooperates with other staff members both inside and outside the department in accomplishment of own job duties as well as assisting others in accomplishing theirs; serves as a team player and role model for other employees in the organization, always exhibiting traits of courtesy, caring, helpfulness, and respect; conducts oneself in a service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, cooperative, sensitive, respectful and kind when dealing with team members, visitors, public and all employees.

o) Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned which may include but not limited to scheduling.

2) Patient Care Activities 35%

a) Obtains initial history and assessment.

b) Completes and documents history sheets.

c) Engages with patients to ensure a positive patient experience.

d) Performs assessment that may include:

i) Vital signs, lab value interpretation

ii) History of recent complaint (reason for procedure)

iii) Brief pertinent medical history

iv) Complete list of medications and dosages, if necessary

v) Allergies

vi) Other pertinent assessment facts such as LMP, medical history, weight, etc.

e) Observe and assess patients on an ongoing basis throughout the patient visit to Raleigh Radiology.

i) Assesses the patient's physical and psychological state as well as his or her responses to the procedure.

ii) Assesses and reflects the condition of the patient accurately.

iii) Assesses (when appropriate) neuro checks, breath sounds, etc, as instructed by the supervising Radiologist or referring MD. Notifies the appropriate entity when an emergency situation arises.

iv) Starts emergency procedures up to and including CPR.

v) Document's assessments/changes in condition in RIS.

vi) Assesses and documents patient knowledge and understanding of the procedure and aftercare, when appropriate to the procedure being performed.

(1) Documents in RIS that teaching or after-care instructions provided.

(2) Documents when referring MD is contacted in RIS and provides written instruction to patient to assure follow-through.

(3) Follows up in an appropriate time frame on the condition of patients who suffer adverse reactions

(4) Completes required documentation for pathology.

(5) Documents appropriate information on forms used by Raleigh Radiology.

f) Provides accurate information regarding patient history to the Radiologist for him/her to interpret images with accuracy and proper history.

i) Be concise and accurately reflect physiological facts regarding each patient.

ii) Relay reports immediately upon completion of procedure when instructed to do so (Quick Read/Call Report)

iii) Initiate communication directly with peers or other appropriate personnel relative to providing continuous quality patient care.

3) Safety/Infection Control 10%

a) Adheres to safety/infection control policies and procedures.

b) Reports unsafe equipment and assures follow-up.

c) Assesses patients and plans appropriately for safety/infection control.

d) Assures that all equipment necessary for the provision of care is readily available and in working order.

e) Reports incidents and unusual occurrences according to department policies.

f) Wears protective aprons, eyewear, masks, gloves, and radiation monitoring devices, as required for each procedure.

4) Other Duties 5%

a) Uses the principles of growth and development to assess each patient's age-specific needs and provide age-specific treatment and care.

b) Maintains the strictest confidentiality of all facility and facility-related employee/patient information.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

III. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE

A. Education: Graduate from an accredited school of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Additional education in Radiography is preferred.

B. Experience: Previous experience in a busy office or hospital is preferred.

C. Certification:

1. AHA BLS certification is required or must be obtained within the first 90 days of employment. Continuous AHA BLS certification is required.

2. Ultrasound registry with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) must be achieved prior to hiring.

3. ARDMS with RVT is preferred for Sonographers performing vascular exams.

4. Additionally Registered as a Radiologic Technologist with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, RT(R)(ARRT), preferred.

IV. DESIRED SKILLS

Basic patient care skills, including first aid and CPR. Excellent technical skills in ultrasound are required. Ability to work independently, make sound decisions based on patient condition, and ability to follow directions. Flexibility, dependability, and professionalism required.

V. WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to read without strain printed material the size of typewriter characters, glasses permitted, and the ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, or the ability to compensate satisfactorily; may be exposed to infections and contagious diseases. Frequent, prolonged periods of standing and/or walking. Lifts, positions, pushes or transfers patients. Subject to rotating holidays or shifts.

VI. NATURE OF SUPERVISION

A. Supervised by: Technologist - Lead

B. Supervises: None

C. Instruction / Assistance / Review of Work:

The Registered Sonographer functions with oversight by the Radiologists and Senior Manager of Clinical Operations although considerable independent work is required. Review of work is generally limited to assurance that work performed is in accordance with policies and procedures as judged by the Radiologist. The employee is expected to inform management when unforeseen events/circumstances require significant changes.