Vascular Sonographer

Vascular Sonographer at SSM Health summary:

A Vascular Sonographer performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies, focusing on vascular, general medical, and echocardiography procedures. They are responsible for conducting ultrasound examinations, communicating with patients, and ensuring accurate billing and record-keeping. This role also involves participation in departmental goals, safety practices, and continuing education to maintain professional certification.

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Summary:

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies in one or more of three departments including vascular lab, general medical and echocardiography lab.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (Percent of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1)         Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines.                                                                             60-75%                                                                                                                        

Criteria                                                                                                                                   

General ultrasound specific: Performs ultrasound examinations, including abdominal, small parts and gynecological procedures under the supervision of a radiologist according to guidelines set forth by American College of Radiology (ACR).
Echocardiology specific: Performs two dimensional, three-dimensional, m-mode, color flow, Doppler flow, ejection fraction, dobutamine and stress echocardiograms according to the Echo Lab policy and procedures manual and standards set forth by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. 

Vascular department specific: Performs imaging and non-imaging arterial studies of the upper and lower extremities and digits, Transcranial Doppler studies, venous imaging studies of the neck, upper and lower extremities, carotid imaging studies and arterial bypass/pseudoaneurysm studies according to established vascular lab policy and procedures and standards/guidelines set forth by the Society of Vascular Ultrasound, ARDMS and Intersocietal Commission for the Voluntary Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. 

B) Clearly communicates & explains the exam procedure to the patient and any family member present to insure understanding and patient’s consent for explained test.

C) Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.

D) Assembles a chart with the patient’s information and enters information into the current PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

E) Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for the Medical Director or his/her designee to review and interpret.

2)         Completes patient billing to insure accurate and timely billing procedures.          5%

Criteria

Enters charges daily for procedures performed with no more than 1 error per week. Prints reports from PAC, Epic and On Demand.  Checks each charge to ensure  the right account number is used and the correct procedures are charged.

3)         Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department as well as development of any new programs.                                                                                               5%

Criteria

A) Participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department.  Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.

B) Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations.

C) Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, in-services, workshops, reading current publications, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs. Complete required CEUs to maintain specialty certification.

D) Participates in research studies that require services of the department.

4)         Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies.                                                                                                        3-5%

Criteria

A) Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.  Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy, including high level disinfection (HLD).

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

                                    1.         Maintains clutter free environment.

                                    2.         Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum

Adheres to dress code. Properly displays ID badge worn with picture visible and above the waistline at all times. Maintains equipment in clean & proper working condition on a daily basis.  Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed.  Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer’s service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.

C) Reports risk management concerns.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all assigned annual hospital and department specific mandatory requirements.

            1. Safety/Fire

            2. Blood Borne Pathogens

            3. Hazardous Communication

            4. TB

            5. Department Specific

            6. Age Appropriate Care (for clinical staff only)

                                       

5)         Service:  Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner.                     2-5%

            Criteria           

A) Demonstrates Care and Courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff. Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety

B) Communicates Effectively and Maintains Confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.

C) Demonstrates Competence and Collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.

D) Provides Cost Effective Services:

Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time). Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.

E) Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of St. Louis University Hospital and its operation.

6)         Performance Improvement (PI):  Incorporates Quality Assessment into one’s daily work.                                                                                               2%-3%

            Criteria           

A) Assists in the daily collection of data for the department’s Performance Improvement Program (volume indicators monthly & quality indicators are based upon department operation & requested monitoring by the procedure review committee).

B) Wisely and responsibly utilize the resources within the facility. Take care of equipment and report problems to result in a longer usage life.

C) Recommends changes in practices to increase efficiency and minimize waste to manager.                           

                       

7)         Age Appropriate Care:  Provides age-appropriate care to:                               1%

            _____Infant    _____Child      ___x___ Adolescent   ___x__ Adult ___x__ Geriatric

      Criteria     

A) Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.

B)  Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.

C)  Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.

D)  Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.

Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.

8)         Specialized Care:  Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury.           

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