Vascular/ General Sonographer

Work Shift Evening (United States of America) Job Summary The Vascular Sonographer functions under the direction of the System Manager or Chief Technologist and is responsible for performing all vascular imaging including 2D scans, duplex imaging, Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) with and without exercise, and doppler studies. Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol, provides written or oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting Physician. Is responsible for the safety and well-being of all patients in the department. Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with the patient(s) and health care team, be flexible with work hours to meet department needs, and be dependable, accountable and cooperative. Must have knowledge and ability to properly and safely obtain a quality diagnostic study, perform other assigned duties, and be available to take call, work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. Core Responsibilities And Essential Functions Patient Care: Verifies proper clinician order for procedure. Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions. Follows established procedures for the administration of contrast media so that no patient condition deteriorates, and no patient suffers undue pain, due to error or poor technique. Ensures that all studies have proper patient identification and right and left marker are utilized appropriately. Reviews ultrasound images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients. Responds to emergency situations and provides for the restocking of the crash cart and maintenance of life support equipment. Assists other technologists in all modalities when needed. Observes patient condition and properly evaluates situations when physician intervention is necessary so that no patient condition deteriorates. Verifies correct identity of patient using 2 unique identifiers prior to performing a procedure per hospital policy and procedure. Ensures patient's privacy and comfort is accommodated and maintains patients dignity throughout the exam/procedure. Demonstrates competence in the determination and application of appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on the age of patients. Organizes schedule, time and priorities so that required activities are accomplished within designated time frames. Follows physician's instructions when assisting with procedures and exams. Demonstrates proficiency with loading and operating power injection. Uses critical thinking skills. Dialogs with patient/family, asks clarifying questions, seeks clarification on ambiguous orders, understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time Out process when appropriate, and demonstrates pre‑ and post‑procedural care. Preps the patient for the procedure, demonstrates and understands sterile technique, and is able to perform all Vascular Ultrasound exams. Patiently and clearly explains purpose and nature of exam to patient prior to starting of procedure, using AIDET; acknowledges, introduces, discusses, explains, and thanks patients and family members. Ensures that patient’s questions, concerns or contraindications are satisfactorily addressed, notifying physician when this cannot be accomplished prior to the initiation of the procedure. Participates in the orientation and training of departmental employees. Provides patients with preparatory instruction and explanation of procedures. Required documentation is concise, legible and includes precise terminology. Reads email each day scheduled to work and follows through with assignment. Completes mandatory departmental and Hospital‑wide education without prompting. Consistently produces acceptable images, as evidenced by radiologist feedback and quality audits, with a first‑time acceptance rate. Ensures that equipment is fully operational prior to each use, by checking for proper calibration and operating deficiencies. Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion, prints CDs as needed. Studies that have been reported after hours by teleradiography are printed and scanned into PACS, if applicable. Completes all studies in RIS before completing in PACS. Prints completed log sheet from teleradiography and submits to Radiologist, if applicable. Restocks linens and supplies, and maintains the department in clean and orderly condition. Transports patients, positions patients, and helps them on and off procedure table. Performs patient charging activities on the day the service is rendered. Applies shielding, supportive and immobilization devices and equipment. Willingly lends knowledge and assistance to others upon request as needed and routinely as time is available, so that all working time is used for departmental advantage. Performs routine duties of clerical and support personnel in accordance with procedure when warranted to ensure continuity and quality of services. Keeps supervisor informed on all responsibilities on an ongoing basis, ensuring prompt notification in the event of problems or potential problems. Maintains an individual productivity rate equal to other co‑workers. Operates all work stations associated with the US department. Pushing and retrieving images from the Ultrasound console to PACS. Maintains Joint Commission and other regulatory agency standards. Takes call when necessary. Demonstrates ability to adjust technique so that patient receives the lowest possible dose of ionizing radiation and that image quality is maintained. Reports problems regarding malfunctioning equipment to supervisor or service provider, so that problem can be corrected in a timely manner. Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment in accordance with infection control policy and department cleaning schedule. Performs other duties as assigned and complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct. Required Minimum Education High School Diploma General or GED General Trade School Diploma/Degree Diagnostic Medical Sonography-Preferred Required Minimum License(s) And Certification(s) ARDMS - Registered Medical Sonographer or ARRT-VS - ARRT Vascular Sonography or RVS - Reg Vascular Specialist or RVT - Reg Vascular Technologist BLS - Basic Life Support or ARC‑BLS - Amer Red Cross Basic Life Support or BLS‑I - Basic Life Support - Instructor Required Minimum Experience Successful completion of a Sonography Training Program with a minimum of 1 year clinical experience. Required Minimum Skills Must exhibit excellent communication skills, be able to function independently and under pressure while actively participating in a team environment, provide customer service at all times, perform effectively in a stressful and fast‑paced work environment, prioritize appropriately, be detail oriented and able to multitask, interact professionally with patients, families, co‑workers, volunteers and physicians, comply with all Hospital policies, follow established practices, protocols and procedures, be flexible with work hours, and be dependable, accountable and cooperative. Competent in all aspects of vascular ultrasound, patient positioning, exposure factors, and understanding of anatomy and pathology as they affect the quality of a procedure. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wellstar Health System