Senior Vascular Tech / Per Diem

Vascular Sonographer

General Summary/Overview Statement: Under the supervision of the Chief of Vascular Surgery, Director or Vascular Surgery and co-medical directors the Per Senior Diem Vascular Sonographer independently performs and documents vascular ultrasound procedures in the Vascular Diagnostic Laboratory. This also includes greeting and assisting patients, preparing and maintaining examination rooms, assisting in test scheduling and interacting with hospital staff to promote appropriate use of the laboratory services.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prior to performing all ultrasound examinations, reviews charts and/or any previous examinations to ascertain appropriate examination was ordered. Assesses patient to determine if the patient is able to undergo procedure. Consults, if necessary, with the Chief Sonographer if a discrepancy exists.
• Complies appropriate medical history on patients and explains the procedure to the patient.
• Performs non-invasive peripheral vascular ultrasound procedures efficiently and accurately and follows all documented protocols for the necessary procedures to include:
• Plethysmographic studies of the peripheral arterial system. Must determine correct placement of the pneumatic cuffs and obtain accurate measurements using Doppler ultrasound.
• High resolution vascular duplex ultrasound scans, which includes Doppler flow studies. Must be able to identify all anatomic structures without direct supervision, and determines absence, presence and extent of disease. Must determine areas of interest, photograph and document for hard copy and provide the reading physician with information for the physician's final report.
• Spectral analysis of Doppler ultrasound signals to identify areas of arterial frequency shifts. Visual and audio identification of Doppler ultrasound signals, and interpretation of various flow signals are necessary for correct assessment. Determines and record the highest frequency shifts.
• Exercise testing with Doppler ultrasound pressure measurements.
• Adheres to documented hospital infection control guidelines at all times.
• Modifies standard ultrasound techniques as necessary, only under adverse conditions, and informs the physician of these modifications.
• Inputs concise preliminary report to hospital computer system. Reviews results to determine if it is necessary to notify referring physician based consideration of Critical Results policy. Technologist bases interpretation on numeric values, Doppler ultrasound waveform analysis and/or ultrasound visualization of anatomic structures.
• Assists vascular surgeons in all clinic varicose vein procedures
• Works with the medical and nursing staff to promote appropriate use of laboratory services.
• Maintains knowledge of vascular ultrasound technology field by attending meetings and reading appropriate journals.
• Participates in "on Call" coverage and overtime programs as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• RVT or RVT eligible (an examination of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers)
• BS in biological sciences, BA or equivalent experience, or.
• AS in health care related field (Nursing, Rad Tech)
• Certified in CPR.

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment, including but not limited to identifying focal point placement, overall gain, settings, TGC, Doppler placement.
• Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.
• Ability to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
• Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information and to communicate diagnostic information to the ordering physician.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
• Ability follow established departmental procedures
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment with respect to continued learning in order to advancing ones clinical acumen.
• Ability to work efficiently under stress and pressure and to cope with emergency situations.
• Ability to interact with patients of all kinds.

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

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None