Echo / Vascular Ultrasound Technologist

Under the supervision of the ultrasound supervisor, assists the radiologist and other physicians in achieving scans and films in order to achieve a diagnosis concerning patients receiving an ultrasound exam or sonogram. Is able to provide patient care activities to include adult, pediatric and neonatal patients. Responsible for the proper utilization of Radiology Information System as described in the RIS Policy and Procedures.

EDUCATION:

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS (IF APPLICABLE):

Meets requirements for registry by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Six months experience preferred working in the performance of ultrasound and must be registry eligible.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Participates and implements age specific care and interaction.
2. 1. Employee has attended departmental orientation (training) and annual inservice education for age specific training and implements in work area what was learned in age specific training.
   2. Employee is aware of hospital performance projects (PI) and interacts appropriately for improvement.
3. Works established schedule.
4. 1. Clocks in at appropriate scheduled time.
   2. Completes all assigned work, tasks, and duties before clocking out and leaving.
5. Provide basic patient care and comfort.
6. 1. Anticipates patient's needs and establishes rapport with patient and family.
   2. Explains procedure to patient and family gaining their trust.
   3. Instructs patients or positioning and breathing techniques to optimize exam.
   4. Identify a life-threatening situation and carry out emergency care as allowed by employee procedure.
   5. Transports patients to and from ultrasound department as needed.
   6. Confirm information accuracy and charge exam using correct CP#.
7. Obtain, review and correlate pertinent patient history, physical exam and supporting clinical data to facilitate optional diagnostic results.
8. 1. Performs ultrasound exams utilizing proper established procedures at all times.
   2. Perform verbal, written and physical examinations to obtain all information pertinent to ultrasound exam.
   3. Recognize significant clinical information and historical facts from the patient and the medical records, which may affect the sonographic examination.
9. Perform diagnostic procedures by producing, assessing, evaluating and interpreting ultrasound images and related data that are used to render a medical diagnosis.
10. 1. Acquire and evaluate data, while exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of the clerical examination.
    2. Demonstrates excellent knowledge in all specialized areas of ultrasound.
    3. Interprets ultrasound exam to achieve optimum quality, and to provide interpreting physicians with an oral or written summary of technical findings.
11. Performs clerical skills to document and record all statistical information and record keeping requirements.
12. 1. Logs on and retrieves patient information in PACS.
    2. Adds important information in PACS to assist with the diagnosis of an exam.
    3. Sends images from PACS to appropriate destination. .
    4. Maintains ultrasound log containing patient information and exam data on every scan performed by the Ultrasound department.
13. Performs quality assurances and infection control programs.
14. 1. Insure safe and effective equipment operations including: 1) Inspecting for electrical hazards and 2) inspecting for mechanical hazards.
    2. Evaluate and document equipment performance using acoustic test objects.
    3. Document equipment performance, service, maintenance and configuration changes.
    4. Contact field service engineer as needed for repairs or maintenance of ultrasound equipment.
    5. Maintain infection control and use universal precautions including: 1) hand washing and cleaning disinfection of equipment; 2) use of sterile covers for transducer and cable when appropriate; and 3) use of gloves and other barrier technology as required.
    6. Maintains a daily log for testing and changing of disinfectant for submersible equipment.
    7. Changes disinfectant for submersible equipment according to protocol and daily log.
15. Schedules to be on call.
16. 1. Takes rotation on call as scheduled by ultrasound supervisor.
    2. Carries beeper to be available 24 hours a day.
    3. Responds in an efficient timely manner.
17. Maintains ultrasound labs.
18. 1. Stocks lab(s) with equipment, linen, and any other items required to perform ultrasound procedures.
    2. Disposes of any linen in correct containers.
19. Employ professional judgment and discretion.
20. 1. Adheres to HIPPA rules and regulations.
    2. Protect patient's rights and privacy.
    3. Confirms two forms of patient identification before performing an ultrasound examination to include: 1) Patient Name; 2) Patient Date of Birth.
    4. Performs within the scope of practice for ultrasound.
    5. Adhere to the professional code of conduct.
21. Maintain competency of profession.
22. 1. Attend continuing education to reinforce and update knowledge base.

SPECIFIC UNIT/AREA RESPONSIBILITIES :

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Sitting for long periods of time.
2. Must be able to work in stressful situations.
3. Exposure to diseases and foul odors.
4. Exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

HAND AND ARM USE:

1. Must be able to utilize hands to manipulate transducer during exam.

2. Must be able to use calculator, write and use computer keyboard.

LIFTING AND CARRYING:

1. Must be able to lift and move case supplies approximately 10-25 pounds.

2. Assist in transfer of patient from wheelchair.

PUSHING AND PULLING:
1. Must be able to pull and/or push equipment up to 100 pounds (on wheel casters) to different locations throughout department and hospital.

STANDING/WALKING/SITTING/CLIMBING:
1. Must be able to stand approximately 2 hours per day for performing procedures.

2. Must be able to walk throughout entire hospital to patient's rooms and back to Radiology Department to assist patients and perform procedures.

3. Must be able to sit for periods of time in excess of 3 hours during performance of exams and required paperwork.

4. Must be able to climb four flights of stairs and utilize step stools.

SENSE OF TOUCH:
1. Must be able to handle patients gently.

2. Must be able to feel pulse points, temperature and texture of patient's skin.

HEARING:
1. Must be able to clearly hear alarms, conversations, ringing telephones, overhead paging system and audible signals from equipment to evaluate blood flow parameters.

VISION:
1. Must be able to use vision to read handwriting, requisitions, charts and orders.

2. Must be able to read and interpret exam results and obtain and interpret real-time information.

BODY MOVEMENTS:
1. Must be able to bend/stoop to position any equipment being utilized by the patient.

2. Must be able to squat to move patients.

3. Must be able to twist to move patients.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

MATHEMATICS:

1. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers for calculating, interpreting and reporting exam results and charge entry.

MEMORY:

1. Must be able to remember sequence of testing protocol along with interpretative knowledge of normal and abnormal test results.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:

READING:

1. Must be able to read and interpret medical terms, protocol, reports, and speak to communicate with patients, their family, hospital personnel, physicians and others.

WRITING:

1. Must be able to write down results of tests.

SPEAKING:

1. Must be able to verbally communicate clearly and effectively with nurses, ward clerks and physicians.

REASONING:

1. Must be able to make decisions when to order supplies, when to call physician regarding abnormal exams, use knowledge to produce diagnostic information from patient complaints and/or history.