Vascular Technologist

Vascular Ultrasound Technologist

Conducts vascular ultrasound, examinations to locate, evaluate, and record pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data. Reviews results for quality and completeness, refers to physician for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Registry with ARDMS as a Vascular Technologist, or registry eligible.

Principal Duties:

• Explains process to patient, and instructs and assists patient in assuming physical position for examination. Responds to patient's concerns and questions.
• Demonstrates appropriate assessment skills prior to performing the ultrasound procedure and notifies the Radiologist, when appropriate:
• Patient identification
• Clinical condition (i.e., pregnant, isolation, risk to fall, etc.)
• Special needs (i.e., blind, hard of hearing, limited English speaking)
• Correct patient position to obtain the proper view of affected area.
• Patient's understanding of process
• Obtains informed consent, when appropriate
• Completes worksheet appropriately for all exams.
• Performs Ultrasound procedures as prescribed by a Physician.
• Seeks clarification when test request is not clear with the department head and/or physician before tests are administered.
• Selects equipment for use in ultrasound setup according to specifications of examination.
• Selects correct technical factors to obtain optimal film diagnostics.
• Assists Radiologist during interventional procedures.
• Performs Ultrasound Operating Room procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of Vascular Exams and visualization under Ultrasound. Able to accurately identify anatomy and pathology.
• Operates equipment to perform Ultrasound procedures. Safely operates and troubleshoots equipment in accordance with department standards. Performs Quality Control and Quality Assurance procedures for equipment to ensure proper function. Notifies supervisor when maintenance is required for ultrasound equipment.
• Accurately performs image capture using digital US equipment.
• Correctly utilizes the PACS system to send images for interpretation and long term storage.
• Links and associates studies per the departmental policy and procedure.
• Utilizes image scanner for prior studies and create CD's as needed for patients.
• Uses correct identifiers for patient studies and matches images to patient demographics.
• Performs appropriate patient tracking in radiology and hospital information system as well as chart entries (trip ticket, education form, patient and or progress notes, patient history, consent, procedure and contract information).
• Safely transports patients to and from Imaging Services.
• Documents performance of ultrasound procedures in accordance with department policies.
• Processes film digitally, and follows procedures to label and store images and film.
• Assists with general clerical duties, phones, scheduling, appointments, patient registration and processing.

Customer Service:

• Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.
• Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.
• Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.
• Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.
• Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.
• Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

• Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.
• Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.
• Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.
• Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.
• Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department.

Communication Etiquette:

• Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.
• Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.
• Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).
• Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).
• Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.
• Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.
• Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).
• Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

• Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.
• Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.
• Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.
• Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.
• Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.
• Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.
• Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.

Work Experience:

Position Requirements:

Licensure/Certification/Registration: Required: Registry with ARDMS as a Vascular Technologist, or registry eligible. Preferred: One year as a vascular technologist. Other: ARDMS must be obtained within one year of hire date for registry eligible.

Life Support Certification: Basic Life Support Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)

Education/Knowledge:

Attained Level: Formal Education Training. Preferred: Completed Course Work/Program: Graduate from an accredited sonography program.

Applicable Experience: Experience (years): Required: 1 - 3 years.