Lead Ultrasound Vascular Technologist

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist position performs specialized functions as a regular part of their normal job responsibilities. In addition to performing at a Technologist II level, this position serves as the liaison and primary point of contact between management, staff and physicians for routine matters. The Lead Technologist position answers questions and resolves issues for the Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I & II job roles as well as other members of the care team to ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to practice standards. This position ensures optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties for this position may include the following tasks: organize work schedules and delegate work assignments; review and edit time cards for accuracy; conduct quality assurance audits; develop and implement quality improvement activities; train, mentor and develop staff; and provide feedback on staff performance or development needs. The Lead Technologist position may direct or regularly participate in special projects; collect, analyze and report on data or metrics; and hold other responsibilities of a similar nature and level.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE

• Four years’ experience as an Ultrasound Technologist. May consider HM employee with three years’ experience, as an Ultrasound Technologist who demonstrates leadership abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• Must have one of the following certifications: RDMS-OB - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - OB/GYN (ARDMS); RDMS-AB - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Abdomen (ARDMS); RDMS-BR - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Breast (ARDMS); ARRT-SON - Radiologic Technologist - Sonography (ARRT) RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging / difficult diagnostic procedures and patient care situations. Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average clinical skills.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner. Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills.
• Orients, guides and mentors team members consisting of Ultrasound Technologist I and II, students and support staff, to help build confidence and competency in skills, knowledge and abilities. Effectively implements protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service.
• Serves as the primary resource for staff in all areas of service that the department performs. Interfacing with department staff to provide feedback to management on team member’s performance and conduct. Collaborates and supports management for improvement of employee satisfaction, implementation of protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service.
• Leads and initiates problem resolution within the work unit. Facilitates teamwork by coordinating department needs and responding positively to requests for assistance. Role-models skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, to contribute towards improving department efficiencies and customer satisfaction.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures to include common and special US exams. Ultrasound exams use high-frequency sound waves to capture images. Also able to perform vascular ultrasound exams. Provides direct assistance to physicians during diagnostic procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.
• Proactively assesses, identifies and responds to the needs of the patient for adjustment or intervention to optimize patient care, image quality and patient experience. This includes: positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, and technical factors. Modifies technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizes complications and limitations associated with certain procedures.
• Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and modality. Assists physicians during procedures.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members at an appropriate level utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills, terminology and language.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job, department and hospital safety standards, practices and policies.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations, and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety. Reports “near misses” and inputs errors promptly into appropriate hospital patient safety reporting system to improve processes and identify trends. Provides feedback to management on team member performance and conduct. Conducts quality audits on equipment, processes, outcomes and team member performance. Documents, develops and evaluates processes and procedures.
• Assists with implementation and education of department based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Enters charges at the time service is delivered. Participates in the budgeting process for capital and minor equipment. Reconciliation of invoices.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks and provides leadership to team members on effective and efficient utilization of time. Accurately reviews and edits team member’s time cards for management approval, as appropriate.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects and shared governance activities. Actively leads and supports special projects and department initiatives and seeks opportunities to expand learning with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis.
• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers (Technologist I, II and support staff) in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE

• Four years’ experience as an Ultrasound Technologist. May consider HM employee with three years’ experience, as an Ultrasound Technologist who demonstrates leadership abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• Must have one of the following certifications: RDMS-OB - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - OB/GYN (ARDMS); RDMS-AB - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Abdomen (ARDMS); RDMS-BR - Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Breast (ARDMS); ARRT-SON - Radiologic Technologist - Sonography (ARRT) RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)