Vascular Sonographers
Job Description
Position is eligible for a $10,000 Sign On/Relocation bonus
Summary : The Sonographer is responsible for coordinating the patient flow to obtain requested imaging studies in a fast-paced environment. This is achieved through order verification, quality assurance of the imaging equipment, proper patient identification, and obtaining appropriate imaging following approved policies and protocols. This includes proper patient preparation and education which may begin prior to the patient's arrival. The Sonographer may be involved as part of a procedural team and must treat patients of all age groups, including infants, pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. Knowledge of age-specific protocols is required. Flexibility to cover a variety of shifts, including weekends, holidays, and non-restricted call duties, is necessary. Under the general supervision of the Director of Medical Imaging and the interpreting physician, the Sonographer uses Ultrasound to locate, evaluate, and record pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data. Assumes responsibility for designated areas as required. Will work with patients, their families, physicians, healthcare professionals, students, etc. They will be required to be on their feet much of the time. Responsibilities : Greeting customers, patients, and co-workers with a friendly smile and using AIDET when appropriate (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You). Listening carefully and avoiding interruptions in interactions with both patients and co-workers. Acting as a role model for co-workers within the department or EMMC. Adhering to badge, dress code, tobacco, and other personal appearance policies. Maintaining a professional, positive attitude towards co-workers, work, and EMMC. Demonstrating a commitment to co-workers, job duties, and EMMC (e.g., team player). Focusing on customer needs and expectations as part of the care team, making referrals or transitions when necessary. Demonstrating initiative by seeking assignments when not busy. Performing other work of the department as needed. Participating in orientation and training of students and new employees. Making timely and appropriate decisions and acting through empowerment to handle situations to resolution and/or referring to the appropriate person when necessary. Channeling suggestions and criticisms in a constructive manner. Remaining flexible and willingly accepting changes in assignments, scheduled working hours, imaging locations, etc. to meet patient care needs. Maintaining a calm and knowledgeable demeanor, keeping composure under stressful situations. Supporting and embracing change in job and EMMC. Proactively seeking out solutions to problems for self, co-workers, patients, and visitors. Continually developing skills and/or job knowledge. Participating in skills training opportunities available to him/her. Taking pride in the appearance and growth of EMMC and acting in a way to promote the same. Keeping current on hospital and departmental information by reading e-mail communications and other departmental briefings. Attending 75% of staff meetings and participating in discussions. Reading and initialing minutes of staff meetings that were unattended. Staying current with changes to the electronic medical record in order to access patient orders and history when needed. Reviewing and working within the scope of practice for position and obtaining necessary CMEs to maintain licensure and/or registry/certification or both. Keeping abreast of new equipment, technology, techniques, etc. via continuing education to expand knowledge and enhance job performance. May be asked to present to others on specific topics. Completing mandatory hospital-wide education, i.e., Healthstream, Promise Point, and Imaging Skills Fail. Adhering to "EMMC Code of Conduct" and following all applicable compliance policies/regulations. Working safely and following all safety policies, reporting incidents or hazards immediately. Practicing appropriate hand hygiene policies. Seeking ways to improve quality of services provided. Ensuring that a licensed practitioner has ordered the exam via electronic, written order, or verbal confirmation. Ensuring that the clinical indication is pertinent to the exam requested and seeking clarification of unclear orders. Matching written orders with exam requisitions, modifying information to ensure accuracy. Maintaining equipment in good operating order. Cleaning and disinfecting the area after each use per manufacturer’s instructions and infection control guidelines. Participating in HLD of transducers using automated or manual techniques in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and maintaining competency annually where applicable. Performing diagnostic ultrasound procedures requiring understanding of cross-sectional anatomy and vascular hemodynamics to ensure optimum results. Selecting proper technical factors, adapting for atypical patients. Pre and post-processing of images to include proper anatomical marks and secure data transmission to communication systems. Applying and contributing to keeping technique guidelines and/or exam protocols up to date. Acknowledging and supporting the culture of safety by maintaining knowledge of policies and references (STAT/Fire protocols-RACE/PASS/Sharps Disposal/Waste Disposal/Infection Prevention/Reporting systems/Universal Protocol/MOAB) and maintaining a safe environment (daily room checks where applicable, emergency equipment maintenance, willingness to speak up if something concerning is identified). Able to access images and reports in PACS and structured reporting systems. Ensuring quality and continuity of patient care by proper use of the PACS system with accurate data input (MR #/Req Accession numbers/FIN #). Providing excellent customer service, both for internal and/or external customers. Responding to communications (phone calls, voice mail messages, and emails) in a timely manner. Consistent and reliable attendance, including communication and attempts to find coverage when legitimate issues prevent or inhibit attendance. Minimizing patient delays and being flexible when calling for inpatients to ensure the exam room is ready upon the patient's arrival. Notifying appropriate personnel to release/return the patient upon completion of the test, transporting patients to nursing units as necessary. Providing a clean and orderly work area. Arranging for equipment maintenance when needed, ensuring supplies and forms are available in the work area, emergency supplies are in each exam room, and restocking supplies as needed and at the end of the shift. Proactively anticipating and alleviating situations which could result in a patient/customer complaint. Practicing service recovery when needed. Reporting and filing all patient incidents, complaints, and HIPAA compliance reports immediately within the appropriate online system. Demonstrating reliability and understanding of timely response for call coverage. Ensuring proper communication prior to, during, and post-testing for safe hand-off of patient care between caregivers. Seeking out ways to reduce operating costs or increase efficiency within role/department. Acting in a cost-conscious manner regarding the use of supplies. Using supplies and equipment conscientiously, reducing waste and damage. Checking expiration dates of all supplies regularly and prior to each use. Making effective use of time at work. Promptly performing the exam complete function to enable timely report availability and billing. Demonstrating knowledge of daily charges and being able to reconcile billing errors. Ensuring the correct financial encounter is used in the RIS when performing the order entry in Cerner. Complying with supervisor’s instructions regarding staffing level adjustments as needed due to volume changes. Down staffing when appropriate after checking with departmental leadership.
Other Information :
Must have current ARDMS (RVT) credential or must be eligible to take ARDMS Vascular Registry at the time of hire and must pass within 6 months of hire. Must have clinical experience of adequate length to become proficient in the art of Medical Sonography. Must be able to hear and verbally communicate with patients, family members, physicians, healthcare professionals, department staff, students, etc. Must maintain current certification through continuing education. Must maintain continuing education in accordance with the department accreditation and professional licensure/certification agencies. Must maintain Basic Life Support Certification.
Education :
Required: High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)
Preferred: Associates Degree in Sonography or completion of Accredited Sonography Program
Must have current ARDMS (RVT) credential or must be eligible to take ARDMS Vascular Registry at the time of hire and must pass within 6 months of hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr