Vascular Sonographer
Advocate South Suburban Hospital
Hazel Crest, IL
Flexible

Major Responsibilities:

• Performance of a comprehensive array of sophisticated abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and small parts procedures demonstrating the appropriate anatomy under investigation for all STAT and routine procedures.
  • 1)Independently provides technically optimal, thorough and accurate images for diagnostic assessment.
  • 2)Accurately recognize and demonstrate critical findings such as deep vein thrombosis, ectopic pregnancy, aortic aneurysms or dissection, utilizing all aspects of established criteria for physician interpretation.
  • 3)Demonstrate competence in the operation of all imaging and monitoring related equipment and reports any equipment problem to the Department Coordinator in a timely manner.
  • 4)Assists physicians during other related procedures such as amniocentesis, thoracentesis, biopsies, cath lab procedures, surgery, thrombin injection and compression for pseudoaneurysm etc.
  • 5)Assess arterial circulation by using pulse doppler, duplex imaging, and physiologic indirect testing. Analyze and demonstrate hemodynamics of the extracranial, carotid arteries, and document per criteria and protocol. Assess and accurately demonstrate for the interpreting physician, hemodynamics of native arteries, surgical arterial grafts and arterial/venous fistulas for dialysis purposes. Physically map out the saphenous vein or superficial system, including all tributaries and vein diameters for the purpose of surgical harvesting.
  • 6)Assess and accurately demonstrate for the interpreting physician normal and pathology of abdominal and pelvic organs, small parts, venous and arterial systems, obstetrical criteria, etc.
  • 7)Provide preliminary results exactly as stated in department protocols.
• Documentation of patient history, and images for analysis and interpretation.
  • 1)Reviews patient charts for medical information, and explains test procedure to patient in order to allay apprehensions and elicit cooperation.
  • 2)Communicates “STAT” and "Preliminary" reports to physician offices, nursing units, and Emergency Department upon request by Radiologist.
  • 3)Understands operational aspects of PACS System.
  • 4)Be proficient in the use of the Radiology Information System.
  • 5)Correlates current exam data with that from the patient’s prior exams.
  • 6)Be proficient in the use of "CareConnection".
  • 7)Be proficient in the use of Datacheck system for documentation of vascular studies.
• Participation in the department QA program and accreditation process
  • 1)Attends and participates in department meetings and inservices to ensure technical competence.
  • 2)Assist in database input and in facilitation of projects including department accreditation.
  • 3)Participation in Quality Assurance and CQI team performance projects.
• Ensures a secure and safe patient and work environment.
  • 1)Cleans, prepares, and sanitizes endocavity transducers for endovaginal scanning according to manufacturer recommendations and established infection control standards. Performs cleaning of equipment as per department policy, including all transducers and filters.
  • 2)Applies sterile techniques and prevents cross contamination to patients and instruments.
  • 3)Maintains adequate supplies; i.e., gel, cleaners, cidex, syringes, etc., in ultrasound/vascular rooms and informs the Coordinator when supplies are depleted.
  • 4)Is able to assist radiologist with invasive procedures adhering to sterile technique.
  • 5)Complies with OSHA Standards for infection control.
  • 6)Keeps work area neat and clean.
  • 7)Ensures the appropriate procedure has been ordered, charged and performed per the physician order.
  • 8)Thorough knowledge and understanding of AIDET to provide for the patient's comfort and safety during their services provided in the Diagnostic Imaging Departments.
• Provides technical support for smooth and efficient operation of Ultrasound and Vascular Department.
  • 1)Communicates with other departments to successfully schedule various exams for the patient.
  • 2)Interacts closely with the Ultrasound/Vascular Coordinator to provide for smooth daily operation of the department.
  • 3)Attends regularly scheduled Department meetings and in-services.
  • 4)Answers telephones, responds to faxes and emails.
  • 5)Works as a team member, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility for change. Is able to fill in on other shifts as needed.
  • 6)Demonstrates reliability for attendance and punctuality.
  • 7)Demonstrates knowledge of hospital and department policies regarding patient care, fire safety and infection control, etc.
• Responsible for staying abreast of the latest ultrasound developments, professional development of self, maintenance of CME's required for registration and training of associates to procedures.
  • 1)Obtains membership in local, state or national societies.
  • 2)Attends continuing education seminars.
  • 3)Maintains professional accreditation. Must be registered with ARDMS in Abdomen or OB/Gyn and RVT and must maintain that accreditation by obtaining the adequate CME's. Must also comply with requirements for ultrasound/vascular department accreditation with the American College of Radiology (ACR) and or IAC for vascular accreditation.
  • 4)Views educational videos and tapes as suggested by the Department Coordinator
  • 5)Helps maintain department accreditation by following the procedure protocol closely.
  • 6)Assesses own educational needs and planning.
  • 7)Implements strategies/learning plan to meet knowledge deficiencies.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with Abdomen issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with OB/GYN issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Vascular Technologist (RVT) registration issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Vascular Sonography (VS) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Vascular Specialist (RVS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS-AE) registration with Adult Echo issued by the ARDMS needs to be obtained within 18 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 18 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education/Experience Required:

• Associates degree in Allied Health or Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health Science preferred -Typically requires 1 year experience in Abdomen and OB/GYN -Typically requires 1 year experience in Vascular exams

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Proficient skills in abdomen, OB, pelvic, endovaginal, small parts, venous doppler, carotid doppler, and arterial studies preferred. -Moderate skills in assisting radiologist with procedures.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• COMPETENT LEVEL: - Ability to be flexible to work weekends, holidays, STAT call-ins in order to accommodate staffing needs. - Ability to perform lifting and transferring related to patient care - Ability to move ultrasound equipment for portable studies to various nursing units. - Ability to communicate with patients and to respond to patients in a timely manner. - Ability to work in fast-paced environment with established time constraints. - Exposure to ill patients; may be exposed to blood and urine samples. -Incorporates the provision of cultural and age specific needs while exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses. Primary interactions would be with adult, geriatric, and pediatric individuals. -Requires good judgment, reliability, responsibility, independent thought and action -Ability and skills to assume temporary leadership role in the absence of the coordinator. -Extreme flexibility in working hours and on-call rotation -Moving of equipment to bedside -Attend on-going in-services and or CME's to maintain accreditation required to satisfy the ARDMS, RVT, ICAVL and ACR standards -Member of professional societies -Read journals for new and upcoming procedures MINIMUM LEVEL: -Must be able to take call on rotation basis -Perform emergency procedures as required -Attend annual in-services as required to meet department safety requirements.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.