Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist 3 (U), Part-Time

University of Miami•Miami, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist 3 (U) is a part-time position responsible for coordinating and managing scheduling and patient flow for interdepartmental procedures. This role involves performing diagnostic imaging studies under supervision, assisting with the education and training of new physicians, and participating in the development of new protocols and imaging techniques. The technologist will also contribute to research initiatives, act as a team leader, monitor charging of procedures and supplies, and provide in-service classes. Key responsibilities include obtaining and examining orders for ultrasound scans, verifying patient identification, obtaining consents, performing complex specialized tasks with ultrasound equipment, integrating diagnostic information, maintaining aseptic technique, preparing and administering contrast, evaluating scan quality, transmitting images, scheduling patients, maintaining patient records, and training co-workers and students. The role also involves providing age-specific care, performing basic nursing functions, maintaining a clean work area, reporting unusual findings, and adhering to hospital and regulatory guidelines. The individual will operate complex equipment for various vascular ultrasound examinations, demonstrate knowledge of vascular technology, and perform preliminary interpretations. They will also be responsible for IV insertion for contrast administration and participating in quality improvement activities.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Graduate of a Diagnostic Medical Sonography and/or Vascular accredited program.
ARDMS credentialing body RDCS license or CCI credentialing body RCS license
5 years' experience preferred; open to interview candidates with less experience
Hospital experience preferred.
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
IV Insertion through the UTower IV insertion program
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
Proficiency in computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office).

Nice To Haves

5 years' experience preferred
Hospital experience preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate/manage scheduling and patient flow for interdepartmental procedures.
Supervises as well as perform diagnostic imaging studies under the direction/supervision of a Clinical Cardiac lab Attending or Fellow.
Assist with the education and training of new physicians.
Assist Clinical Cardiac Attendings and PhD's in developing new protocols and Ultrasound imaging techniques that are unique to facility.
Participate in research initiatives and development of research protocols.
Act in a team leader capacity on a routine basis.
Monitor charging of Ultrasound procedures and supplies daily to ensure correctness.
Demonstrate Ultrasound equipment for 'site visits' for visiting physicians and administrators.
Provide in-service classes in section.
Obtains and examines the order for an Ultrasound scan to be aware of information such as procedures requested, patient’s condition and any other special notes or comments.
Ensures that orders are appropriate to the type of exam recommended by physician. Notifies supervisor of any discrepancies and/or contacts physician’s office for correct orders if necessary.
Identifies patient service requirements by establishing personal rapport with potential and actual patients and other persons in a position to understand service requirements.
Verify the patient’s ID by checking their name and date of birth on electronic medical record and patient’s wristband.
Always obtain necessary consents and education.
Perform complex specialized tasks associated with the operation of Ultrasound scanners and related equipment in accordance with prescribed radiation safety procedures under the direction/supervision of a Clinical Cardiac Attending using age-appropriate standards of practice.
Ability to integrate diagnostic, laboratory results, patient history and medical records and adapt exam as necessary. Adheres to Ultrasound protocols to maintain high quality ultrasound standards.
Consistently demonstrates complete competence in performing Ultrasound scans as ordered.
As required during a procedure, assists positioning patients in required anatomical position for display of body for Ultrasound scans using immobilization and protective equipment as necessary.
Maintain proper aseptic technique utilizing universal precaution guidelines (hand washing, gloves, gown, mask, eye protection and equipment disinfection).
Preparing contrast for use.
Upon completion of standard Cardiac exam imaging; initiate contrast usage as per protocol. Following explanation including risks and benefits; obtain patient history including allergies.
As per protocol obtain verbal consent provided by patient or approved proxy for the administration of contrast.
Administer contrast protocol.
Assist Vascular Attending with diagnostic Ultrasound procedures if required.
Evaluate Ultrasound scans for technical quality, accuracy in measurements
transmit to PACS.
Schedule patients for procedures; assist with clerical functions.
Charge procedures and supplies in UChart/Radiant.
Maintain accurate patient records.
Aid with orientation and training to new Cardiac technologists.
Gains patient cooperation by reducing anxieties; providing explanations of treatment; answering questions.
Provide education and training to student technologists.
Applies physical age-specific and/or developmental care needs of patients according to their documented physical/development requirement by competency validation checklist: a. Adolescents b. Adults c. Geriatric d. Challenged/Disabled
Performs basic nursing functions in the patient’s care i.e., assists with bedpans, emesis basins, etc. Assumes care for physical and psychological needs of the patient during scanning procedures; initiates life support measures for patients if necessary; assists in “Code Blue” procedure during medical emergencies. Performs CPR as needed.
Keeps work area in a clean and sanitary condition and stocks exam/dressing rooms with required supplies.
Reports unusual findings in a timely manner to appropriate Vascular lab attendings, Vascular Surgeons, Radiologist/Supervisory personnel.
Abide by to hospital/department HR policies.
Adheres to any regulatory body guidelines governing modality including but not limited to: Joint Commission, AHCA, ACR, FL DOH and FDA/MQSA.
Assist with the day-to-day operations within the department.
Operates complex and highly technical equipment including 2-D, power and spectral Doppler modalities for various types of Vascular ultrasound examinations.
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of Vascular Technology and display a broad application of this knowledge.
Experience operating Doppler, PVR’S and imaging systems.
Diagnostic images and appropriate Doppler angles for the reading physicians.
Able to differentiate Doppler sounds and bruits.
Ensures the diagnostic quality of all scans through extensive knowledge of Vascular ultrasound techniques, disease processes, and technical pitfalls.
Makes preliminary interpretations of the ultrasound examination to bring areas of suspected pathology to the attention of attending physician or fellow.
Post standard imaging of exam; as per Vascular lab clinical guidelines and protocols and Medical Director ‘s authorized consent, the Vascular technologist will check for venous patency on existing appropriate IV line or start IV for Venous access for the administration of contrast.
All Vascular lab technologists will be processed through Professional development IV insertion program for IV insertion skill development and internal annual competency via Heart station RNs.
Reviews and obtains patient’s pertinent clinical information via the patient’s electronic medical record system or other available sources.
Explains to patients and nurses correct preparations for procedures to be performed.
Cleans, sanitizes and maintains ultrasound equipment, assures proper operation of instruments, reports equipment malfunction to appropriate staff, and performs quality assurance tests.
Performs portable bedside examinations.
Train’s co-workers, ultrasound students, residents, fellows, and visiting personnel.
Participates in quality improvement activities to ensure continuous improvement of services provided.
Test patients for vertebral artery, and carotid disease among other vascular modalities using color Flow imaging.
Able to perform physiological testing using pulse volume recording among other exams.
Performs the clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies and procedures.