General/Vascular Sonographer - 12 Week Contract - TTWP - Tappahannock

VCU Health•Tappahannock, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The ultrasound technologist is responsible for administering high-frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to patients of all ages for medical purposes. This role involves performing ultrasonography procedures and related techniques to produce images for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner. Sonographers must integrate scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction, and compassionate care to provide diagnostic information. They are expected to understand human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology, and to recognize patient conditions crucial for successful procedure completion. Sonographers exercise independent professional and ethical judgment and serve as the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners, and other support team members. Sensitivity to patients' physical and emotional needs through effective communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills is essential. The position also requires participation in quality improvement processes, continuous performance assessment, critical thinking, and engagement in continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence. The scope of practice includes performing diagnostic ultrasound procedures, determining appropriate ultrasonic frequencies and transducers, assisting with interventional procedures, maintaining records, applying patient safety principles, managing imaging orders, corroborating patient history, verifying informed consent, preparing patients, minimizing exposure (ALARA), performing venipuncture, starting and maintaining IV access, administering prescribed medications, evaluating image quality, escalating emergency situations, providing patient education, and mentoring students.

Requirements

For currently practicing sonographers/technologist: Certification by the American Registry of Radiology Technologist (ARRT) as a sonographer ARRT(S) or RDMS certification in medical sonography or RDCS or CCI certification in cardiac sonography or RVT certification as Vascular Technologist
Current Certification by ARRT (S) or RDMS or RDCS or CCI or RVT (for continued employment)
Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
Graduation from a CAAHEP or CMA Accredited Program in medical/cardiac/vascular sonography or Graduation from a minimum of a 2 year JRC Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology or Sonography that is recognized by the ARRT or Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, JRC-DMS or graduation from a Bachelor’s degree program in sonography or vascular sonography

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of previous work experience as a Sonographer/Technologist
Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment
Bachelors Degree in a radiologic technology, sonography, or vascular sonography

Responsibilities

Administer high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to humans of all ages (newborn to geriatric) for medical purposes
Perform ultrasonography procedures and related techniques, producing images at the request of and for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner
Recognize patient conditions essential for successful completion of a procedure
Demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology
Exercise independent professional and ethical judgment
Act as the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners and other members of the support team
Remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills
Participate in quality improvement processes and continuous assessment of performance
Think critically and use independent, professional, and ethical judgment in all aspects of work
Engage in continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence
Perform diagnostic ultrasound procedure or examination upon the order of, or for diagnostic interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP)
Determine ultrasonic frequencies and appropriate transducers for the anatomic area of interest
Assist a LIP with interventional procedures such as needle localizations, aspirations, biopsies, drainages, etc.
Maintain records, respecting confidentiality and established policy
Apply the principles of patient safety during all aspects of procedures, including assisting and transporting patients
Receive, relay, and document verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient’s medical record
Corroborate patient’s clinical history with the ordered procedure while ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP)
Verify informed consent
Assume responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures
Prepare patients for procedures
Apply principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others
Perform venipuncture per procedural protocol based on imaging order from a licensed independent practitioner
Start and maintain intravenous access per procedural protocol based on an imaging order for a LIP
Identify, prepare, and /or administer medications generally associated with diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a LIP
Evaluate images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded
Identify and escalate emergency situations and manage until appropriate LIP,EMS, MERT, RRT, or Code Team arrives to assume control
Provide patient education related to imaging procedure
Educate, mentor, and provide general oversight of students and other learners in the Radiology environment
Participate and/or perform ongoing quality assurance activities
Independently perform or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of ultrasound imaging exams
Independently complete imaging exams based on physicians written order, department protocols, and institutional safety standards
Represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System
Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role
Resolve basic service delivery issues