Vascular Sonographer

Bronson Healthcare•Kalamazoo, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision and according to established procedures, conducts peripheral vascular studies producing two dimensional ultrasonic recordings, color flow, and Doppler flow analyses of peripheral arteries, veins, and related structures for use by physician in diagnosis of heart and peripheral vascular disease. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served. Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in vascular ultrasound from accredited college or the equivalent in extensive technical training and/or practicum experience. Six months to a year of on the job clinical experience and training. Required registration (RVT or RVS or RT (VS)) credentials obtained within six months of hire. Additional requirement to maintain RDCS or RCS if hired in as a dual registered cardiovascular sonographer or registry-eligible sonographers must achieve cardiac registry within one year of placement into this job. Candidates not registry eligible for cardiac sonography have within two years from the start date of training for employed individuals who are cross training. Some position postings may require registration prior to hire. BLS required upon hire or within 6 months. • Must have basic PC skills to operate the database and office programs used in the department • Must be able to work and communicate with all managers, employees, physicians, and customers with which Cardiovascular Services Department does business • Must be able to work well within a small work group which includes: communication effectively with team members, assertively handling conflict, diplomatically resolving issues, participating in problem-solving • Must treat everyone in a professional manner Work which produces high levels of mental/visual fatigue, e.g., interactive and repetitive or small detailed work requiring alertness and concentration for sustained periods of time, the operation of and full attention to a personal computer or CRT between 40 and 70 percent of the time. Involves regularly lifting of bulky or moderately heavy weights (i.e., up to 50 pounds), and occasionally assisting with heavier tasks or expending the equivalent effort in pushing, pulling, or otherwise handling material, equipment, and other objects.

Requirements

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in vascular ultrasound from accredited college or the equivalent in extensive technical training and/or practicum experience.
Six months to a year of on the job clinical experience and training.
Required registration (RVT or RVS or RT (VS)) credentials obtained within six months of hire.
Additional requirement to maintain RDCS or RCS if hired in as a dual registered cardiovascular sonographer or registry-eligible sonographers must achieve cardiac registry within one year of placement into this job.
Candidates not registry eligible for cardiac sonography have within two years from the start date of training for employed individuals who are cross training. Some position postings may require registration prior to hire.
BLS required upon hire or within 6 months.
Must have basic PC skills to operate the database and office programs used in the department
Must be able to work and communicate with all managers, employees, physicians, and customers with which Cardiovascular Services Department does business
Must be able to work well within a small work group which includes: communication effectively with team members, assertively handling conflict, diplomatically resolving issues, participating in problem-solving
Must treat everyone in a professional manner

Responsibilities

Performs exams ordered by physicians, assuring requested procedure correlates with the patient’s clinical history and symptoms. Ensures the clinical indication is appropriate for the test ordered
Performs all tests according to established laboratory protocols and guidelines, documenting any exceptions to the protocols.
Follows approved techniques and policies for IV insertion and management.
Obtain, prepares, and administers ultrasound enhancing agents according to policy/procedures.
Observes and practices sterile technique to prevent cross-contamination
Travel maybe required to different facilities
Familiarizes patient with test to be performed and prepares for the test; obtains any relevant information from the patient and available clinical records.
Adjusts equipment controls in accordance to diagnostic information requested and moves transducer (by hand) over patient's peripheral arteries or veins, observes ultrasound display screen, and listens to Doppler signals to acquire data for measurement of blood flow velocities.
Differentiates artifacts from anatomic/pathologic structures and adjusts equipment accordingly; recognizes the significance of all structures that are visualized. Measures the appropriate structures as indicated.
Performs measurements and calculations in accordance to vascular laboratory protocol for evaluation by reading physician. Measures blood flow velocities, vessel compressibility, and calculates data for evaluation of irregularities by physician.
Documents and successfully transmits pertinent diagnostic and patient data into digital archive system, according to policy and procedure of the Cardio Vascular services department. Ensure that all documentation is timely, accurate and complete. Upon assessment of the examination findings, recognize the need for an urgent notification of critical findings to the appropriate healthcare provider.
Provide a written summary of preliminary findings to the ordering physician so appropriate care can be maintained.
Maintain a safe work environment. Implements department/hospital policies for environmental safety, equipment maintenance standards and equipment operation standards.
Maintains professional credentials that are specific to current practicing discipline. Completes required vascular specific CME’s that are needed to maintain professional credentials and adhere to accrediting body standards IAC
Participates in ongoing departmental QA process. Assists in the collection and correlation of data to ensure overall accuracy for accreditation. Keeps current in professional knowledge of vascular disease.
Performs minor preventive maintenance on equipment and cleans and stocks vascular labs.