Vascular Sonographer - SSM Health

It's more than a career, it's a calling.

MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Worker Type:

Regular

Job Summary:

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies in one or more of three departments including vascular lab, general medical and echocardiography lab.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (Percent of Time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

Position Accountabilities

1)         Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines.                                                                             60-75%                                                                                                                        

Criteria                                                                                                                                   

General ultrasound specific: Performs ultrasound examinations, including abdominal, small parts and gynecological procedures under the supervision of a radiologist according to guidelines set forth by American College of Radiology (ACR).
Echocardiology specific: Performs two dimensional, three-dimensional, m-mode, color flow, Doppler flow, ejection fraction, dobutamine and stress echocardiograms according to the Echo Lab policy and procedures manual and standards set forth by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. 

Vascular department specific: Performs imaging and non-imaging arterial studies of the upper and lower extremities and digits, Transcranial Doppler studies, venous imaging studies of the neck, upper and lower extremities, carotid imaging studies and arterial bypass/pseudoaneurysm studies according to established vascular lab policy and procedures and standards/guidelines set forth by the Society of Vascular Ultrasound, ARDMS and Intersocietal Commission for the Voluntary Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories. 

B) Clearly communicates & explains the exam procedure to the patient and any family member present to insure understanding and patient’s consent for explained test.

C) Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.

D) Assembles a chart with the patient’s information and enters information into the current PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

E) Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for the Medical Director or his/her designee to review and interpret.

2)         Completes patient billing to insure accurate and timely billing procedures.          5%

Criteria

Enters charges daily for procedures performed with no more than 1 error per week. Prints reports from PAC, Epic and On Demand.  Checks each charge to ensure  the right account number is used and the correct procedures are charged.

3)         Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department as well as development of any new programs.                                                                                               5%

Criteria

A) Participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department.  Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.

B) Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations.

C) Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, in-services, workshops, reading current publications, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs. Complete required CEUs to maintain specialty certification.

D) Participates in research studies that require services of the department.

4)         Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies.                                                                                                        3-5%

Criteria

A) Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.  Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy, including high level disinfection (HLD).

B) Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

                                    1.         Maintains clutter free environment.

                                    2.         Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum

Adheres to dress code. Properly displays ID badge worn with picture visible and above the waistline at all times. Maintains equipment in clean & proper working condition on a daily basis.  Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed.  Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer’s service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.

C) Reports risk management concerns.

D) Assumes responsibility for completing all assigned annual hospital and department specific mandatory requirements.

            1. Safety/Fire

            2. Blood Borne Pathogens

            3. Hazardous Communication

            4. TB

            5. Department Specific

            6. Age Appropriate Care (for clinical staff only)

5)         Service:  Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner.                     2-5%

            Criteria           

A) Demonstrates Care and Courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff. Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety

B) Communicates Effectively and Maintains Confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.

C) Demonstrates Competence and Collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.

D) Provides Cost Effective Services:

Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time). Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.

E) Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of St. Louis University Hospital and its operation.

6)         Performance Improvement (PI):  Incorporates Quality Assessment into one’s daily work.                                                                                               2%-3%

            Criteria           

A) Assists in the daily collection of data for the department’s Performance Improvement Program (volume indicators monthly & quality indicators are based upon department operation & requested monitoring by the procedure review committee).

B) Wisely and responsibly utilize the resources within the facility. Take care of equipment and report problems to result in a longer usage life.

C) Recommends changes in practices to increase efficiency and minimize waste to manager.                           

7)         Age Appropriate Care:  Provides age-appropriate care to:                               1%

            _____Infant    _____Child      ___x___ Adolescent   ___x__ Adult ___x__ Geriatric

      Criteria     

A) Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.

B)  Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.

C)  Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.

D)  Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.

Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.

8)         Specialized Care:  Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury.           <1%

Restraint Care

Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application.

Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure.

Monitors and assesses patient’s response throughout the restraint period at the appropriate intervals.

Provides specified patient care (toileting, skin care, hydration, feeding, etc.) on a timely basis.

Provides for trail release and removal of restraint as soon as possible.

Adhere to hospital policy Restraints.

Pain Management

Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, message, immobilization, etc.

Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.

Evaluates and addresses pain concerns in accordance with Pain Management Policy (see hospital policy on pain management).

Abuse Assessment

Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.

Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician and Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.

Adhere to hospital policy on Abuse and Neglect Clinical Assessmentand Reporting.

9)       Assists in the day-to-day operation of the assigned department.             1-3%  

            Criteria           

A) Utilizes work order entry system to report functions which need to be performed by housekeeping, maintenance and clinical engineering.

B) Retrieves previously archived studies for viewing/printing as requested. 

C) Assists in clerical duties as required, including telephone responsibilities, processing of reports, posting/mailing of reports, filing, scheduling, etc.

D) Participates in preparing and performing regular safety and infection control surveys.  Reports non-compliant issues to manager/administrator and if necessary, safety or infection control director, and takes steps to correct deficiencies.

DISCLAIMER:  Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Rationale for Essential Functions

The performance of this function is the reason the job exists. There are limited employees among whom the performance of this function can be distributed. This function occupies a great deal of the employee’s time. This function is highly specialized.  Employees are hired for the skill/ability to perform this function. Failure to perform this function may have serious consequences. The function was performed by past employees and is performed by current employees. Exposure to blood borne pathogens that require the use of protective equipment Exposure to tuberculosis that requires the use of protective equipment

Job Specifications

Minimum Education:

General Ultrasound Department: Graduate of an approved AS program in Medical Sonography or scheduled to graduate from approved BS program with RDMS(AS) certification

Echocardiography Department: Graduate of an Allied Health program in Echocardiography/Cardiac Imaging

Vascular Department: Graduate of an approved vascular ultrasound program

Minimum Experience:

General Ultrasound Department: 2-5 years’ experience in abdominal, musculoskeletal, breast and obstetrics and gynecology preferred

Echocardiography Department: Registered (RDCS and /or RCS)

Vascular Department: One year of ultrasound imaging experience preferred.  Registry required through ARDMS or CCI.

Required Course: (licensure/certification)

General Ultrasound Department: BLS, RDMS(AB), preferred additional certifications in (BR) and (OB/GYN)

Echocardiography Department: BLS, Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer through ARDMS

Vascular Department: BLS, RVT (registered vascular technologist) by the ARDMS (active status) or RVS (Registered Vascular Specialist) through CCI (active status)

Skills: (administrative/business)

Compile statistics

Compile paperwork to send to Medical Records for scanning into EMR

Computer skills

Billing studies upon end exam

Answer phones using proper phone etiquette

Skills:  (equipment/machine)

Various ultrasound and Doppler equipment to perform procedures

Electronic Medical Record System

Hospital telephone system

Stress Case System, for Echocardiology departments

Digital archiving

Copy machine and other standard office equipment

Working Conditions:

May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne pathogens.

Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes.

Subject to electrical and radiant energy hazards.

Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements.

May be exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness).

Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.

May be required to handle emergency or crisis situations.

Occasionally subjected to irregular hours including rotating call duties

Exposed to chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol and gel used in diagnostic testing procedures.

Exposed to chemicals for cleaning/disinfecting of equipment (hospital approved agents).

Protective Equipment:

Eye shield/goggles

Gown

Lab Coat

Mask

Non-sterile medical gloves

Sterile medical gloves

Physical Requirements:

Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients (can exceed 350 lbs on occasions)

Periodic heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs).

Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking/sitting required.

Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies (up to 400 lbs)

Manual dexterity, mobility and fine motor skills required.

Intermittent exertion when performing studies.

Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching required in performing job duties.

Vision Requirements:

Be able to adjust vision for varying degrees or room light.

Bring objects into focus and see clearly at 20 inches or less.

Be able to distinguish and identify multiple subtle shades of gray and different colors.

Hearing Requirements:

Be able to distinguish and identify varying tones/pitch of an audible signal.

Employee_____________________________________________________Date____________

Supervisor ____________________________________________________Date____________

Manager/Administrative Director __________________________________Date____________

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.  An individual working in their job classification must also perform specific tasks upon request by supervisor personnel.  Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities for this job classification are subject to change at the discretion of the medical center.

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Job Type:

Employee

Department:

Vascular Lab

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Benefits

SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs. 

• Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE). 


• Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.


• Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.