Position Summary:

The Vascular Sonographer independently performs professional level assessments and a variety of non-invasive studies using ultrasound and related diagnostic technology as appropriate and records the results and clinical preliminary impressions as indicated. The results of these exams are used to direct the course of patient care. This position is a full performance Vascular Sonographer with knowledge of peripheral vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The sonographer will evaluate complex disease states using state of the art equipment in arterial and venous testing and participate in daily maintenance and care of equipment. All examinations are performed within standard protocols on adults and geriatric patients, and occasionally on adolescents and pediatric age groups. The sonographer performs examinations in the clinic and hospital settings using stationary and portable equipment. The sonographer communicates preliminary impressions of examination results to referring physicians within Sage Hospital and outside clinics and organizations. There is daily contact with professionals and families. The sonographer must solve problems related to the daily needs of patients, the department and/or clinic with professional standards on documentation of care and timeliness. The sonographer is a clinical instructor for the Navajo Nation School of Ultrasound and participates in instruction of fellows, residents, and visiting physicians. The sonographer may also participate in clinical research and acts as a clinical resource to staff at their own facility and throughout the system.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform diagnostic vascular examinations according to standardized laboratory protocols; deviating from normal techniques when necessary to provide the best possible results.
• Perform diagnostic vascular examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate structures, while recognizing the limitations of equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Perform non-invasive arterial Doppler studies utilizing segmental pressures, volume pulse recordings and Doppler waveform patterns at various levels in the arms and legs with occasional treadmill testing to evaluate arterial circulation.
• Perform venous examination of arms and legs with Doppler and color duplex scanning using compression maneuvers and imaging, for detection of deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis and-or valvular incompetence, which may include mapping of the superficial veins for size and depth.
• Perform carotid duplex examinations to evaluate blood flow and plaque characteristics in the carotid and vertebral arteries with both real time imaging and spectral analysis using color capabilities.
• Perform other vascular examinations using color duplex and Doppler to help the physicians assess, diagnose, and treat aortic aneurysms, thoracic outlet syndrome, popliteal entrapment, Raynaud's syndrome, renal artery stenosis, bypass graft patency, dialysis fistula/graft patency and post-operative angioplasties and stentings.
• Identify pseudoaneurysms and arterial-venous fistulas with duplex scanning. Under direction, manually apply ultrasound guided compressions to occlude abnormality.
• Assist the physician with thrombin injection of pseudoaneurysms, intra-operative scanning, gathering necessary materials and equipment, and properly disposing of the used equipment and supplies. Observes sterile fields and techniques used in the operating room.

General Clinical Activities:

• Review patient medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders. Obtains necessary clinical information from patients and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• Communicate to patient and family members in a timely and thorough manner that enhances the patient's experience and promotes learning to understand procedures, symptoms, and to support health care outcomes.
• Communicate pertinent patient information to physicians and appropriate team members including abnormal findings and changes in test results from previous examinations.
• Prepare written preliminary impressions of test performed.
• Provide emergency care for patients using the basic support protocols until a CODE team or EMR professional response team arrives.
• Request work orders for maintenance of equipment to provide optimal working conditions. Order and replace supplies used. Keep the exam area and procedure room stocked and clean.
• Accurately process data needed to complete the report template in the electronic reporting tool.
• Works with other teams in the organization as needed to correct any discrepancies in billing, coding, or documentation.
• Assisting with simple frame repairs and adjustments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Identify and assist in developing and reviewing patient education material.
• Assist with the training and orientation of other technologists as well as ultrasound students, medical students, residents, fellows, and nursing students.
• Ability to operate ultrasound equipment utilizing a variety of possibly techniques.
• Ability to adjust equipment/machines settings to obtain optimal diagnostic results.
• Ability to perform examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate images, while recognizing the limitations of equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Ability to educate patients and families of safe and appropriate testing; thoroughly explaining procedures, answering questions, and calming concerns.
• Ability to make knowledgeable clinical assessments and judgements.
• Ability to use and apply clinical research findings to identify various intervention techniques or procedures that may need modification.
• Ability to maintain composure under stress, using tact and good judgment.
• Demonstrate analytical decision-making skills; ability to quickly assess and resolve technical and patient care problems.
• Ability to work both independently and as a care team member.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical records.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to interact professionally and develop effective relationships.
• Ability to comply with all HIPAA requirements.
• Basic computer skills (ability to navigate the computer, internet, and keyboarding skills).
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Physical Demands:

The work requires a prolonged period of maintaining balance, frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching twisting, reaching, and/or occasionally sitting, driving, and climbing. Sensory requirements for position include far, near, color vision, depth perception, seeing fine details, hearing normal speech, hearing overhead pages, and telephone use. Must have ability of both hand manipulation in simple and firm grasping, fine manipulation, and use of keyboards.

Work Environment:

The work is generally performed in an office with moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.