POSITION PURPOSE
Under general supervision and according to established procedures, non-invasive vascular testing is conducted to provide data used by physicians in diagnosis and treatment of arterial and venous disorders. Responsible for daily operations of the vascular laboratory with duties including, but not limited to, performing high quality diagnostic non-invasive vascular testing, providing complete and accurate written and verbal preliminary reports for physician review, and operation and maintenance of ultrasound equipment. In doing so, sets up equipment, gathers pertinent information from patients, explains test procedures to patients and operates equipment. Observe patients during procedures and alerts supervisor, physicians and/or nursing personnel to abnormalities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for interpreting the physician’s orders and contacting physician offices to clarify orders.
Competently identify, record, and adapt procedures to anatomical and pathological variations.
Explain test procedure(s) to patients and/or family members to allay fears and elicit cooperation. Instruct and/or assist patients in preparing for test procedures.
Interview patients to gather and record pertinent personal and medical information and perform physical examination of patients.
Perform clinical assessments and high-quality diagnostic ultrasound examinations that meet the expectations of the reading Vascular Surgeon.
Examining/scanning areas of the body using proper positioning techniques.
Follow established protocols and procedures.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to adapt to patient care from neonatal to geriatric.
Perform and or assist the physician with an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy, including the brain, abdomen, peripheral venous and peripheral arterial.
May serve as mentor/preceptor to new hire and/or student.
Assist in performance improvement activities.
Performs quality vascular examination such as:
Carotid duplex
Peripheral venous duplex
Peripheral vein mapping
Venous insufficiency
Peripheral arterial duplex
Peripheral bypass grafts
Peripheral duplex AVF/AVG (fistulas)
Peripheral Doppler AVF (fistulas)
With/without compression of fistula
Peripheral arterial Doppler
Ankle brachial index
Wrist brachial index
Radial artery compression
Photoplethysmography of upper/lower digits.
Walking tolerance exam
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) with/without maneuvers
Arterial and Venous
Abdominal duplex
Aorta/Iliac artery
IVC/Iliac vein
Advanced vascular examinations such as:
Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
Renal arterial/venous duplex
Mesenteric duplex (SMA/Celiac)
Portal/Hepatic duplex
Ultrasound guided thrombin injections
Neonatal Arterial/Venous (Abdomen, peripheral arterial, and peripheral venous).
Use independent judgement during sonographic exams to accurately identify and differentiate normal versus pathological findings.
Provide accurate description and preliminary interpretations of sonographic testing and communicate findings clearly to physicians both verbally and in written format.
Work with computerized reporting and scheduling system.
Assist vascular surgeon with invasive procedures/ultrasound guided procedures in the OR, outpatient, and inpatient setting.
Prepare the sterile field and adeptly assist the physician with procedures such as, but not limited to, pseudo injection and carotid endarterectomy imaging in the OR.
Observe patients during procedures and notify physicians and/or appropriate nursing personnel of any irregularities.
Respond appropriately in times of an emergency.
Provide information to the nursing staff about patient preparation and coordinate with other testing sites.
Transport patients to and from the department when needed.
Perform minor adjustments to testing equipment and notify supervisor of serious malfunctions.
Maintain weekly filter cleaning
Request service for equipment as needed
Check and order supplies and materials such as linen, gel, disinfect, office supplies, etc.
Maintain knowledge of current trends and techniques in the field. Complete the yearly assigned quality assurance exams, attend monthly education meetings with our Vascular surgeons, and any related seminars, conferences, etc., to maintain our IAC accreditation.
Maintain CME for licensure.
Act courteously and in a professional manner with patients and coworkers.
Develop and maintain professional working relationships with personnel from all departments.
Approach conflict in a constructive manner. Help to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in resolution.
Comply with all Joint Commission, Federal, State, and Local regulatory laws, standards, and protocols.
Maintain the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patients, physicians, employees, and visitors to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
Behave in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of SJMHS.
Assume responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.
Provide quality patient care by considering age specific, developmental, and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrate unit/area competencies.
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Receive requests for procedures and arrange for patient testing by ensuring all necessary supplies and equipment are available to perform requested test.
Maintain equipment in a clean and proper working order and replenish supplies as necessary.
Perform miscellaneous clerical duties such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments, and so forth.
Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE
Requires Associate Degree in Applied Science of Vascular Technology, or completion of an accredited Vascular Sonography program.
Applicants must be registered through ARDMS (RVT) or CCI (RVS).
6-12 months related experience is preferred.
BLS (Basic Life Support)
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of physical sciences including anatomy and physiology as normally acquired through completion of an accredited Vascular program.
Approximately 6-12 months on the job experience necessary to gain competency in techniques of vascular testing and equipment operation, and to gain knowledge of patient care techniques.
Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients when allaying fears and eliciting cooperation, and to relay patient information to physicians and nursing personnel.
Analytical skills are necessary to position patients to obtain the best exam outcome, recognize irregularities, and notify appropriate personnel.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when positioning patients, operating equipment, observing patient responses, and recording patient information in patient charts.
Ability to walk and stand for approximately 50% of work time when administering tests, and to lift and position patients and equipment for approximately 10% of work time.
Availability to work varying shifts from 6:30am to 11:00pm at various locations.
No call required.
This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the Americans with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicapper’s Act, or SJMHS’s Return to Work Program
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.