Ultrasound Technologist

TYPE OF WORK The duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform a full range of Ultrasound functions and procedures. These studies include all variances of Ultrasound imaging of the Abdomen, Pelvis, Obstetrical 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, abdominal wall, abdominal vascular, renal Transplant, carotids, lower and upper extremity venous, scrotum, neck, and thyroid, and pediatric head and abdomen to include rule out appendicitis. Assist and support interventional procedures within the radiology department and other areas such as the operating room and pediatric gastroenterology clinic.
• Complete radiology informatics HIS/RIS training, Cyber training, HIPPA, and pass an Initial Competency Assessment before working independently.
• Carry the Ultrasound Radiology iPhone when working alone for effective communication with the radiologist on call.
• All employees working weekends and holidays must report to the radiologist on duty in the ED (on-call) reading room at the beginning and end of their scheduled shift.
• Receive patients and explain methods and safety precautions of procedures. Start IV’s when needed, position patient and produces necessary images for the requested examination. Assist in the triage of scheduling patients. Work with inpatients, emergency cases and outpatients. Independently perform outpatient, inpatient ultrasound studies.
• Perform diagnostic ultrasound services to patients of all ages upon referral. The US technologist must be able to initiate emergency measures and notify radiologist/physicians when necessary.
• Maintains professional competency involving clinical skills and knowledge through participation in professional ultrasound organizations, self-directed journal reading, and attendance at in-service and continuing medical education. Oversees and provides instructions to student technologist and resident physicians learning ultrasound technology and theory.
• Participate in the provision of in-service training to clinic staff members. Provide training as applicable to supporting Government employees (e.g., hospital corpsmen, students, etc.).
• Perform unscheduled procedures as declared by the requesting Physician within one (1) hour
• Adhere to infection control guidelines and practice universal precautions.
• Document all procedures and maintain records in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure manual for the department.
• Assist in coordinating schedules, daily logs, and data submission for monthly reports.
• Perform limited administrative duties associated with the maintenance of records for a hospital-based Ultrasound safety program.
• Direct the flow of patients: Screen walk-in patients, emergency patients, and telephone calls from patients and referring Physicians to determine appropriate Physician and priority of appointments.
• Participate in the MTF Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) for digital imaging and perform quality control procedures as applicable.
• Perform inventory of assigned examination rooms to ensure adequate supplies are in stock. This shall be coordinated with the supervisor to ensure all supply requests are met.
• Be responsible for the safe and effective operation of equipment used in patient care and contribute to a safe working environment. This shall include the safe practice of emergency procedures, proper handling of hazardous materials, and maintenance of physical security.
• Calibrate equipment and perform quality control testing to identify malfunctions or equipment errors.
• Schedule any additional patients presented to the department who have not been scheduled through the facility appointment system.
• Maintain records of patients treated, examinations performed, scans taken, etc. Maintain permanent records of scans in library.
• Perform patient archiving. Archiving responsibilities include transferring the required image of information to the established long term storage device and printing those images for each patient as required by SOP manual or as directed by the imaging physician.
• Assist in developing and formulating new techniques for Ultrasound procedures required by the Imaging Division.
• Comply with the standards of the Joint Commission, applicable provisions of law, and the rules and regulations of all governmental authorities pertaining to licensure and regulation of healthcare personnel and medical treatment facilities, the regulations and standards of medical practice of the MTF and the bylaws of the MTF’s medical staff.
• Comply with the CDC’s “Universal Precautions” for prevention of the transmission of HIV.
• Practice aseptic techniques as necessary. Comply with infection control guidelines to include the proper handling, storage, and disposal of infectious wastes, the use of universal precautions to prevent the spread of infections.
• Perform efficiently in emergency patient situations following established protocols, remaining calm, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events. Anticipate potential problems/emergencies and make appropriate interventions. Notify supervisor, Chief of Imaging, or other designated person regarding problems the health care worker is unable to manage.
• Apply an awareness of legal issues in all aspects of patient care and strive to manage situations in a reduced risk manner.
• Participate in the implementation of the Family Advocacy Program as directed. Participation includes appropriate medical examination, documentation, and reporting.
• Exercise awareness and sensitivity to patient/significant others’ rights, as identified within the institution.
• Maintain and awareness of responsibility and accountability for own professional practice.
• Participate in continuing education to meet own professional growth.
• Attend annual renewal of ALL hospital provided annual training such as family advocacy, disaster training, infection control, sexual harassment, HIPAA, and blood borne pathogens.
• Actively participate in the command’s performance improvement program. Participate in meetings to review and evaluate the care provided to patients, identify opportunities to improve the care delivered, and recommend corrective action when problems exist.
• Exercise appropriate delegation of tasks and duties in the direction and coordination of fellow contracted health care team members, patient care, and clinic activities.
• Perform inventory of assigned examination rooms to ensure adequate supplies quantities and valid expiration dates. This shall be coordinated with the supervisor.
• Be responsible for the safe and effective operation of equipment used in patient care and contribute to a safe working environment. This shall include the safe practice of emergency procedures, proper handling of hazardous materials, and maintenance of physical security. As required, participate in customer service initiatives and medical readiness activities, designed to enhance health services.
• Use computerized systems such as CHCS, AHLTA, and Clinical Information System (CIS), HIS/RIS.
• Be compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance. The HCW shall comply with the HIPAA privacy and security policies of the treatment facility.
• Must complete the high-level disinfection (HLD) training required by Infection Control, Walter Reed Command, and the Joint Commission.