Vascular Sonographer - Tappahannock Hospital - 12 Week Temporary Role

Join us in the serene and dynamic environment of VCU Tappahannock Hospital, where we are committed to delivering exceptional healthcare to our community and neighboring counties. As a satellite facility of VCU Health, we uphold the same standards of excellence, affordability, and community impact. Situated in the picturesque Middle Peninsula, our hospital serves as a vital healthcare hub, providing essential services including Emergency, Critical Care, Operating Room, and Acute Care Units.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Vascular Sonographer to join our dynamic healthcare team. As a Vascular Sonographer specializing in ultrasound, you will play a crucial role in performing diagnostic procedures and providing high-quality patient care. This position requires expertise in administering high-frequency sound waves and other advanced imaging techniques to patients across all age groups, from newborns to geriatric individuals.

Responsibilities:

• Perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures as ordered by licensed independent practitioners (LIPs) for diagnostic interpretation.

• Determine appropriate ultrasonic frequencies and select transducers suitable for the anatomical area of interest.

• Assist LIPs during interventional procedures such as needle localizations, aspirations, biopsies, and drainages.

• Maintain accurate patient records, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to established policies.

• Ensure patient safety throughout procedures, including preparation, assistance, and transportation.

• Receive, relay, and document imaging orders in patients' medical records, ensuring clarity and accuracy.

• Corroborate patient clinical history with ordered procedures, documenting information for LIPs' use.

• Verify informed consent from patients prior to procedures.

• Assume responsibility for patient care needs before, during, and after procedures, including patient preparation.

• Apply principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimize radiation exposure.

• Perform venipuncture and maintain intravenous access based on imaging orders from LIPs.

• Identify, prepare, and administer medications related to diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed.

• Evaluate images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification and documentation.

• Identify and manage emergency situations until appropriate medical personnel arrive.

• Educate patients about imaging procedures and provide necessary pre-procedure instructions.

• Mentor and provide oversight to students and other learners in the radiology environment.

• Participate in ongoing quality assurance activities to maintain high standards of care.

Requirements:

• Certification as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) or equivalent.

• Proficiency in using ultrasound equipment and interpreting imaging results.

• Solid understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare team members.

• Ability to exercise independent, professional, and ethical judgment in all aspects of work.

• Commitment to continuous education and professional development.

• Familiarity with quality assurance processes and patient safety protocols.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:

For currently practicing sonographers/technologist: Certification by the American Registry of Radiology Technologist (ARRT) as a sonographer ARRT(S) or RDMS certification in medical sonography or RDCS or CCI certification in cardiac sonography or RVT certification as Vascular Technologist

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:

Current Certification by ARRT (S) or RDMS or RDCS or CCI or RVT

Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)

Experience REQUIRED: N/A

Experience PREFERRED:

One (1) year of previous work experience as a Sonographer/Technologist

Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment

Education/training REQUIRED:

Graduation from an CAAHEP or CMA Accredited Program in medical/cardiac/vascular sonography or

Graduation from a minimum of a 2 year JRC Accredited Program in Radiologic Technology or Sonography that is recognized by the ARRT or Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, JRC-DMS or graduation from a Bachelor's degree program in sonography or vascular sonography.

Education/training PREFERRED:

Bachelors Degree in a radiologic technology, sonography, or vascular sonography.

Independent action(s) required:

Sonographer/Technologists independently performs or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of ultrasound imaging exams.

Sonographer/Technologists independently complete imaging exams based on physicians written order, department protocols, and institutional safety standards.

Ultrsonographers represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System.

Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role.

Resolves basic service delivery issues.

Additional position requirements:

Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor.

Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system.

Weekend and other after hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system.

Sonographer/Technologists are considered "Essential Employees" who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.

Age Specific groups served: All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate):

Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.

Other: describe -

Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Walking (distance), Repetitive motion, Other: Prolonged computer interaction

Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking, Other: Vision

Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.