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The Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) serves as a Staff Sonographer performing routine to complex ultrasound exams at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC. Major duties include, but are not limited to:
- The Ultrasound Technologist coordinates a variety of technical procedures that require independent judgement, ingenuity and initiative in the application of non-ionizing high frequency ultrasonic waves to humans for diagnosis of disease. The technologist must be competent in the production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The sonographer at this level is regarded as an expert source and the interpreting radiologist relies heavily on the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the sonographers in providing a final interpretation.
- Performs outpatient, inpatient or emergent ultrasound studies either in the Ultrasound department or bedside (portable), records and processes images and prepares the processed media for interpretation by the Staff Radiologist. Assures images are properly identified with patient demographics and verifies archiving on PACS. The studies include but are not limited to: Abdomen - liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, abdominal aorta, vena cava and femoral arteries using Gray Scale, Real Time and multiple Doppler techniques to evaluate these structures for size, abnormal contour, cysts, tumors and various pathological disorders. Retroperitoneum - kidneys, adrenal glands, nodes, and urinary bladder using Gray Scale, Real Time and multiple Doppler techniques. Pelvis - urinary bladder, scrotum, prostate. Female pelvis performed with transabdominal and/ or endocavity probe for ovaries, and uterus. Miscellaneous scans (small parts) to include thyroid, skin lesions, baker's cyst, hernias, etc. May also perform vascular imaging, both arterial and venous.
- Receives and identifies patients using two (2) patient identifiers, prepares patients for exams and explains procedures, assists movement of patients to and from exam table, positions the patient, sets up and adjusts all imaging equipment including appropriate selection of technical factors, manually maneuvers transducer/probe to perform the exam. Evaluates the nature of critical and emergency procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them.
- Knowledge of anatomy, cross sectional anatomy, and physiology such as the location, appearance and function of the various major and minor systems applicable to sonographic illustration in order to interpret the requested examination accurately.
- Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations.
- Maintains and stocks all supplies used in the ultrasound work area, ensuring applicable products are within expiration date and stored properly.
- Thoroughly comprehends all processes for reusable medical devices including initial training, proper setup, use and reprocessing (cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and preparation of equipment to full readiness for its subsequent use) and maintenance according to Ralph H. Johnson VA Healthcare System Standard Operating Procedures and specific manufacturer guidelines. Training and demonstration of achieved independent skill level is validated annually.
- Assures timely completion of assigned workload.
- Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those that would improve the operation of the section.
- Preferred experience: American Registry Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: RDMS or RVT or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists: RT(S) or RT-(VS) certifications
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists: RT(S) or RT (VS) certifications
- Must maintain BCLS.
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Various Shifts
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: F5000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required