Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I (Nights)

Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I

At Houston Methodist, the Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I position completes a variety of routine diagnostic and vascular ultrasound procedures to include common and special ultrasound exams of moderate complexity. This position provides direct assistance to physicians with all diagnostic and special ultrasound/vascular procedures. The Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to ultrasound exam standards and guidelines established by governing agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.

The schedule for this role is Friday-Sunday from 7p-7a. You will also take call once a week.

The Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I position is responsible for:

• Promoting a positive work environment and contributing to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborating with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Using peer-to-peer accountability towards department goals for retention and employee engagement.
• Communicating effectively with others to facilitate providing the highest quality service during every customer and patient encounter.
• Performing diagnostic ultrasound procedures to include common and special ultrasound exams. Also able to perform vascular ultrasound exams. Ultrasound exams use high-frequency sound waves to capture images.
• Proactively assessing, identifying and responding to the needs of the patient for adjustment or intervention to optimize patient care, image quality and patient experience. This includes: positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, and technical factors. Modifying technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizing complications and limitations associated with certain procedures.
• Providing direct assistance to physicians during diagnostic or special procedures, including assisting with sterile technique.
• Providing accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members at an appropriate level utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills, terminology and language.
• Following safety standards and conducting all imaging procedures accordingly. Maintaining proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with infection control procedures. Complies with job, department and hospital safety standards, practices and policies.
• Reporting near misses and inputs errors promptly into appropriate hospital patient safety reporting system to improve processes and identify trends. Contributing to identification of corrective actions and improvement activities, and contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.
• Performing daily imaging equipment quality control (QC) ensuring all imaging equipment is in safe working order prior to use. Reporting any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.
• Utilizing critical thinking skills to observe and proactively address patient reactions (i.e. contrast media and medications) or potential outcomes and obtains assistance, as appropriate.
• Providing accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures. Entering charges at the time service is delivered.
• Using resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
• Participating in department projects or shared governance activities. Assuming responsibility for growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.
• Seeking opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development as a Technologist.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications required for the Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I position include:

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.
• None

Licenses and certifications required:

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) AND
• Must have one of the following: ARDMS-RDCS; ARDMS-RDMS; ARDMS-RVT; CCI-RVS; CCI-RCS; ARRT-SON; ARDMS-RDMS-AB; ARDMS-RDMS-OB/GYN; ARDMS-BR

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital / Radiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving.

Supplemental requirements:

• Work attire: Uniform No, Scrubs Yes, Business professional No, Other (department approved) Yes
• On-call: Yes
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes, May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Houston Methodist's ninth hospital and will incorporate the most advanced technology available from the day the doors open. With 100 beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor, the hospital will be equipped with technologically advanced innovations implemented during COVID, many of them designed to make patient communication with physicians, staff and families the very best and most effective in any health care facility. Even though the hospital won't be fully operational until 2025, we have several services and specialties opening in 2024.