Ultrasound Research Specialist

The Ultrasound Research Specialist will perform a variety of high quality clinical and research ultrasound imaging and related exams for both clinical and investigational purposes while providing excellent patient care. Will undergo hands on training in other neurodiagnostic research techniques including (but not confined to) EEG and near-infrared spectroscopy.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's Degree (Required)

Minimum Work Experience

1 year of clinical ultrasound imaging experience in a hospital or out-patient environment (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge

Demonstrates appropriate patient care, technical, procedural and evaluation skills.

Ability to use MS Office (Word, Power Point, and Excel) required. Demonstrates proficiency to perform a variety of clinical and research procedures independently, consistently and effectively. Demonstrates skillful operation of imaging equipment and related components.

Demonstrates good judgment when correlating patient history with scanning protocols.

Possesses adequate knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy.

Familiarity with contrast medications used for ultrasound exams. Demonstrable ability to coordinate IRB projects in conjunction with PI.

Must be flexible and be able to function in highly stressful & fast-paced environments.

Excellent professional communication skills - both oral and written.

Required Licenses and Certifications

ARDMS and RVT (Required)

Functional Accountabilities

Research

Assist the faculty to develop, enhance and maintain cardiac research initiatives.

Ensure adherence to all aspects of human subject research standards and protocols.

Perform research studies at Children’s National Hospital and its affiliated NICUs in D.C., northern Virginia and Maryland

Assist to collect and develop data for interventional and diagnostic cardiac research.

Assist researchers with development of new devices, protocols, etc.; assist with development of publications.

Assist with development of multi-center conference educational material; be able to present at local, national, or international conferences.

Quality Control

Verify exam requests with patient information; ensure exam images have the correct patient data.

Check exam orders and exam charges for accuracy; completes RIS assignments accurately and in a timely manner; verify exams are loaded onto Picture Archival Communication System (PACS).

Acknowledge and respond to performance improvement feedback from Radiology Faculty.

Perform all exams in an efficient manner, with the ability to recognize when to make scan sequence adjustments to enhance images.

Patient Care

Ensure the cleanliness of scanners and exam rooms; patient exam related items are stocked and prepared in advance to facilitate efficiency.

Introduce self and role to patient; communicate and explain exam procedures to patients/parents; communicate with patient/parent throughout the exam and visit to MR Department; discharge patient/parent with appropriate follow-up information.

Report patient/family customer service issues to MR Manager in a timely manner.

Confer with faculty and colleagues when confronted with an unfamiliar problem.

Scanning will include both research and clinical patients.

Professional Development

Maintain ARDMS and RVT certifications.

Attend appropriate seminars and in-services sponsored by Prenatal and Transitional Medicine, Radiology Department, or Children’s National.

Participate in Quality Assurance Initiatives to enhance ultrasound within Prenatal and Transitional Medicine.

Maintain CPR certification.

Daily Work Flow

Monitor exam orders to identify opportunities to perform exams.

Monitor adherence to research-specific documentation and requirements prior to performing exams.

Track data related to research under guidance of physicians and/or Principal Investigators.

Consistent email review for department and hospital operation updates.

Communicate with colleagues in a collaborative manner to promote a positive work environment.

Organizational Accountabilities

Organizational Accountabilities (Staff)

Organizational Commitment/Identification

Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

Partner with all team members to achieve goals

Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

Contribute to a positive work environment

Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

Use resources efficiently

Search for less costly ways of doing things

Safety

Speak up when team members appear to exhibit unsafe behavior or performance

Continuously validate and verify information needed for decision making or documentation

Stop in the face of uncertainty and takes time to resolve the situation

Demonstrate accurate, clear and timely verbal and written communication

Actively promote safety for patients, families, visitors and co-workers

Attend carefully to important details - practicing Stop, Think, Act and Review in order to self-check behavior and performance