POSITION SUMMARY: The sonographer must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. Additionally, the sonographer is competent in production, use, recognition, and analysis of ultrasound images and patterns used for patient diagnosis and treatment.
Sonographers are the primary liaison between patients, licensed practitioners, and other members of the support team. Sonographers must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring, and patient care skills. Sonographers use independent, professional, ethical judgment and critical thinking.
Quality improvement and customer service allow the sonographer to be a responsible member of the health care team by continually assessing professional performance.
Sonographers engage in continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence while embracing lifelong learning.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Completion of a CAAHEP approved Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or equivalent, that includes didactic and clinical sections.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three (3) years experience in a full service Ultrasound department. Must demonstrate the following qualities: Effective communication skills, initiative, problem-solving ability, accountability, flexibility, stress management.
LICENSURE/REGISTRATION: ARDMS certified with completion of registry.
PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Must receive training in Connect Care Lab/Rad Module within one month from date of hire. Must pass the Connect Care Lab/Rad Module with a grade of 84 or higher.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Ultrasound technologist will verify patient identification, obtain clinical history by interview or chart, verify requested procedure correlates with clinical history and presentation, contact appropriate personnel in the event of any contraindications.
Educates patient and family of procedure to be performed, responds to patient / family questions or concerns. Refers specific diagnostic or prognosis questions to physician. Ensures patient safety and comfort during procedures.
Follows department protocols. Uses independent judgment to adapt procedure plan to optimize examination results. Recognizes sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues, structures and blood flow. Adjusts scanning technique to optimize image quality.
Analyzes sonographic findings throughout exam, determining proper images to record for interpretation. Provides written summary of findings / differential diagnosis to interpreting physician. Ensures exam is complete and sufficient data is submitted for physician to provide a final diagnosis.
Notifies appropriate health care provider when immediate medical attention is needed. Recognizes the need for an urgent call report based on assessment of examination findings.
Maintains and completes all exam paperwork and logs as instructed. Ensures all documentation is timely, accurate, concise and complete. Properly charges for exams in Radiology Information System. Ensures all proper documentation and information is entered into the PACS system in a timely, accurate manner.
Ensures all equipment is in safe working condition. Participates in ongoing quality assurance and improvement activities as assigned to enhance diagnostic services. Maintains professional credentials. Follows principles stated in the SDMS Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice for Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals.
Performing diagnostic ultrasound procedures or examinations upon the order of, or for, diagnostic interpretation by a licensed practitioner.
Preparing patient for procedures, including providing instructions to obtain desired results, gain cooperation, and minimize anxiety.
Corroborating patient's clinical history with procedure, ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed practitioner.
Selecting and operating ultrasound equipment and associated devices to achieve desired results.
Positioning patient and equipment to best demonstrate anatomic area of interest, respecting patient ability and comfort.
Immobilizing patients as required for appropriate examination.
Determining ultrasonic frequencies and appropriate transducers for the anatomic area of interest.
Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
Verifying informed consent.
Assisting a licensed practitioner with interventional procedures such as needle localizations, aspirations, biopsies, and amniocentesis.
Performing venipuncture, where state statute(s) and/or institutional policy permits.
Assuming responsibility for physical and psychological needs of patients during procedures.
Preparing, identifying, and/or administering contrast media and/or medications as prescribed by a licensed practitioner with the appropriate clinical and didactic education where state and/or institutional policy permits.
Initiating basic life support action when necessary.
Providing patient education.
Assisting in maintaining records, respecting confidentiality and established policy.
Assuming responsibility for assigned area and reporting equipment malfunctions.
Providing practical instruction for students and/or other health care professionals.
Participating in the department's quality assessment and improvement plan.
Being responsible for control of inventory care and control of specific ultrasound items.
Purchasing supplies for area of responsibility.
Practicing aseptic technique and observing universal precautions.
Administering medications at the physician’s request according to policy.
Starting and maintaining intravenous (IV) access per orders when applicable.
Insure patient history and acceptable ordering diagnosis is properly documented on patient requisitions and in the PACS system. Scan all written physician orders and any other required written documentation for any procedure performed in the department into the PACS system.
Demonstrate proficiency in all computer systems needed to perform the job effectively.
Practice cost effective use of supplies.
Possesses good leadership skills.
Leads staff in designating duties, providing schedules, and supporting upper management.
Provides director with all monthly reports.
Responsible for insuring that all governmental and regulatory guidelines are maintained in the Ultrasound department.
Schedules all services and preventative maintenance.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com