Overview

CHI St. Vincent a regional health network serving Arkansas is part of CommonSpirit Health. We have served Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Together with more than 4500 coworkers 1000 medical staff and 500 volunteers we consistently receive praise for care advancements. CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health in 2019. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. CHI St. Vincent provides you with the same level of care you provide to others. 

Responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY: Provides clerical and technical support to the Sonography Department under supervision of the Cardiologist, Heart Station supervisor or coordinating technologist. 

CORE COMPETENCIES & PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Patient Assessment:

Completes a comprehensive assessment on patients of all ages.

Obtains pertinent medical history from patients by observation or with oral communication.

Performs patient assessment to determine:

Patient’s physical ability to undergo the imaging procedure as neededWhat patient care is needed during the procedureWhat modification of the procedure may be required by the age or state of the patientIf there are contraindications to performing the procedure as orderedDocumentation:

Utilizes patient clinical assessment and patient clinical history in making professional judgment that supports the plan of patient care and properly documents the patient assessment and clinical history.

Exercises professional judgment in performance of services and maintains a demeanor complimentary to medical ethics.

Capable of using EHR

Documents pertinent medical history from patients in CPACS..

Completes appropriate forms correctly:

Uses immobilizing devices as required by the patient’s age, condition or the procedure as determined by patient assessment.

Using professional judgment:

Performs the procedure as ordered with proper and appropriate indications for procedure.Modifies procedure as required through knowledge gained by patient assessment without compromising diagnostic or therapeutic outcome.

Actively assist in meeting all department accrediting and licensing standards including:

State Health Department.Any other state, local or federal agency as required.

Communication:

Ensures that communication supports the plan of patient care.

Communicates clearly with patients of all ages, peers and others in order to complete the hospital/physician plan of patient care.

Notifies the patient’s Cardiologist of any patient issues that affect the plan of patient care:

Or notifies the nurse on the patient’s unit or the physician’s office nurse if the physician is not available.

Procedures:

Provides appropriate patient care during the correct performance of sonography procedures.

Performs appropriate patient care conditions essential for the completion of the procedure for patients.

Performs sonographic procedures on patients of all ages properly, according to the sonography Procedure.

Performs department protocol for obtaining diagnostic images.

Safely transports wheelchair, stretcher and ambulatory patients.

Documents technical factors on all procedures immediately upon completion of the procedure.

Performs clerical tasks to support the patient plan of care.

Assist the Radiologist within the sonographers’ scope of practice as directed by the physician.Education:

Provides education for students, patients, self and others appropriate for the age that is being served.

Completes mandatory in-services.

Maintains CPR certification according to Health Care Provider course standards by the American Heart Association.

Attends school faculty meetings or monthly department meetings.

Participates in continuous quality improvements activities. (CQI) 

Environment:

Maintains a safe environment for patients, self and others.

Avoid any mechanical, biological, radiation or electrical hazard and report potential hazards immediately.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High school graduate.  A minimum of twelve (12) months education in a JRCERT accredited School of Diagnostic Sonography.

Experience:  Twelve (12) months education in a JRCERT accredited School of Sonography

Physical Requirements: The physical activities involve balancing, climbing, crawling, grasping, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, stooping and use of fingers and repetitive movements.  An individual in this position may be required to carry or lift weight of up to fifty (50) pounds and push/pull one hundred/one hundred-fifty 100-150 pounds.  The sensory and communicative activities required for this position include feeling, hearing, seeing, smelling and speaking.  Individuals in this position could possibly be exposed to inside environmental conditions, blood borne pathogens and body fluids, chemical hazards, respiratory hazards and radiological hazards.

Skills:   Able to use complex imaging equipment and computers.  Demonstrates good interpersonal skills and readily adapts to changing events in the department environment.