Ultrasonographer

UltrasonographerThe Diagnostic Medical Sonographer utilizes high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and relate data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care.Job Qualifications:Graduation from a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is required; graduation from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) – accredited program is preferred. Bachelor's degree preferred.Skills, Experience and Licensure:Must be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in General Sonography or registered by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Registration by ARDMS must be obtained within first year of employment to include vascular technology (i.e. abdomen, OB/GYN). Current compliance with continuing medical education (CME) requirements for specialties as appropriate.Previous experience as a certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is preferred.Ability to make independent decisions; performs well under stress. Must be skilled in providing care for newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.Duties and Responsibilities:Complete medical history and/or assessment of general condition is performed and documented prior to examination. Documents two forms of patient identification meeting Joint Commission Standards. Participates in and documents time outs. Assure appropriate informed consent is completedPossess knowledge and skills to care for the following patients in a medical center setting: newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatricAnswers patient's questions and assists with patient scheduling as required. Assures efficient throughput and productivity while assuring quality patient carePre-procedure patient screening is completed. Examination room is set up properly according to physician, radiologist, or procedure requirementsProcedure is completed using cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images. Patient safety and comfort is maintained throughout procedure. Radiologist or physician is assisted; knowledge and skill of semi-special procedures, sterile techniques, and special instrumentation is demonstrated. Portable examinations are performed in surgery or patient rooms in an effective and efficient manner. Assists with patient transit as needed. Proper hand off communication is documented. Hand hygiene, standard precautions and isolation procedures are followed as appropriate for all patients. Applies professional ethicsConducts clinical teaching/image critique and observation of student sonographers and technologists in clinical education. Provides direct and indirect supervision to students and personnelProcedure documentation is produced utilizing all imaging equipment and is appropriately placed/retrieved for the Radiologist's interpretation. Evaluates images for quality, demonstration of anatomical structures sand legal requirements for each procedureEquipment set up for procedure is accurate and timely. Computer knowledge and skill is demonstrated. Acquisition and processing of images is effective and efficient. Maintains adequate stock of supplies and equipment in assigned room or areaCompletes radiology requisition with appropriate information and initials. Performs required office/clerical duties and procedure documentationPerforms QA testing as requested. Provides quality care with appropriate documentationAttends departmental meetings as required and participates in developmental/continuing education meetings to maintain and improve skillsContinually updates education as required for National professional certificationContinually updates education as required by HHMC/Joint Commission/OSHA, etc. standardsAssists in more than one specialized modality examination after competency is approvedCompletes specialty certification/registration such as RVT for individual modality certificationPursues ongoing continuing education in professional practice and certification. Active participation in off-site professional seminars, etcConducts cross-training of personnel/students as assigned