Ultrasound Technologist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures.
  
  

• Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination.
  
  

• Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information, to include contraindication, patient prep, and limitations to the sonography exam.
  
  

• Assist with medical record/image sharing as necessary.
  
  

• Use proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety, and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer.
  
  

• Apply independent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures.
  
  

• Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images.
  
  

• Except as authorized by written facility policies and procedures, refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis questions to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional.
  
  

• Review examination images to meet QA standards, synthesize examination results to include incidental findings, prepare the preliminary findings, and provide preliminary report.
  
  

• Provide patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Sonographer.
  
  

• Assist with medical record/image sharing as necessary.
  
  

• Reports and documents US safety incidents/ adverse events per protocol.
  
  

• Assist with the daily operation of the sonography facility.
  
  

• Exercise responsibility to ensure that the ultrasound equipment is functioning accurately.
  
  

• Uses radiology information systems (including PACS), completes all required records and reports, archives and submits images for physician review and interpretation.
  
  

• Utilize electronic medical record and structured reporting system to document pertinent patient information.
  
  

• Work with the appropriate staff to ensure quality patient care.
  
  

• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with co-workers, administrators, and members of the health care team.
  
  

• Assist radiologist and/or other providers with procedures as needed including but not limited to surgical procedures
  
  

• Foster a collaborative atmosphere with other members of the healthcare team.
  
  

• Assist with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.
  
  

• Expert level knowledge of high level disinfection policy and procedure.
  
  

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS


To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:


Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.


Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.


Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.


Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE


Graduate of an accredited School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography


Minimum One (1) to Three (3) years of experience preferred


Will consider new graduates


CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE


ARDMS or ARRT sonography registered or registry eligible. Registry eligible partners must become registered within 12 months of hire (AB, OB, RVT, BR, MSK, PS)


All partners must be registered in a second clinical specialty within 2 years of hire; as approved by the partner's department leadership. (AB, OB, RVT, BR, MSK, PS)


Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days of hire


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS


Passing the Driver's License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring).


Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check.


Must be able to follow written/oral instructions.


OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES


Problem Solving- Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.


Interpersonal Skills- Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.


Oral Communication- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.


Written Communication- Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information.


Professionalism- Approaches other in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.


Adaptability- Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.


WORK ENVIRONMENT


The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


Occupational Exposure: Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure.


AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED


Neonate (birth - 28 days)


Infant (29 days - less than 1 year)


Pediatric (1 year - 12 years)


Adolescents (13 years - 17 years)


Adult (18 years - 64 years)


Geriatric (65 years and older)


INFORMATION ACCESS


Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties.


WORK CONTACT GROUP


Partners, physicians, patients/family, visitors, vendors


SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS


The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.


While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. The employee must frequently lift and/or move patients using appropriate patient transfer equipment; gait belts, Hoyer lift, hovermat, slider boards, etc. Moving (pushing, pulling) patients in wheelchairs and patient carts. Equipment- moving (pushing and pulling) portable imaging equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.


LEVEL OF SUPERVISION


Works independently with limited direct supervision.


SUPERVISES


Provides clinical supervision of allied health students and radiology aides.

PAY RANGE:

$35.85 - $53.77

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
  
• Life & Disability Insurance
  
• FSA/HSA Options
  
• Generous, accruing paid time off
  
• Paid Parental and caregiver leave
  
• Career advancement and educational opportunities
  
• Tuition and certification reimbursement
  
• Certification Reimbursement
  
• Well-being Programs
  
• Employee Discounts
  
• On-Demand Pay
  
• Financial Education
  
• Annual recognition/awards events
  
• Partner appreciation days
  
• Family entertainment/attractions discount
  
• Community service/improvement opportunities
  

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.

At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

• #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50
• One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers
• A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women