Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, General and Vascular

Ultrasonic Technician

Performs two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D when required) ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for the diagnosis of disease and study of the malfunction of organs.

Qualifications:

High School graduate or equivalent required

Graduate from an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is required

Successful completion of The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography examination for Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) required

Must be eligible for registry requirements by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and have a certification in each area of specialty, etc. OB/GYN, Abdomen, Breast

Successful completion of The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography for Vascular Sonography required

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate

Role and Responsibilities:

Analyses sonography exams, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates to the appropriate physician

Verifies patient identification and examination to be performed before starting a procedure

Maintains accurate Ultrasound Trophon Disinfecting Logs used for the Quality Assurance Program for the ultrasound probes.

Reports equipment malfunction or damage to the department manager in a timely manner and contacts appropriate equipment maintenance contract for service calls

Assumes responsibility for assigned area; controls inventory of supplies for assigned area and cleans and disinfects exam rooms and equipment as required.

Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient, including pediatric, geriatric and general population.

Uses independent judgment during exams to accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings

Assumes care for physical and psychological needs of patients during examinations and procedures

Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients during examinations and procedures.

Practices aseptic techniques and infection control protocols as necessary

Understands and practices proper use of all equipment; never operates equipment inconsistent with manufacturer's instruction.

Calibrates, cleans and performs routine maintenance on equipment to ensure proper functioning

Stocks and replenishes supplies as needed in each room

Explains exams to the patient. Instructs and assists the patient in assuming the physical position for examination.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations

Performs invasive ultrasound procedures and follows disinfecting protocols

Performs abdominal ultrasound studies, OB/GYN ultrasound studies as required, performs breast ultrasound procedures, if applicable, and assists in ultrasound guidance procedures as needed

Selects appropriate equipment for use in ultrasound setup, following exam specifications

Selects appropriate transducer and adjusts the equipment controls according to the organ to be examined, the depth of the field, and other specifications of the study

Moves the transducer by hand over specified areas of the body and observes sound waves displayed on the screen to monitor the quality of the ultrasonic pattern produced

Obtains permanent record of internal examination by capturing the necessary images of an organ(s) shown on the display monitor and sends the images to the Picture Archiving and Communication System

Maintains records of ultrasound images taken; calculates, compiles and records data from numerical readings on patient's medical record and related documents

Able to assess patient pain interfering with imaging procedure and makes appropriate physician contact for intervention if necessary

Documentation meets current standards and hospital policy

Discusses test results with attending physician and/or radiologist as needed.

Performs clerical duties, schedules patient appointments, etc.

Requirements:

Support Cogdell Memorial Hospital's mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy

Adhere to Cogdell Memorial Hospital's Compliance Program

Assure/maintain compliance with all accreditation, statutory and regulatory standards at the local, state, and federal levels

Maintain in current status, licenses/certifications and memberships in applicable professional organizations

Attend mandatory department meetings and participates by offering ideas/solutions in problem solving situations/activities

Attend meetings held within the hospital when employees are mandated to attend

Comply with all organizational policies

Demonstrate outstanding customer service/advocacy, professionalism and integrity

Meet dress code standards, appearance is neat and clean

Report to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated times

Consistently complete and maintain assigned duties

Wear identification badge while on duty and uses computerized punch time system correctly

Actively participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities

Adjust works hours/schedule as needed to meet the needs and demands of the department and hospital

Aware of the Emergency Disaster Plan and how to respond if a disaster occurs

Respond within the 30 minute response time when on call

Work effectively with others, demonstrates leadership and teaching ability and the ability to work under pressure

Appreciation of and desire to be a part of a health care team dedicated to providing patients optimal care

Perform other duties as assigned or as judgment dictates

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Strong reasoning/critical thinking skills

Excellent time management, collaboration, prioritization and problem-solving skills

Proficiency with computer skills including Microsoft Office applications

Willingness to adapt to change and support new technologies as well as policies and procedures in a positive manner

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

High-stress environment

Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions

Pushing and pulling heavy objects

Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients

Position requires moderate to heavy lifting of 50+lbs

Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing

Mental demands include: alertness, analytic ability, memory, concentration, judgment, initiative, precision, creativity and communication.