Ultrasound Tech, Athol Ultrasound

Job Title

Ultrasound Technologist

Job Description

Heywood Healthcare values our employees! We offer competitive wages, great benefits and generous earned time off. Come work where you will matter!

Produces two-dimensional ultrasonic recordings of internal organs, using ultrasound equipment, for use by physician in diagnosis of disease and study of malfunction of organs: Selects equipment for use in ultrasound setup according to specifications of examination. Explains process to patient, and instructs and assists patient in assuming physical position for examination. Selects transducer and adjusts equipment controls according to organ to be examined, depth of field, and other specifications of test. Keys test data and patient information into computer to maintain record of test results. Moves transducer, by hand, over specified area of body and observes sound wave display screen to monitor quality of ultrasonic pattern produced. Starts equipment which produces images of internal organs and records diagnostic data on computer system or film. Saves images of organs shown on display module to obtain permanent record of internal examination. Discusses test results with supervisor or attending physician. Performs other related duties as required or needed.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Assures that all Ultrasound images are of optimum diagnostic quality so that radiologist can make an accurate interpretation of the images.
• Follows pre-determined image criteria to assess images to determine that all images include all required measurements, volumes, heart rates and anatomical information.
• Assures all images include all required demographic information, charts, graphs, measurements and that the images are of diagnostic quality.
• Operates all diagnostic ultrasound processing and printing equipment to create a quality final image and ensures all required data is on the final printed data sheet.
• Operates ultrasound equipment and selects the correct computer and technical factors.
• Properly operates image processors and printers to ensure diagnostic quality images.
• Assesses patients to ensure optimum selected technical techniques are used.
• Utilizes pre-determined techniques, appropriate gains, transducers and technical factors to optimize image.
• Utilizes equipment settings and a variety of positioning techniques.
• Reviews physician orders for accuracy prior to start of examination to ensure that the appropriate exam is completed.
• Coordinates a review of the requisition/order to determine that the correct examination has been ordered based on the clinical history provided.
• Documents on the requisition that the technologist has reviewed the order.
• Completes patient orders and charges, ensures exams are scheduled, ensures film accuracy and patient information so that proper records can be maintained.
• Accurately enters orders and charging procedures into the Meditech Computer System.
• Coordinates the daily schedule, operates the computer scheduling of exams, enters patient information into the Meditech Computer System.
• Operates the hospital computer system for film releases to ensure accuracy for film library staff.
• Coordinates daily work schedule and patient flow to ensure exams are completed on a timely basis.
• Properly positions patients to ensure all exams are of optimum quality
• Maintains a safe environment for patients by assuring that sharp objects, toxic substances and other objects potentially harmful to children are not accessible.
• Assures that the environment of care or services is free of objects which may contribute to the likelihood of patient falls, slips or trips. Makes readily available assistive devices for ambulation. Complies with policies and procedures relating to gait belts and similar devices.
• Is aware of the increased risk of falls, slips, and trips for elderly patients and visitors, and assures that the environment of care or services is free of objects and spills which may contribute to the likelihood of patient falls, slips, or trips.
• Is sensitive to the tendency of older patients to have hearing difficulties. Verifies that he or she is speaking with appropriate level of loudness so that the patient hears instructions, questions, and conversations with caregiver, but that offense is not given to the patient as the result of the voice being excessively loud. Is able to differentiate problems with hearing versus problems with comprehension.
• Correctly interprets verbal and nonverbal response to pain. Takes appropriate action to minimize the patient's level of pain by utilizing various pain management techniques and methods.
• Takes appropriate actions to assure physical security of children and complies with policies and procedures related to the prevention of neonate, infant and child abduction.
• Is aware of reduced endurance and strength present in many elderly, and provides accommodation for seating during extended interviews, discussions with secretaries, receptionists and other clerical personnel, or when the patient is waiting for transportation.

Statement of Other Duties

This document describes the major duties and responsibilities for this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that employees may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described.

Functional Demands

Physical Requirements Exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Frequently reaches (extending hands and arms in any direction), and handles (seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or working with hands). Occasionally stoop (bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist), crouches (bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine), and feels (perceiving attributes of items as size, shape, temperature, or texture by means of the fingertips).

Organizational Expectations

Behavioral Attributes The following behavioral attributes are required: achievement motivation, concern for order, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence, customer service oriented, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, analytical thinking and information seeking.

Qualifications

Job Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of Ultrasound Technology or Radiology Technology

Minimum Work Experience

• Previous experience performing ultrasound procedures is preferred or equivalent experience as determined by Department Manager

Required Licenses

• American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) registration in Ultrasound Technology required.
• AHA BLS required within 6 months of hire.

Required Skills

• Quality conscious; interpersonal skills; flexible in achieving multiple tasks; dependable; organized; independent judgment; high technical skills