Perinatal Sonographer

Job Requirements

POSITION SUMMARY

The Perinatal Sonographer will provide Perinatology Ultrasound Technician services to both inpatients and outpatients in Labor and Delivery and the Perinatal Diagnostic and Ultrasound Center. The Perinatal Sonographer is under the supervision of the Division Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine or their designee but is able to work with minimal supervision. The Perinatal Sonographer is to assure the highest quality and accuracy in perinatal ultrasound and that optimal care is provided in a caring and professional environment. Reviews results for quality and completeness and refers to physician for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Requires ARDMS and/or ARRT Ultrasound certification or eligibility for certification.

Work Experience

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Duties:

1. Explains process to patient, and instructs and assists patient in assuming physical position for examination. Responds to patient's concerns and questions.
2. Demonstrates the ability to consistently perform accurate perinatal ultrasound examinations and demonstrates skill in performing limited, comprehensive and detailed obstetrical ultrasound, biophysical profiles, nuchal translucency, localizations for amniocentesis, follow up growth scans and transvaginal ultrasounds and Doppler ultrasound.
3. Demonstrates the ability to assist Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians with invasive procedures; including amniocentesis, fetal intrauterine transfusion, amnio-reduction, sonohysterography, and other invasive procedures as indicated.
4. Demonstrates the ability to obtain limited clinical information from the patient to determine the most appropriate procedure(s) to perform.
5. Demonstrates the ability to conduct ultrasound examinations to consistently perform accurate Perinatology Ultrasound examinations including, but not limited to Obstetrical Targeted and Detailed fetal ultrasound, biophysical profiles, nuchal translucency, localizations for amniocentesis, Doppler ultrasound, 3D/4D ultrasound, follow up growth scans and transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds with the ability to normal and abnormal fetal anatomy, placental architecture and location, uterine structure and amniotic fluid volume and fetal anatomy.
6. Demonstrates ability to differentiate fetal anatomical abnormalities, maintain the ability to identify subtle changes of color hue. Differentiates vascular abnormalities by identifying sub changes in sound (Doppler)
7. Demonstrates ability to make timely notification to the Perinatologist of all findings and immediate notification of any life threatening or significant findings.
8. Demonstrates a firm knowledge in fetal and maternal physiology and fetal anatomy relevant to obstetrics and continues to be familiar with evidenced-based clinical principles and must be a continuous learner and participate in didactic activities.
9. Demonstrates ability to conduct daily quality control testing as required to ensure consistency in quality. Conducts daily visual checks on equipment. Reports all deviations to the Perinatologist, removes defective equipment from use and assures items are repaired.
10. Demonstrates a familiarity with ICD-10 and CPT coding with an ability to assign appropriate codes to the ultrasound study.
11. Demonstrates the ability to generate a preliminary ultrasound report with the inclusion of ICD-10 and CPT codes for the Perinatologist to review and finalize.
12. Demonstrates a willingness to be scheduled to perform perinatal ultrasound at a variety of clinical satellite locations under Dimensions Healthcare System and to rotate among the various sites with minimal supervision.
13. Demonstrates ability to maintain knowledge of emergency procedures, location of life support equipment and supplies for emergency readiness.
14. Demonstrates ability to position and transfer patients using appropriate body mechanics and transfer devices. Assures that assistance is obtained when necessary to assure safety.
15. Demonstrates the ability to obtain patient vital signs including pulse and blood pressure.
16. Demonstrates the ability to schedule appointments, enter departmental charges, assure adequate supplies, keep workspace clean and orderly, answer telephones, take messages and other office functions as needed.
17. Demonstrates ability to consistently assure the safety of the patient and the employee through the use of standard precautions.
18. Demonstrates ability to actively participate in the implementation and set-up of Perinatology reporting and archival system.
19. Demonstrates the ability to participate in the facility goals for AIUM accreditation.
20. Demonstrates the ability to perform proper high-level disinfection of endovaginal probes using Trophon systems. Maintain daily quality control for infection control requirements.
21. Demonstrates an ability to support the Lead Sonographer in Perinatal Center quality assurance program by assisting in audits of ultrasound studies on a quarterly basis as assigned by the Lead Perinatal Sonographer and under the supervision of the Lead Perinatal Sonographer, will participate in the development of protocols for clinical and administrative operations.
22. Demonstrates appropriate assessment skills prior to performing the ultrasound procedure and notifies the Perinatologist, when appropriate: Patient identification; Clinical condition (i.e., pregnant, isolation, risk to fall, etc.); Special needs (i.e., blind, hard of hearing, limited English speaking); Correct patient position to obtain the proper view of affected area.; Patient's understanding of process; Obtains informed consent, when appropriate; Completes worksheet appropriately for all exams.
23. Performs Ultrasound procedures as prescribed by a Physician: Seeks clarification when test request is not clear with the department head and/or physician before tests are administered; Selects equipment for use in ultrasound setup according to specifications of examination; Selects correct technical factors to obtain optimal film diagnostics; Assists Perinatologist during interventional procedures; Performs ultrasound in operating room procedures when requested
24. Operates equipment to perform ultrasound procedures: Safely operates and troubleshoots equipment in accordance with department standards; Performs Quality Control and Quality Assurance procedures for equipment to ensure proper function; Notifies supervisor when maintenance is required for ultrasound equipment.
25. Accurately performs image capture using digital US equipment.
26. Correctly utilizes the PACS system to send images for interpretation and long term storage
27. Links and associates studies per the departmental policy and procedure.
28. Utilizes image scanner for prior studies and create CD's as needed for patients.
29. Uses correct identifiers for patient studies and matches images to patient demographics
30. Performs appropriate patient tracking in radiology and hospital information system as well as chart entries (trip ticket, education form, patient and or progress notes, patient history, consent, procedure and contract information)
31. Safely transports patients to and from Imaging Services.
32. Documents performance of ultrasound procedures in accordance with department policies
33. Image Management: a. Processes film digitally; b. Follows procedures to label and store images and film
34. Assists with general clerical duties, phones, scheduling, appointments, patient registration and processing

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including eye contact when appropriate.
2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" Using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.
3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.
4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.
5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.
6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.
7. Must be able to develop and maintain working relationship with local response partners. (Fire and health Department, State's Attorney's Office, Police etc)

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.
2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.
3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.
4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences
5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department.

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service protocol in all interactions.
2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.
3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).
4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).
5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and
6. Title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.
7. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.
8. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).
9. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.
2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.
3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.
4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.
5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.
6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.
7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.
8. Position requires a large amount of time meeting with UMCAP departments and traveling to all facilities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Licensure/Certification/Registration

Required : Current ARDMS and/or ARRT Ultrasound certification in good standing


Preferred: RDMS certification in good standing

Other: RDMS certification or ARRT certification preferred, however, if not ARDMS or ARRT certified, it is


required that certification occurs within 1 year of hire date. Certification in Nuchal Translucency and Fetal


Echocardiogram is peferable but not required

Certifications: Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)

Applicable Experience


Experience (years): Required: 1 - 3 years

Experience (describe required & preferred): Minimum of one year experience as a Perinatal


Sonographer/Ultrasound Technologist.

Technical/Clinical Skills

Basic knowledge and working experience with Medical Terminology