Description

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Medical Sonographer functions as a healthcare professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the supervising physician with the diagnosis and treatment by acquiring ultrasound imaging. Works closely with the radiologist and assisting with interventional procedures, presenting images and data for interpretation. Accepts additional assignments and tasks as department needs evolve. Sonographer performance is consistent with their education and training, and in accordance with professional standards in accordance with the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the facility policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Ultrasound Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises designated staff as delegated by manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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

2. Adept at explaining the ultrasound process and helping patient to relax.

3. Ensure examination order is complete, contains relevant clinical information and meets standard of “medical necessity”.

4. Evaluate any contraindications, patient prep, and the patient’s inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination.

5. Use proper patient positioning, devices, equipment adjustments, and correct scanning techniques for patient comfort and safety.

6. Practice ergonomically correct scanning positioning to prevent injury to the sonographer.

7. Review patient medical records and supporting clinical information.

8. Obtain patient clinical information and perform correct examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols.

9. Apply independent, professional, ethical judgment in acquiring accurate examination, incidental findings of appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical images per written protocols by the interpreting physician.

10. Review the examination, integrate images, prepare preliminary reports/worksheets for use by the interpreting physician.

11. Report any identified limitations during the examination to the interpreting physician

12. As necessary, acquire additional ultrasound images needed for optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.

13. Ensure that examination report results meet the provided facility standard for quality assurance.

14. Disinfects ultrasound equipment and transducers between each patient in accordance to Infectious Control Standards and equipment manufactured recommendations.

15. Maintain cleaned work area, instruments, patient rooms and disinfect as outlined in the Infectious Control Manual.

16. Assist with training of new staff sonographers.

17. Restocks ultrasound room supplies daily.

18. Maintain daily required quality control test.

19. Maintain monthly required expiration dates for medical supplies.

20. Maintain patient privacy policy in accordance with HIPPA and facility policies.

21. Report any findings that may impact patient safety or patient care to the Manager.

22. Demonstrate proficiency with computer skills, software programs, and picture archiving and communication (PAC), systems used for documentation, report generation, MD Charge, scheduling patients or other departmental needs.

23. Assist with the daily operation of the ultrasound department or facility site

24. Reports end of day exam totals to Manager and Director.

25. Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with co-works, director, physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

Requirements

EDUCATION:

High School diploma or GED, Completion of a certified Ultrasound program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one year or more experience and/or training in cardiac sonography.

REQUIREMENTS:

ARDMS registered or registry eligible; CPR certificate maintained, BLS certificate maintained.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Knowledge of ultrasound, protocols, policies and procedures
2. Knowledge of operating PC and accessing applicable programs
3. Skills in production of ultrasound and exams meeting physician expectations.
4. Ability to effectively care for patients and families across all points of the adult/adolescent continuum, including physiological care, psychosocial care, education, safety and appropriate criteria.
5. Ability to multitask in a fast-passed clinical environment, engage patient, peers and manager in a dedicated, supporting, respectful and effective manner, maintain cooperative relationships with interdepartmental personnel.
6. Has the ability to adapt to change.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to communicable diseases, blood and bodily fluids, ionizing radiation and other conditions common to radiology settings.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Combination of walking, bending, reaching, lifting transferring activities. Must be able to use correct body mechanics to assist patients appropriately. Occasional stress from multiple requests.