US Quality Assurance Spec

Reporting to the Clinical Manager of Ultrasound, the Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist facilitates the US QA program and provides appropriate education to the staff which includes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating both orientation and continuing education programs to enhance the quality of patient care services. The US Quality Assurance Specialist oversees the US students including their clinical requirements, completing required clinical paperwork (competencies, evaluations, timecards etc.), and is the point of contact for the clinical instructors from each program. The US Quality Assurance Specialist must possess an advanced knowledge of US, the associated imaging techniques, and exercise discretion and judgment optimizing imaging for each exam. Collaborates with staff, radiologists, and department leadership to ensure exam protocols, patient care processes and image quality are optimized. In conjunction with the Clinical Manager and Assistant Clinical Director (ACD), assists with third party accreditation processes, including but not limited to, The Joint Commission (TJC), Department of Public Health (DPH), Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS). Collaborates with department leadership and other educators to develop, implement, and evaluate learning opportunities.

The incumbent must have proven problem-solving skills, to be able to assist and provide leadership and training for the students and sonographers. Must be an active participant in departmental initiatives. The incumbent needs to effectively communicate with students, peers, physicians, and patients to ensure safety and quality of imaging.

The incumbent may be required to rotate among main campus and community Radiology locations associated with Brigham and Women’s Hospital as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Collaborates with the ACD for accreditation and maintains quality assurance to meet third party agencies, including but not limited to TJC, DPH, CMS
2. Collaborates with staff, radiologists, and department leadership to ensure exam protocols, patient care processes, and image quality are optimized.
3. Functions as a scanning sonographer to maintain optimal direct patient care skills as well as maintain imaging skills. Performs high quality exams, has an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology can operate and utilize all types of ultrasound related equipment and supplies.
4. Assists in the orientation of new employees and formally and informally instructs technologists and residents.
5. Works with ultrasound management team with assessing sonographers through the competency program for new hires, new trainings, and for annual competencies
6. Coordinates training for all staff (technologists, students, etc.) in the use of general US applications and special imaging applications (contrast, elastography, 3D, etc.) and research imaging
7. Instructs the ultrasound students within the clinical setting on all aspects of patient care. This includes but is not limited to imaging, professionalism, safety techniques, empathetic listening, and all other attributes for a diagnostic exam and positive patient experience. Elicit feedback from the staff and uses that to further develop the students. Coordinate student trainings and evaluates students according to competencies outlined by the Medical Sonography Programs.
8. Assists with all quality assurance procedures that are necessary for the department. This includes and is not limited to technical feedback, annual competencies, and prepping team for regulatory visits.
9. The QA specialist will develop training and lead the education process for staff technologists and students to improve individual and department-wide performance, based on information coming through the technical feedback program.
10. Acts as a liaison between the Medical Sonography Programs, Department of Radiology and Hospital Divisions. Addresses any issues that may arise.
11. Responsible for all clinical documentation that the Medical Sonography Programs require.
12. Performs all staff sonographer duties as required.
13. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

1. Graduate of an accredited school of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and/or Imaging Program with 3-5 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist.
2. Must meet the requirements and successfully complete the ARDMS certification (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) and/or ARRT (S) (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) and/or equivalent.
3. Must become registered in all the institution’s accredited specialties: first or second specialty must be completed within one year of start of employment. Additional specialty within second year of employment.
4. Associate’s Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Will accept 15 years of experience in lieu of Associate degree.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.