Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, General

Description

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.

Requirements

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

• 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.