Ultrasound Technician (PRN)

Description

This job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skills may be required.

The Ultrasound Technologists are to perform quality ultrasound examinations under the direction of the Director of Radiology and the Radiologists. Must be able to lift patients, push portables, work under stress, make independent judgments and deal professionally with others. They are responsible for assuring that services are provided in a manner that is consistent with Ohio County Hospital policies, procedures, and the hospital purpose, vision and values. Adheres to legal compliance and other regulatory policies. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Radiology, CT scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography, DEXA, and Nuclear Medicine.

Consistently standing on feet, frequently bending, stooping, lifting, pulling heavy objects, and pushing heavy equipment is required. Will be required to provide direct patient care, which requires both fine and gross motor skills. Subject to the hazard of contact with patients with communicable diseases and combative patients. Frequent exposure to blood borne pathogens is possible. Occasional exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals is possible. Must be able to take call as needed, work holidays, accept various shift assignments, and work occasional routine days off during vacations, sick, etc.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

1. Acceptable pre-employment health screening. (No communicable diseases or disabilities which would prevent the employee from being able to perform the required functions of the job description in accordance with the American Disabilities Act).
2. Emotional stability.
3. Ability to function effectively under stressful circumstances.
4. Acceptable attendance record.
5. Must be able to see with or without correction well enough to read, observe signs and symptoms, and read monitoring equipment.
6. Must be able to hear well enough to conduct a proper patient assessment, (blood pressure, breath sounds, etc.).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Communications.
2. Skills/Knowledge
3. Quality Control and Improvement
4. Equipment Maintenance and Safety
5. Patient Care/Satisfaction

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

 Communications

1. Keeps the Radiology Manager/Supervisor informed on matters which are or importance to the well being of the Ultrasound department, (safety, morale, work methods, equipment, procedures, staffing, transfers, etc.).
2. It is expected staff to attend 75% of department staff meetings through out the year as well as initial and date staff meeting minutes. And attends 100% of mandatory staff meetings unless approved by Manager or Supervisor in advance.
3. Attends 100% of mandatory hospital/department in-services. If not in attendance is responsible for obtaining information and understanding.
4. Regularly reviews posted memos, notes, and in-services. If not in attendance for in-services is responsible for obtaining information and understanding.
5. Maintain confidentiality and complies with HIPAA, protecting patient privacy at all times.
6. Establish a good rapport with physicians, physician office staff, other hospital departments, and maintain a good working relationship with radiology co-workers.
7. Informs Radiology Manager or Supervisor of actual or anticipated problems to include staffing, performance, physician issues, or patient related problems.
8. Listens attentively and requests clarification and/or feedback as indicated.
9. Supervises radiology assistant and radiology students.
10. If requested, will perform supervising and other reasonable management duties in absence of the Manager or Supervisor.
11. Will communicate any competency or proficiency needs to the department manager and take the initiative to obtain them on days off, different shifts, as needed to adequately perform job duties.
12. Demonstrates a cooperative attitude when interacting with others, is tactful, maintains composure and is diplomatic in all situations. Treats all hospital associates, visitors, with courtesy and respect. Shows enthusiasm for the job and supports the hospital’s purpose, vision, and values.
13. Demonstrates reliability and dependability in attendance and punctuality according to the hospital policies/procedures.
14. Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.

Skills/knowledge

1. Demonstrates solid understanding of all ultrasound procedures, anatomy, and ability to manipulate the transducers or patient in order to acquire desired diagnostic quality ultrasound image.
2. Possesses solid understanding of the equipment operation and attached components. Understands ultrasound physics and equipment functions. Possesses the capability to select proper protocol and transducer in order to obtain most diagnostic images. Consistently selects appropriate format and technique.
3. Will obtain thorough history and record all pertinent information on U/S worksheets. Will consult with the radiologist or attending physician for unclear orders/diagnosis.
4. Have room neat and orderly before and after exams, check supplies for adequate par level and expiration of any supplies, clean sheet/pillow case after every procedure, and performs proper hand washing technique before and after every patient.
5. Provide general safety for patients, family, and other US staff.
6. Follows departmental ID policy.
7. Wears ID badge while on duty.
8. Reviews order, patient chart, and any other pertinent information before proceeding with procedure. The attending technologist will check with the radiologist or the attending physician if further clarification is needed.
9. Completes all required patient worksheets completely/accurately and sends to radiologist.
10. Demonstrates competency with appropriate documentation within the patient chart. Follows hospital/departmental protocol and policies when documenting in the chart. Records the exact procedure completed and other pertinent patient information as handed off to the nursing staff, i.e. “hand off” policy
11. Demonstrates competency wit the Hospital Information System (CPSI), and Picture Archieve Communication System, (PACS). Meticulously records all pertinent patient/procedure information with CPSI, starts and completes each procedure as required before sending to PACS for radiologist review, interpretation, and storage.
12. Accurately enters patient information into ultrasound equipment and performs quality image verification at PACS Q.C. station. Ensures correct side is marked and verifies image quality prior to sending to radiologist. Follows ultrasound protocols as approved by radiologist.
13. Transmit images to PACS for emergency ultrasounds and/or scans of an urgent nature. Follows Critical Results Test policy. Completes verbal call report forms completely/accurately.
14. Periodically reviews ultrasound results for training/learning purposes and for accuracy of technologist impression.
15. Completes all work before leaving shift. Informs the next shift, call tech, or next day tech, or any pending procedures or issues.
16. Demonstrates competency with scheduling, CD burning, film duplication, and other paperwork functions.
17. Participates in orientation of new employees and students.
18. Maintains inventory to ensure proper quantity of supplies are kept within the ultrasound room. Consistently secures all cabinets and doors. Assures all medications/contrast are in date and kept secure at all times. Keeps work area neat and orderly.
19. Assesses work area environment for any patient/visitor/employee safety hazards. Reports all safety issues to Manager or supervisor ASAP.
20. Consistently assures all life support equipment/supplies, i.e., oxygen hook-up, suction hook-up, are maintained properly and in excellent working order at all times.
21. Will maintain continuing education as required by Kentucky State, ARRT, and ARDMS. Must maintain 6 US specific C.E.’s annually, Will promptly place a copy of renewed certificates prior to expiration dates in the certification bindor as well as a copy to the Radiology Manager.

Quality Control and Improvement

1. Will use quality improvement indicator forms.
2. Will report all equipment errors or quality control issues to supervisor and/or manager ASAP.
3. Will accept various quality control duties as assigned by the director.
4. Participate in development and maintaining protocols/policies. Will assist Lead Ultrasound technologist with ultrasound protocols as requested.
5. Will participate in continuous quality improvement efforts in department and hospital.
6. Will clean ultrasound equipment three times yearly according to vendor specifications.
7. Will perform Cidex quality controls.
8. Will perform quality control and image verifications on ultrasound images before sending to PACS.
9. Will provide ultrasound in-services to other ultrasound technologist as requested by manager.
10. May be requested to be member of QI team.

Equipment maintenance and safety

1. Proper use and care of ultrasound equipment to include transducers and other components. Follows all safety procedures relating to use of equipment.
2. Immediately identifies equipment mal-functions to supervisor and promptly notifies service vendor.
3. Knowledge of location of service numbers and procedure for contacting service.
4. Proper use of RayPax equipment for remote readings.
5. Checks the ultrasound equipment for proper function prior to getting patient on the table.

Patient care/satisfaction

1. Interprets and enforces current standards of practice, policies, and procedures at Ohio County Hospital.
2. Interprets and enforces all hospital wide policies and procedures to include Infection and Exposure Control Plans, Safety and Disaster Plan, Personnel Policies, and Employee Health Policies.
3. Participates in Ohio County Hospital's Performance improvement efforts by actively participating in data collection analysis of findings and identification of opportunities for improvement.
4. Transports patients to and from department in accordance with hospital and department safety standards. (Returns patient to their bed in a neat and orderly manner).
5. Informs Nursing of any specific information concerning the patient while in the ultrasound department, upon return to patient room. Follows “hand off” policy to relay important information to nursing staff and document this on the chart.
6. Signs patient in and out at nurse’s station.
7. Brings patient chart to ultrasound in proper gowns.
8. Performs portable exams as necessary based on the patient's condition, as determined by the nurse or technologist.
9. Provides a private/confidential environment, warm atmosphere and attitude toward the patient.
10. Performs all vital signs, and veni-puncture as needed.
11. Obtains a thorough history from the patient and records on worksheet, requisition, and enters the physician’s diagnosis into the CPSI order.
12. Explains the procedure to the patient and family prior to the ultrasound procedure and documents this on the US worksheet.
13. Uses key words at key times by following department script for introducing self, and providing other key information.
14. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide ultrasound services to patients served in relation to growth/development over the life span, and identify their requirements relative to age-specific needs. (Assists the elderly, extra time/precautions when positioning and transporting. Children and infants may require special arrangements during the procedure, i.e. explain the procedure to the parent or guardian. All patients 17 years or younger must have a parent or guardian signed consent for contrast, surgical, refusal, etc, unless an emancipated minor.
15. Demonstrates competency with all invasive diagnostic ultrasound imaging procedures, follows set protocol, and practices sterile technique. Assures all procedure required supplies are readily available before any invasive procedure is performed. Participates and assures a “TIME OUT” is completed being starting an invasive procedure and the “TIME OUT” is documented on the ultrasound worksheet.
16. Limits personal calls and brief.

Qualifications

1. Prefer A.R.R.T. (R), registered and Kentucky State Certified, and perform routine radiographs as needed.
2. Prefer provided documentation of ultrasound training in the following areas or be a graduate of an approved Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Areas of needed documentation include General Sonography- (abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, and non-invasive vascular).
3. Prefer credentialed by the ARDMS and/or actively pursuing the following specific registries: 
   1. ULTRASOUND PHYSICS (SPI)
   2. ABDOMEN (AB)
   3. OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY (OB/GYN)
   4. VASCULAR PHYSICS INSTRUMENTATION (VPI)
   5. VASCULAR TECHNOLOGY (VT)
   6. BREAST TECHNOLOGY

CPR certification or obtains within six months of employment