ULTRASONOGRAPHER PRN

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

As a vital member of the clinical team, this highly skilled professional works independently and unsupervised; uses specialized sonographic equipment and transducers to create maximum quality images of anatomical OB & GYN structures. This sonographer   plays a critical role in the delivery of a patient's health services by obtaining the very best images which are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. This position requires an ARDMS registry license, have vast experience & technical expertise; uses years of educational preparedness in the field to perform diagnostic medical procedures. Follows AIUM guidelines for performance of OB/GYN sono studies & special procedures. Also acquires and evaluates data, while exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of the clinical examination; Obtains, reviews, and brings together pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic scanning results, extending the scope of the procedure according to diagnostic findings. Provides interpreting OB-GYN physicians with oral and written summaries of all normal & abnormal technical findings. This is used to provide Management of Patient Care, thorough & ethical Management of Patient Information processes, establish a compassionate, cultural sensitive Patient Communication Relationship and Safe Environment, participate in Team Communication & helps with Demonstration of Safe and Professional Conduct at all times.  As a member of the clinical team, this position requires total support to the PCMH principles, policies, and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (with or without accommodations)

PATIENT RELATIONSHIP/SAFE ENVIRONMENT: Will greet and service patients with friendly, professional conduct demonstrating sensitivity to cultural restrictions and linguistic preferences. Will provide a safe environment in the ultrasound lab along with safe equipment use through daily inspections of room (prior to bringing patient in), & by assuring the medical equipment and transducers to be used are in clean, excellent, safe condition with required  regular performance maintenance checks.

Reassures patient prior to starting the procedure by showing patience, compassion and fully explaining the procedure; answering any questions presented by the patient and demonstrating confidence in the procedure at hand. Will perform duties to ensure the patient has a pleasant and satisfactory positive experience in the manner in which their health care is delivered, coordinated with both internal and external entities and to which the patient participates in decision- making.

MANAGEMENT OF PATIENT CARE: Practices knowledge of biological safety procedures to render safe, quality patient care. Has vast knowledge in recognizing normal & abnormal anatomy and will promptly inform medical provider of any abnormal appearances or questions.

The sonographer is very competent &  professional in the areas of  physics of ultrasound, diagnostic imaging, use of various sonographic probes, demonstrates  expert use of both trans-abdominal and endovaginal transducer manipulation to obtain the very best diagnostic OB fetal & GYN (female pelvis) normal & abnormal anatomy images for the physician. Performs ultrasound examinations only for diagnostic medical indications. Obtains images, measurements, anatomical findings and data for documentation into summary data worksheets. These will be entered into the patient's electronic medical records for the interpreting physician who will then use this data to provide a final report and render a medical diagnosis. Supports the PCMH principles, policies, and procedures in patient care.

MANAGEMENT OF PATIENT INFORMATION; Follows the guidelines for equipment operation; and proper probe-disinfection process /procedures & guidelines using proper protective devices required for sterilization. Disinfection Log is kept separately for frequent audits. Properly identifies images with correct exam date, patient information identification and image orientation. Keeps a daily log of studies which includes documentation of when the data summary worksheet was entered in the EMR by technologist; date & time the medical provider signed (indicating having reviewed the images and data entered); audit if areas that indicate when Medical Records scanned & entered the sono images into the patient's EMR and when the medical provider signed those images entered. Will monitor by frequently auditing that all images are in for provider to review, and/or monitoring of any overdue images & medical signatures. (PCMH 5A-2).

Performs diagnostic antepartum obstetrical ultrasound examinations & gynecological  female pelvis following AIUM “Guidelines for Performance of Ultrasound in these areas. Practices knowledge of biological safety procedures to render safe, and quality patient care. Performs ultrasound examinations only for diagnostic medical indications. The medical provider will then use this data to provide a final report & render a medical diagnosis. Supports the PCMH principles, policies and procedures in patient care.

TEAM COMMUNICATION: Approaches patient care & customer services as a team. Involving clinical and non-clinical staff (eg. physicians, mid-levels, appointment staff) to achieve patient care objectives. Participates in annual trainings, quarterly general staff meetings/trainings; monthly departmental meetings to discuss procedures, management, updates/performance improvements, customer service and equipment performance reviews. Maintains professional conduct at all times

DEMONSTRATION OF SAFE & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT: Maintains professional conduct at all times. Properly reports any co-workers unsafe conduct or behavior.  Is knowledgeable of the risks & limits the risk from possible exposure to blood and body fluids and uses personal protection supplies made available for this purpose.  Knows all Safety Codes and responses to emergency situations for the safety of patients. Submits required documentation in a timely manner (all credential requirements, license renewals, certifications, CME attendance, etc.).  Responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of others.

This is a PRN position. Travel required as necessary for Harlingen & Brownsville site coverage. 

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (use of equipment, job related knowledge, language, etc.)

Organize & accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence

Knowledge of recognizing and obtaining ultrasound documentation of both OB fetal & GYN (female Pelvic) normal and abnormal anatomy

Knowledge of recognizing normal and abnormal ultrasound anatomy of the limited abdomen  (ie gallbladder, kidneys and bladder) for sonographic documentation.

Knowledge in sterile techniques.

Knowledge of SCF policies and procedures.

Knowledge of computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) programs.

Knowledge in the use of electronic mail.

Knowledge  in the use of a computer.

Knowledge of electronic medical records

Skilled  on the techniques and physics and principles diagnostic medical ultrasound

Skilled  on anatomy and physiology as they pertain to diagnostic ultrasound in areas of  OB/GYN

Skilled in use of Doppler and Doppler ultrasound utilization

Skilled in operation of complicated ultrasound equipment, its application and care

Ability to work independently without direct supervision

Ability to provide effective Customer Service on a daily basis. Follows and supports the PCMH principles, policies and procedures.

Ability to read write and spell accurately; and communicate in both English and Spanish

Ability to communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals

Ability to maintain an effective and professional working relationship with the public and co-workers.

Able to have full use of both hands, wrist, and shoulders

Ability to stand for long periods up to 5 hours day, sitting for 2-3 hours a day, lift/ turn a disabled patient over  45 lbs

Frequent and repetitive reaching/pulling/pushing, stooping, bending, Seldom crawling, climbing/kneeling

Able to operate a keyboard, telephone, other office equipment; assist in electronic & clerical scheduling, record keeping and computerized image archiving

Ability to maintain a positive work environment.

Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

Ability to maintain a required flexible work schedule.

Ability to maintain client and office confidentiality.

Ability to demonstrate  compassion, sensitivity, respect the patient, their rights and concerns; assist patients on and off examining tables

Ability to maintain a high degree of professional ethics, integrity and honesty at all times

Seldom management duties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: High school diploma or GED.  Licensed by the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) and in current good standing.  Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience.  Must be current with BLS/CPR.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Due to the nature of SCF Services, it may be necessary for employees to work extended hours or other variations of the usual shift to ensure adequate care to patients and to maintain service to the community.