Sonographer-OB

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Performs a variety of high-risk OB ultrasound examinations and procedures using established protocols with some degree of individual judgment based on circumstances and patient conditions.  Produces and records high quality sonographic images in accordance with physician practice protocols. Responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, performing all exams and providing a preliminary summary of findings to the physician. Provides direct patient care that ensures efficient access to safe, quality and compassionate care, in an environment that is welcoming to patients and their families.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Greets and courteously escorts patient and other guests to examination room, interprets patient histories for high-risk OB patients, utilizes knowledge of fetal anomalies, conditions, diagnosis and disease processes to know what to look for during examination.
2. Maintains specific knowledge of sterile technique as it relates to patients and specimens when assisting and guiding the MFM physician with invasive procedures.
3. Positions patients for sonographic examination and performs diagnostic sonography examination.
4. Often performs a detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy in the second trimester and can identify or exclude many types of birth defects. Indications for a detailed fetal examination include, but are not limited to, a previous pregnancy affected by a fetal anatomic or genetic/chromosomal abnormality, suspected or known fetal anatomic or genetic/chromosomal abnormality in the current pregnancy, known fetal growth disorder, and current pregnancy complications possibly affecting the fetus (i.e., congenital infection, abnormal amniotic fluid volume, isoimmunization).
5. Performs basic fetal cardiac views, as well as extended cardiac views.
6. Performs advanced fetal Doppler studies such as UA Doppler, MCA Doppler, ductus venosus waveform, uterine artery Doppler and the PR interval in the fetal heart, used to evaluate the functional state of the fetal cardiovascular system, fetoplacental and uteroplacental blood flow.
7. Maintains knowledge of 3D/4D imaging to be able to obtain additional information on fetal anomalies.
8. Serves as clinical instructor for sonography students.
9. Ability to manage a physically/emotionally demanding work environment related to changing patient needs, including working with patients with fetal anomalies that are potentially incompatible with life and responds to patient emergencies as needed.
10. Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area; maintains adequate supplies.
11. Documents patient information in a timely and accurate manner to ensure continuity of high-quality health care.
12. Serves as liaison between patient and physician when necessary.
13. Provides support to clinical staff and providers as needed.
14. Supports multiple locations, attends meetings and training as assigned.
15. Performs other duties as assigned and works within the scope of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers certification/registration/licensure.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Creates a positive, professional, service-oriented work environment for staff, patients and family members by supporting the mission and values of both IHA and Trinity Health
2. Must be able to work effectively as a member of the patient care team.
3. Successfully completes IHA’s “The Customer” training and adheres to IHA’s standard of promptly providing a high level of service and respect to internal or external customers.
4. Maintains knowledge of and complies with IHA standards, policies and procedures.
5. Maintains complete knowledge of office services and in the use of all relevant office equipment, computer and manual systems.
6. Maintains strict patient and employee confidentiality in compliance with IHA and HIPAA guidelines.
7. Serves as a role model by demonstrating exceptional ability and willingness to take on new and additional responsibilities.  Embraces new ideas and respects cultural differences.
8. Uses resources efficiently.
9. Responsible for ongoing professional development – maintains appropriate licensure/certification and continuing education credentials, participates in available learning opportunities.

MEASURED BY:

Performance that meets or exceeds IHA CARES Values expectation as outlined in IHA Performance Review document, relative to position.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  Graduation from an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.

CREDENTIALS/LICENSURE:   Valid CPR certification.  Must attain within 6 months of hire:

• Valid, unrestricted certification by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the specialty(ies) as appropriate;
• Valid, unrestricted accreditation in Nuchal Translucency and Nasal Bone Imaging; and
• Valid, unrestricted C.L.E.A.R. certification.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:   1 - 3 years’ experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS):

1. Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and its relationship in obtaining a technically diagnostic ultrasound image.
2. Demonstrated ability to alter technique in relation to the patient’s gestational age and abilities to obtain ultrasound images of the highest quality.
3. Knowledge in conveying accurate urgent interpretations to the MFM physician.
4. Knowledge of assigning and assisting the front desk with ultrasound appointments.
5. Proficient in using the correct CPT (procedure) code and ICD-10-CM code (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification).
6. Knowledge of professional patient care and ultrasound practice and principles to give and evaluate patient care related to position responsibilities.
7. Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment.
8. Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
9. Ability to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
10. Ability to evaluate, synthesize and communicate diagnostic information to the diagnosing physician.
11. Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.
12. Proficient/knowledgeable in medical terminology.
13. Ability to perform mathematical calculations needed during the course of performing essential job duties.
14. Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, electronic medical records, email, e-learning, intranet, and computer navigation.  Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
15. Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette. Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patients’ needs.
16. Ability to speak before groups of people, either in-person or virtually.
17. Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; displays courteous and friendly demeanor.
18. Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, providers, patients, family members, hospital staff, non-IHA providers and staff, and vendors.
19. Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations.
20. Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
21. Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.
22. Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner.
23. Knowledge of the compliance aspects of clinical care and patient privacy and best practices in medical office operations.
24. Successful completion of IHA competency-based program within introductory and training period.
25. Ability to drive to other office/practice sites and meeting and training locations.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Physical activity that often requires keyboarding, phone work and charting.
2. Physical activity that often requires extensive time working on a computer.
3. Physical activity that often requires handling and lifting patients walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, kneeling and/or twisting.       
4. Physical activity that occasionally requires lifting equipment, and assisting patients weighing up to approximately 400 pounds.  
5. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust and focus. 
6. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment.
7. Must hear and speak well enough to conduct business over the telephone or face to face for long periods of time in English.

MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPECTATIONS:

This job operates in a medical facility and requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital/clinic. Employees will be working where there is patient care equipment. Hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids are also present. Exposure to sharps, patients' conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases is possible.  This position requires significant interaction with people (many of whom are scared, hurt and/or ill) which can be stressful and result in competing priorities.