Medical Sonographer - Ultrasound - Day/Evening

Position Function: Under the directions of a radiologist, performs diagnostic ultrasound exams for subsequent evaluations by attending physician. Assists physician as requested in the selection of practical applications and technical factors.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Performs required daily start up and shut down procedures, including daily logs
2. Collaborates with staff members, management team, interdepartmental staff to identify and initiate appropriate interventions to deal with problems, needs and issues.
3. Maintains a professional image that reflects the employee's role in health care, with confidence and a positive impression.
4. Assists in orientation of new personnel or trainees to the department by being friendly and encouraging and serving as a "buddy" to the new technologist.
5. Assists and maintains a neat, clean and safe environment for patients and other staff members, cleans spills immediately.
6. Assists in maintaining equipment assigned to patient care and reports malfunctioning of equipment to appropriate personnel.
7. Verifies patient identification by universal protocol; verifies correct procedure by checking physician orders on the chart or requisition, contacting physician with any discrepancy; notifies pre-registration of any exam changes.
8. Verifies patient using two patient identifiers. Accurately reviews EPIC for CPOE orders or scanned physician's order, contacting the physician with any discrepancy.
9. Obtains relevant and accurate patient history by using standardized form prior to exam; explains procedure and equipment; obtains written consent if necessary.
10. Inspires confidence from Radiologists by performing and communicating in a highly professional manner at all times.
11. Demonstrates ability to communicate pertinent information and accurately report it to all the primary care personnel to ensure continuity of patient care; reports acute life threatening conditions to the radiologist personally.
12. Consistently takes ownership of customer problems and follows through to close the loop with the customer.
13. Recognizes and responds to priorities in the patient care. Readily adapts to changes in workload and responds efficiently.
14. Consistently documents interventions in the EPIC System and Synapse as evidenced by monthly reports. Ensures that scanned documents are accurate, complete, and legible.
15. Checks images with radiologist prior to biopsy, stays competent in all aspects of ultrasound biopsies. Maintains infection control standards at all times, including high level disinfection for intracavity probes.
16. Familiar with duties and performs them independently, accurately, promptly recognizing their importance and relationship to patient care/ imaging for all age/population groups.
17. Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and others. Safely positions, transfers and transports patients.
18. Observes changes in patient condition and promptly reports to primary care personnel, or Rapid Response team
19. Responds appropriately to emergency situations, 100% universal protocol, Patient ID, infection control, room cleaning, and isolation precautions.
20. Effective problem solving skills related to patient status.
21. Assumes responsibility and accountability for assisting and completion of patient care and accurate documentation throughout the imaging.
22. Responsible for activation of downtime forms during planned and unplanned EPIC and/or Synapse downtime periods.
23. Prioritizes and coordinates workload so that tasks are completed in an efficient manner, keeps team members updated on changes in workflow or patient care, documents critical information in writing to co-workers.
24. Maintains appropriate quantities of supplies for the next shift, ensure security of injectables and supplies at all times, distributes supplies and linen in a timely manner.
25. Completes work from own shift, voluntarily reports to x-ray/CT for added assignments during downtime.
26. Checks the communication clipboard for any recent changes to protocol, offers suggestions to make workflow better.
27. Maintains current knowledge through reading journals, attending meetings/in-services or CEU's to maintain certification.
28. Routinely demonstrates competence and familiarity with all routine and invasive Ultrasound procedures; includes a working knowledge of anatomy, physics, positioning and a selection of scanner dependent operations.
29. Actively assists in developing skills of clinical students, trainees and interns by demonstrating technical and clinical aspects of the job assignment.
30. Follows all department protocols for ultrasound scanning.
31. Routinely performs other duties as assigned.
32. Follows department policy to meet Medicare guidelines, ensuring diagnosis codes are relevant.
33. Meets deadlines in special projects and daily responsibilities, demonstrates a "need no reminders" attitude.

Qualifications and Standards

Education: Graduate of an AMA-approved school in an allied health occupation or an ultrasound school.

Experience: Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required. One year experience in an ultrasound lab preferred. Must have good understanding of procedures, various machines, and computer knowledge in the ultrasound lab.

Certifications/Licensure: Registered in Ultrasound by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS) in abdomen or OB-GYN. Must achieve Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) through RDMS within twelve months of hire date. Current CPR/AED certification required.