Ultrasonographer

POSITION SUMMARY : Under the direction of a Radiologist, the Ultrasonographer performs exams at a technical level that does not require direct supervision over technical detail. Conducts a wide variety of Ultrasound examinations including abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, venous, small parts and breast. Assists with interventional procedures. Uses independent judgment, ingenuity and acquired knowledge to obtain quality diagnostic images. May be asked to learn and perform pre-brachy-therapy mapping and assists in Operating Room with procedures. EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION : A graduate of an accredited school of diagnostic medical imaging. Current registration through the American Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, Sonography (ARRT)(S) is required. Certified through the American Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS) as RDMS (OB or AB), RT(S), RT (VS), RVT, or RVS). New Graduates must obtain RDMS certification within one year of hire or within 24 months of their graduation date, whichever is less. Sonographer must maintain all qualifications from of the American College of Radiology accreditation requirements for Ultrasound and / or RT(S) continuing education requirements. Must have certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support upon hire and maintain clinical competency during employment with ECHN in this role. EXPERIENCE : A minimum of one year experience working within a Medical Imaging Department doing diagnostic and / or vascular Sonography is preferred. Experience working with and caring for all age groups of patients, and complete knowledge of physics, anatomy, medical terminology, sterile technique and universal safety protection as it relates to Radiology practice is necessary. COMPETENCIES : Must be fluent in English to effectively read and understand patient monitors and procedures ordered. Frequent communications with patients from all age groups as well as Nursing Stations, Physicians and co-workers is required. Bilingual capabilities in Spanish are desirable, but not required. This position requires the incumbent work cooperatively with department staff by sharing in taking rotational call and holiday hours. Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites; and travel is required in order to perform essential duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES : Disclaimer : Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time. Job-Specific Competency 1. Assures that patients clinical data coincides with and matches the type of exam that is being ordered. Follows up with Doctors office when exam ordered is in question and does not seem reasonable given the patients clinical record. 2. Provides appropriate clinical care during and after to assure the patients comfort. Properly prepares and positions patients taking care that IVs, catheters and oxygen leads, etc., remain intact and are handled with care. Exhibits a constant awareness of sterile practice, and initiates all procedures using appropriate Infection Control procedure. 3. Applies expertise and knowledge of machine functionality during patient exam to obtain quality images. 4. Provides high quality images for Radiologist interpretation with appropriate Sonographer notes in the following categories of exams : a) Abdominal b) OB / Gyn c) Vascular 5. Assist Radiologist in interventional procedures (i.e. biopsies, Thoracentesis, Paracentesis.) Coordinates patients medical needs with the Radiology Nurse. Assures that room is properly equipped for procedure and cleaned appropriately post procedure. 6. Accurately completes computer (Meditech) patient procedure documentation to include the Sonographer impression, a limited or complete exam, the date, whether it was a bi-lateral or uni-lateral, right or left, etc. Assures the accuracy of documentation understanding that all items will be charged to the patients hospital bill. Submits correctly documented and labeled exam to the Radiologist and is available for review and discussion. 7. Independently responds on a call basis to perform procedures. Drives to affiliate and / or contracted location to provide services as may be required. Travels to the Emergency Room and / or Intensive Care Unit and or Operating Room with portable equipment as needed. Assists with interventional exams. 8. Independently runs ones own schedule and properly documents patient flow while remaining sensitive to patients care and other co-workers needs and desires. Remains flexible in patient flow in order to accommodate daily emergency calls and requests for inpatient procedures. Assists in obtaining transportation for patients when procedures are scheduled by internal Hospitalists, Physicians, etc. 9. Works cooperatively and exhibits Core Values at all times to accomplish all tasks as a member of the Medical Imaging Team.