Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, General

Description

Performs two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D – when required) ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for the diagnosis of disease and study of the malfunction of organs.

Shifts are 12 hours - 7 days on/7 days off

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate or equivalent required

• Graduate from an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is required

• Successful completion of The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography examination for Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) required

• Must be eligible for registry requirements by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and have a certification in each area of specialty, etc. OB/GYN, Abdomen, Breast

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyses sonography exams, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates to the appropriate physician

• Verifies patient identification and examination to be performed before starting a procedure

• Maintains accurate Ultrasound Trophon Disinfecting Logs used for the Quality Assurance Program for the ultrasound probes.

• Reports equipment malfunction or damage to the department manager in a timely manner and contacts appropriate equipment maintenance contract for service calls

• Assumes responsibility for assigned area; controls inventory of supplies for assigned area and cleans and disinfects exam rooms and equipment as required.

• Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient, including pediatric, geriatric and general population.

• Uses independent judgment during exams to accurately differentiate between normal and pathological findings

• Assumes care for physical and psychological needs of patients during examinations and procedures

• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients during examinations and procedures.

• Practices aseptic techniques and infection control protocols as necessary

• Understands and practices proper use of all equipment; never operates equipment inconsistent with manufacturer's instruction.

• Calibrates, cleans and performs routine maintenance on equipment to ensure proper functioning

• Stocks and replenishes supplies as needed in each room

• Explains exams to the patient. Instructs and assists the patient in assuming the physical position for examination.

• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations

• Performs invasive ultrasound procedures and follows disinfecting protocols

• Performs abdominal ultrasound studies, OB/GYN ultrasound studies as required, performs breast ultrasound procedures, if applicable, and assists in ultrasound guidance procedures as needed

• Selects appropriate equipment for use in ultrasound setup, following exam specifications

• Selects appropriate transducer and adjusts the equipment controls according to the organ to be examined, the depth of the field, and other specifications of the study

• Moves the transducer by hand over specified areas of the body and observes sound waves displayed on the screen to monitor the quality of the ultrasonic pattern produced

• Obtains permanent record of internal examination by capturing the necessary images of an organ(s) shown on the display monitor and sends the images to the Picture Archiving and Communication System

• Maintains records of ultrasound images taken; calculates, compiles and records data from numerical readings on patient’s medical record and related documents

• Able to assess patient pain interfering with imaging procedure and makes appropriate physician contact for intervention if necessary

• Documentation meets current standards and hospital policy

• Discusses test results with attending physician and/or radiologist as needed.

• Performs clerical duties, schedules patient appointments, etc.

REQUIREMENTS

• Support Cogdell Memorial Hospital’s mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy

• Adhere to Cogdell Memorial Hospital’s Compliance Program

• Assure/maintain compliance with all accreditation, statutory and regulatory standards at the local, state, and federal levels

• Maintain in current status, licenses/certifications and memberships in applicable professional organizations

• Attend mandatory department meetings and participates by offering ideas/solutions in problem solving situa