Diag Med Sonographer

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values-integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Ultrasound Manager and/or Chief Technologist or Practice Manager/Supervisor, performs a wide variety of technical and professional duties utilizing complex imaging equipment to produce quality Ultrasound images as requested for subsequent interpretation by the radiologist. All duties are performed in accordance with departmental and organizational policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

1. Performs quality and efficient ultrasound exams in order to assist with a patient's diagnostic work-up 1.1. Follows routine protocols and/or physicians specific prescriptions. Repeat of examinations due to non-compliance or poor quality is minimal as observed by manager / supervisor or physician review. 1.2. Routinely documents accurate pathology as reviewed by manager / supervisor or physician's reading. 1.3. Demonstrates the ability to utilize independent judgment and critical thinking skills to change scanning protocol and technique to improve exam quality when necessary as observed by manager /supervisor or physician. 1.4. Demonstrates an ability to identify equipment difficulties. Alerts and assists administrative staff to address issues. 1.5. Demonstrates knowledge of pertinent regulatory compliance standards. Participates and accurately completes all required documentation. 1.6. Has minimal inactive scanning time between patients in order to maximize section's efficiency and reduce patient delays, as observed by manager/supervisor. 1.7. Demonstrates understanding and use of sterile technique and procedure set ups. 2. Provides accurate and compassionate patient care in order to ensure service excellence, patient cooperation, safety, and satisfaction. 2.1. Identifies patients and exams accurately 100% of the time according to departmental policy as observed by supervisor or other hospital staff. 2.2. Acknowledges the patient, Introduces oneself, informs of the exam Duration, Explains the procedure, ensures patient physical and emotional comfort during the exam, and Thanks the patient at the end. 2.3. Demonstrates use of scripts with patient and families before, during and after procedure as observed by supervisor/manager. 2.4. Is attentive and responsive to the concerns of all patients and their families as noted by supervisor/manager and evidenced by information gathered from discharge phone calls, Press-Ganey surveys and patient letters. 2.5. Is attentive to patient care needs 100% of time and expediently calls for nursing/physician and medical support as required, as evidenced by incident reports, employee, physician and nursing input. 2.6. Interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors, physicians and fellow employees are fostered in a courteous and friendly manner as evidenced by surveys, supervisor/manager, physicians, and employee input. 2.7. Actively participates is section activities aimed at improving Service Excellence, HCAHPS scores, and Press Ganey results. Demonstrates the committment to making patient/family visits to the section a positive experience. 3. Performs various record-keeping tasks in order to ensure department goals are met, medical record documentation accuracy, and daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. 3.1. Demonstrates a mastery of end user computer skills of the RIS/HIS by accurately and independently performing related tasks such as exam scheduling, completion, document scanning etc. 3.2. Accurately edits/completes examinations in Imagecast to ensure proper billing and medical record documentation and verifies transmission of all images to Synapse for review and interpretation by the radiologist in accordance with departmental policy. 3.3. Assists support services (Scheduling, Transport, Nursing etc.) with scheduling and patient preparation for patients to ensure appropriate utilization of service. 3.4. Reports and documents designated quality assurance responsibilities such as:

Patient injuries or complaints,

Equipment malfunctions,

Procedure time-out,

Missing or inappropriate exam requisitions. 4. Participates in various learning opportunities in order to further personal knowledge/skills and assists with teaching or training others. 4.1. Proactively seeks opportunities to further one's career, knowledge, and expertise through job related seminars, IFE courses, advanced degrees/certifications, or membership in professional societies, etc. 4.2. Keeps current with professional registration/certification, mandated hospital Healthstream training modules, departmental annual competencies, CPR certification, and provides documentation as recorded by coordinator/manager. 4.3. Attends on-site training programs, inservices, conferences offered to improve expertise and clinical quality as recorded by coordinator/manager. 4.4. Provides clinical instruction to sonographers, students and physicians, pertaining to exam protocols and procedures as observed by Educational Coordinator/Manager and input provided from staff and students. 4.5. Volunteers to participate in department focus groups. 5. Employee follows established safety precautions and procedures in the performance of all duties in order to ensure a safe environment. 5.1. Operates equipment and performs job related duties in a safe manner, following policies and procedures, to minimize risk of injury to patients.

Demonstrates an understanding of body mechanics and use of patient lifting devices when appropriate. 5.2. Practices proper infection control, high level disinfection and sterile technique when needed with all procedures as observed by physician staff or coordinator/manager. 5.3. Maintains a complete understanding of relevant emergency procedures, location and use of emergency equipment as observed by coordinator/manager. 5.4. Maintains a clean and safe work environment. Recognizes and performs tasks needed to foster safety and quality patient care. Reports safety and environmental issues to the SRC and department supervisor. 5.5. Ensures supplies required for procedures are available prior to and during the examination to maximize patient safety and service efficiency. Ensures work area is free of expired supplies and medications

Other information:

EDUCATION:

Required to meet one of the following:

Graduate of an accredited (CAAHEP) School of Diagnostic Sonography., Graduate of an accredited Allied Health program with an additional requirement of 12 months of full time Diagnostic Medical Sonography instruction., Graduate of Bachelor's program with an additional requirement of 12 months of full time Diagnostic Medical Sonography instruction.

EXPERIENCE:

Demonstrated technical skills to meet entry level standards of routine sonography.

LICENSURE:

RDMS certification to include Abdomen (ABD) required. RVT certification also desired.

SPECIAL_SKILLS:

Proficient in routine ultrasound imaging techniques, above average knowledge of computer / Pacs applications, good organizational and communication/customer service skills.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Must meet the performance expectations as defined in the Sonographer 1 position description. Performance and competency will be assessed continually and reviewed annually by supervisor/manager. Any areas that are determined to be unsatisfactory will require additional training and re-evaluation within 90 days.

COMPLEXITY:

Demonstrates planning and decision making skills necessary to manage a busy patient schedule with minimal assistance and utilize ultrasound equipment with critical thinking skills to perform exams efficiently. Works well in a team environment. Active participant in clinical research, inservice education, teaching, and training of new staff and students.

PHYSICAL_DEMAND:

MMR is required. Varivax (chicken pox vaccine) or evidence of prior chicken pox is required. Hepatitis B (or signed declination) is required for those with potential exposure to blood/body fluids.

Tdap and influenza vaccination are strongly encouraged.

Must be able to lift (patient transfers) and push 40 lbs (portable US equipment).