Sonographer

Primary Purpose

Operates ultrasound equipment to produce basic diagnostic scans of high quality while ensuring optimal patient care. Acute care hospital setting.

Minimum Specifications

Education

Graduate from an accredited sonography program.

Experience

None required

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

Education completed in sonography in another country with current abdomen credential from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - Sonography (ARRT(S)) and hospital sonography experience.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Sonographers working in Radiology ultrasound (70420) must be registered in the sub specialty of abdomen [by ARDMS (RDMS (AB)) or ARRT (S)] or vascular sonography [by ARDMS RVT or CCI-RVS] as a condition of hire.
• If hired with sub specialty of abdomen [by ARDMS (RDMS (AB)) or ARRT (S)] then the vascular sonography sub specialty [by ARDMS RVT or CCI-RVS] must be obtained within 12 months of hire date.
• If hired with sub-specialty of vascular sonography [by ARDMS RVT or CCI-RVS] then sub specialty abdomen [by ARDMS (RDMS (AB)) or ARRT (S)] must be obtained within 12 months of hire date.

Must have a current Healthcare Provider (BLS Level) CPR course completion card upon arrival to Parkland from one of the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross Rescuer
• Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to operate various types of ultrasound and ancillary equipment used in performing ultrasound procedures.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy.
• Mammography sonographers must be proficient in breast ultrasound exams.
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Operates ultrasound equipment used to produce general diagnostic scans to ensure optimal patient care. Determines equipment and supply needs in advance for general diagnostic scans, ensuring patient safety and scan efficiency.
• May participate in complex scans and invasive procedures in order to meet vascular credential requirements and career development activities.
• Evaluates and verifies images meet departmental quality standards and established imaging protocols. Follows department protocols for image acquisition, labeling, documentation, and image presentation in PACS.
• Identifies and distinguishes between normal and abnormal anatomy relevant to imaging sub-specialty and documents in images and electronic health record per protocol.
• Maintains required quality standards through use of Peer View and other department metrics reported on a regular basis. Participates in image review and feedback sessions with physicians, senior sonographers, and supervisor.
• Observes patients during scan to ensure their safety and well being. Able to assess and respond to urgent and emergent patient events and demonstrates ability to obtain appropriate level of emergency assistance.
• Ensures the accuracy of all data entered into the patient record such as arrival, begin and end exam information. Completes other computerized data entry and charging tasks with correct data to ensure the accuracy of patient records and charges.
• May access and handle selected medications and contrast media within scope of practice and with supervision and guidance of a Sr. sonographer and/or provider.
• Maintains and performs basic troubleshooting of ultrasound equipment and informs supervisor and submits tickets as needed to ensure equipment is operable and safe. Ensures broken equipment is taken out of service.
• Inspects, cleans, and prepares exam rooms after each patient to ensure the efficiency of patient flow within the area. Follows infection prevention practices and completes any logs or documentation as required. Participates in Environment of Care (EOC) rounds and inspection readiness activities.
• Actively participates in training of sonography students on clinical rotation in department.
• Maintains positive working relationships using Parkland Colleague Behavior guidelines. Serves as a resource person for physicians, other sonographers, students, and patients to ensure an efficient flow of patient information and care.
• Assists in the department orientation and on boarding of new sonographers, APP staff, support staff and/or resident physicians.
• Follows departmental and organizational behavioral expectations and receives no written corrective actions within the evaluation period - or shows significant improvement in behavior since the corrective action occurred.
• Attends department meetings or department sponsored continuing education sessions. This provision may be waived at manager's discretion due to shift or emergency circumstances.

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.