Ultrasonographer job description

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At Williamson Medical Center, our employees are more than just another number. To us, they're family. They're smart, talented, compassionate, dedicated, and an overall joy to be around. We're certainly blessed to have the best of the best working here from the cafeteria to the operating room.
But as Williamson County and surrounding areas continue to grow, so must we. That's why we want YOU to join our family!
Williamson Medical Center is an equal-opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

Job Summary
To provide high quality ultrasound procedures to our patients and physicians in a respectful and efficient manner while providing those services in a safe and clean environment.
Position Requirements
Formal Education / Training:
Graduate of an approved ultrasound school and subsequent Accreditation through ARDMS. May be registered in OB/GYN, ABDOMEN, and BREAST, VASCULAR.
BLS is required within 90 days of hire.
Workplace Experience:
Preference of two years' work experience in hospital after graduation and accreditation; however, willing to train.
Equipment and Skills Training:
Will train on specific equipment and processes utilized at Williamson Medical Center.
Physical Environment:
Multimodality imaging department that provides OB/GYN, Abdominal, Vascular and Pelvic ultrasound studies, to include Pediatric Imaging.
Physical Effort:
Possesses the ability to perform multifunctional tasks to include: physically manipulate and operate
equipment, assist in the movement of patients from wheelchairs to stretchers; bend, twist, stoop; lift 20 pounds; communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; make appropriate judgement decisions in urgent or emergency situations; and demonstrate emotional stability and psychological health in day to day interaction with fellow employees, patients, their families, and physicians. Must be willing to take call for STAT, Urgent, and Routine studies after hours and on weekends and must be available within 30 minutes for STAT Procedures.
Key Results
1. Checks patient identification and physician order to ensure accuracy of request before proceeding with study.
2. Communicates potential or existing problems/opportunities to improve quality of care or services.
3. Strives to maintain the dignity of each patient by ensuring the patient is properly covered at all times; during exam and patient transport.
4. Seeks opportunities to assist in other areas during downtime periods and always makes good use of time.
5. Checks often on patients waiting in hallways to ensure that the patient is covered and comfortable (Pain Management).
6. Performs all biopsies with the proper “Time Out” procedure to include marking of body part as well as proper process in labeling specimens.
7. Shows leadership and teamwork in difficult situations and makes appropriate decisions.
8. Transports patients to and from room in accordance with transport processes, to include using Hand Off Form, when necessary.
9. Ensures the safety of patients by following all safety procedures while moving patients from wheelchair to include proper footwear.
10. Performs high quality studies consistently and follows pre-determined standards and procedures for all ultrasound studies. Will scan according to predetermined protocols provided by Radiologists.
11. Willing to provide portable studies for patients when it is in the best interest of the patient as deemed necessary by the patient's nurse or nursing supervisor.
12. Utilizes knowledge of anatomy and disease processes to accurately communicate patient pathology to Radiologist.
MPIND456

What You Will Do:

Under limited supervision, the Ultrasonographer performs a variety of obstetric and gynecological examinations utilizing diagnostic ultrasound in accordance with American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) guideline to assist the attending physician with diagnosis and treatment of pathologies.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Operates technical ultrasound equipment and supplies sound waves to patients in accordance with standard operating procedures and according to departmental policies and procedures. Loads and unloads cassettes or automatic loader as needed.A. Greets and receives patients. Explains procedure to patients. Informs patient or physician of required preparation for particular exam.B. Positions patients according to department's procedure manual. Assists patients onto examining table, as appropriate, in accordance with department protocols.C. Performs ultrasound examinations exercising judgment as to which images to photograph. Selects the appropriate technical factors on equipment according to individual patient needs.D. Develops the sonograms by automatic processing. Critiques sonograms for quality and accuracy, and forwards film to attending physician.E. Reports all potential or actual patient/equipment problems to the attending physician.F. Recognizes and responds to emergency situations by contacting on site medical personnel.G. Sets up and maintains a sterile field by utilizing sterile technique; opens sterile procedure trays where applicable.2. Identifies all sonograms by recording patient name, date, and time. Identifies anatomical slides accurately in computer system.A. Maintains and tracks the patient's medical record while in Radiology, assuring that it is updated, as appropriate, and available when needed.3. Cleans and disinfects ultrasound equipment. Calibrates ultrasound equipment for correct exposure and magnification parameters. Performs minor maintenance on equipment, as needed.A. Maintains supplies needed on a daily basis by restocking according to inventory list in each radiology procedure room.B. Documents all equipment problems on maintenance request forms.4. Communicates effectively with patients, nurses, and physicians. Communicates information regarding sonograph procedures requiring patient preparation.A. Advises referring physicians on appropriate ultrasound procedures for visualization of the particular body part.5. Completes records accurately, including number of films, exposure, Radiographer (employee) number, date, time, patient pregnancy. Enters patient information in radiology information system accurately and completely on a daily basis.6. Assists the receptionist and other support staff with routine office duties, as needed.A. Answers telephone, assists or direct callers.B. Schedules patients for ultrasound procedures through use of computer system.7. Participates in departmental initiatives and efforts to improve workflows and patient satisfaction.8. Attends in-service training programs and other relevant training sessions to meet professional registry requirements.

Employee Benefits

As an UM Baltimore Washington Healthcare Services employee and a part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits program designed with you and your dependents in mind. Subject to any eligibility waiting period, all of the benefits are available to regular full-time employees and some benefits are available to regular part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work twenty (20) or more hours per week. Many benefits are provided at no cost to employees. For others, the cost is shared between employer and employees.

What You Need to Be Successful:

1. Graduation from an AMA and/or CAAHP approved school of Ultrasound Technology.2. Registered in Abdominal or Obstetrics and Gynecology, OR eligible for registry by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. RVT certification a plus.3. CPR certification is required.4. One year of experience performing diagnostic ultrasound studies is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 1. Knowledge of radiology principles and practices, including differentiation of cross-sectional anatomy and setting-up and maintaining a sterile field is required. Knowledge of obstetric ultrasound techniques and practices is required.2. Knowledge of computer system in order to learn Radiology Information System to manage patient information.3. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients, medical and nursing personnel.4. Ability to operate routine ultrasound equipment is required. Knowledge of PACS system preferred.5. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Under the direct supervision of the department Manager,the Ultrasound Technologist is responsible for performing ultrasound procedures to aid in accurately diagnosing disease or injury.

Performs ultrasound examinations on inpatients and outpatients in the ultrasound facility or at the bedside as prescribed by physician.

Assists radiologist in invasive procedures, preparing patients and filling out all necessary forms required.

Consistently performs highly skilled procedures (i.e. neuroencephalography on neonates and arterial and venous vascular procedures with excellent diagnostic results).

Produces permanent records of ultrasound examinations and prepares preliminary forms and reports of ultrasound findings. Presents ultrasound findings and related information to the reading radiologist.

Consistently maintains a work environment which is clean, orderly and safe for patients, visitors and employees. Complies with infection control practices at all times. Complies with departmental policy on age- specific competency.

Consistently utilizes computer skills in compliance with department policy for the purpose of generating a report, billing for procedures and maintaining patient medical records.

Assumes on-call responsibilities on a weekly rotation providing excellent and professional care after regular hours.

Consistently complies with directives of supervisors and supports the activities of co-workers to provide the highest quality service in a cost effective manner.

Assists and supports the Radiologic student program, specifically the clinical aspect. Provides supervision and feedback to students as they perform procedures. Reviews images with students on request and provides quarterly evaluations of students to clinical instructions for formal reviews.

Follows hospital and department policies and procedures with special attention to attendance and punctuality, confidentiality, dress code and display of ID badge, and safety.

Completes mandatory education and training in order to maintain organization and department specific competencies and requirements. Maintains applicable certification/licensure.
Other duties as assigned

Education:
High school graduate or the equivalent. Successful completion of an approved radiologic technology program and satisfactory completion of a formal sonographic training program; or graduate of a two year college based sonographic training program.

Certifications:
Registered RDMS by the ARDMS within 24 months of hire. BLS from AHA.

Complexity of Work:
Maintains competencies specific to patient population served. Excellent background in anatomy, physiology and physics. Working knowledge of computer systems and applications.

Work Experience:
One-year experience as an ultrasound technologist preferred. Positions working for Mammography require completion of six continuing education credits specific to breast upon hire or within six months of hire. Working knowledge of computer systems and applications.

Physical Requirements:

Personal Protective Equipment:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required