The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs ultrasound examinations and analyzes the results to assist in diagnosing diseases. They are responsible for patient care, equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be high school graduates and complete an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. They also need to pass the SPI examination and hold current BLS certification, along with any necessary specialty certifications.
high schoolprofessional certificateCommunicationTime ManagementOrganizational SkillsDocumentationProblem SolvingBLS CertificationPatient CareEquipment MaintenanceCollaborationPatient SafetyInfection ControlCritical ThinkingUltrasound ProceduresAseptic TechniquesDiagnostic Medical SonographyCME Compliance
Job description
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 situations/activities
Attend meetings held within the hospital when employees are mandated to attend
Comply with all organizational policies
Demonstrate outstanding customer service/advocacy, professionalism and integrity
Meet dress code standards, appearance is neat and clean
Report to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated times
Consistently complete and maintain assigned duties
Wear identification badge while on duty and uses computerized punch time system correctly
Actively participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities
Adjust works hours/schedule as needed to meet the needs and demands of the department and hospital
Aware of the Emergency Disaster Plan and how to respond if a disaster occurs
Respond within the 30 minute response time when on call
Work effectively with others, demonstrates leadership and teaching ability and the ability to work under pressure
Appreciation of and desire to be a part of a health care team dedicated to providing patients optimal care
Perform other duties as assigned or as judgment dictates
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Strong reasoning/critical thinking skills
Excellent time management, collaboration, prioritization and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with computer skills including Microsoft Office applications
Willingness to adapt to change and support new technologies as well as policies and procedures in a positive manner
Physical requirements and environmental conditions
High-stress environment
Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
Pushing and pulling heavy objects
Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
Position requires moderate to heavy lifting of 50+lbs
Position requires reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
