Summary
The Staff Sonographer functions as a healthcare provider who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising physician, serves as medical imaging professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The staff Sonographer role and responsibilities include providing diagnostic medical sonography services and its various clinical specialties (breast, OB, etc.). The staff sonographer activities are performed consistent with their education and training, and in accordance with facility policies and procedures and applicable professional standards.
Responsibilities
- (35%)
- Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infections disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures. Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination. Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information. Ensure that the sonography examination order is complete, contains relevant information, and meets the standard of medical necessity. Evaluate any contraindications, insufficient patient preparation, and the patients inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination and associated procedures. Communicate with the patient in a manner appropriate to the patients ability to understand. Use proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety, and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer. (35%)
- Conduct patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols. Apply independent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures. Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images. Except as authorized by written facility policies and procedures, refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis questions to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional. As necessary, acquire additional ultrasound imaging to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician. (30%)
- Identify and document any limitations to the sonography examination. Review examination images, synthesize examination results, and prepare the preliminary findings. Except as authorized by written facility policies and procedures, refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis questions to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional. Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA) and facility policies, and procedures. Adhere to accepted professional and ethical standards. Provide patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Sonographer. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide preliminary report of sonography examinations for use by the interpreting physician. Assist with the daily operation of the sonography facility. Perform quality control procedures to ensure that the ultrasound equipment operates at optimal levels. Exercise responsibility to ensure that the ultrasound equipment is functioning accurately. Assume responsibility for the preventive maintenance program for ultrasound equipment. Document any incidental findings that might impact patient safety or patient care and provide that information to the interpreting physician. Operate the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Exercise responsibility for the maintenance and accuracy of facility reports, database records and logs. Ensure that the sonography examination results meet the facility standards for Quality Assurance before findings are released for interpretation. Work with the appropriate staff to ensure quality patient care. Carry out Quality Assurance protocols and Quality Improvement measures within the facility. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with co-workers, administrators, and members of the health care team. Foster a collaborative atmosphere with other members of the healthcare team. Assist with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.
Certifications and Licensures
ARDMS AB - Abdominal Ultrasound Tech Required Equivalent Experience - within 12 months of hire or transfer ARDMS OBGY - OB/GYN Ultrasound Tech Required Equivalent Experience - within 12 months of hire or transfer BLS - Basic Life Support Required Equivalent Experience - Within 1 month of hire or transfer ULTRA C I - ARDMS-RVT OR CCI-RVS Preferred Equivalent Experience - within 18 months of hire or transfer
Required Education
Associates Degree
Equivalent Experience
Preferred Bachelor of Science degree and one-year full time work experience in a hospital setting.
Other Information
Experience, training and skills
- Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation and peer feedback for the following: Neonate/Infant, Toddler, Child, Adolescent, Adult and Later Adult. MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
- Physical/Mental
- Requirements
- AND
- TYPICAL
- WORKING
- CONDITIONS: Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death. Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position. Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description. Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s). Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching. Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required. Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake. Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
- Physical
- Demand
- Level: Light. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.
Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education)
Other Comments
