Registered Ultrasound Technologist

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision the Ultrasound Technologist will perform a variety of complex and specialized tasks utilizing ultrasonic high frequency sound waves to detect abnormalities including masses, abscesses, and stones. Proficient and able to perform independently both Diagnostic Sonography and Vascular Sonography procedures. Assist physicians with biopsy procedures, guiding biopsy instrument using sonographic technique. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produces high quality images through appropriate sonographic technique, body part positioning and image capture. Adjusts protocols to meet patient needs when appropriate and/or necessary.
• Moves transducer by hand over the specified anatomy, observes sound wave displays to provide a written assessment, and discusses findings with the attending radiologist.
• Acquires complete and appropriate patient history and conveys all pertinent information to radiologist.
• Familiarity with terminology and the procedures performed in all of Diagnostic Imaging. Demonstrates a working knowledge of all front desk and file room procedures.
• Communicates delays to patients. Explains procedures so that patients are comfortable. Obtains thorough and pertinent patient history and prepares patients for examination.
• Encourages and assist in research at the technologist level. Keeps abreast of new procedures and exams as it pertains to area of diagnostic imaging practice.
• Selects the appropriate equipment and is aware of the set up based on procedure protocol, specifications, and standards.
• Evaluates the technical quality of images and is able to record, archive, retrieve, compile, and calculate data.
• Independently capable of assisting the radiologist during invasive procedures such as biopsies and abscess drainages.
• Positions the patient based on anatomy in question and provides accurate measurements, educates and can clearly explain procedures before imaging, and follows age-specific guidelines.
• Practices positive patient identification
• Confers with radiologist regarding patient care and protocol as necessary.
• Scope of Practice as described by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consistently treats patients and co-workers with dignity and respect. Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of Memorial Healthcare and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital's mission, vision and value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, imaging exam protocols, and the code of ethical behavior. Promotes a culture of safety, quality services, and customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrates safe and effective use as well as calibrates and performs preventive maintenance of all equipment associated with assigned duties.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.
• Identifies problems or issues and brings them to the attention of the appropriate individual. Assumes responsibility and confirms that the problem has been resolved.
• Informs Diagnostic Imaging Management of unusual events or variations in normal business or clinical activities and shares ideas for improvement.
• Participates in educational and staff meetings. Attends all department meetings and/or reads minutes. Participates as assigned with student/new employee education.
• Performs routine cleaning of work area and associated equipment. Maintains a complete stock of necessary supplies.
• Transports and transfers patients in a safe manner and adheres to patient transport policy. Utilizes proper restraints, side rails, and other associated measures when transporting patients.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities or committees.
• Adheres to dress code requirements and standards. Wears identification badge clearly visible at chest level while on duty.
• Other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Required: Registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry exam in the discipline of Medical Sonography.
• Preferred: Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Vascular Testing (ICAVL).
• Preferred: Two-year allied health degree

EXPERIENCE

• Able to perform imaging procedures associated with area of hire independently and accurately.
• Two years of experience in a clinical setting as a registered ARDMS or ARRT technologist preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

• Ability to operate/utilize imaging equipment in area of hire.
• Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
• Small motor skills required for operating modern computer, office, and telephone equipment as utilized by Memorial Healthcare (MHC).
• Ability to sit, walk and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to do forward reaching, bending, pulling, twisting lifting and turning associated with patient transport and equipment handling.
• Ability to push wheelchairs or stretchers throughout the hospital.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

• Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
• Ability to manage several different tasks at once.
• Ability to read quickly and accurately to obtain clinical and pertinent information.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
• Able to hear for work-related purposes. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English both written and spoken, with employees, volunteers, and patients.
• Ability to visually assess patient’s condition.
• Ability to communicate verbally with patient in order to assess patient’s condition and evaluate effects of treatment.
• Ability to accurately hear communication by phone or in person.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
• Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
• Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
• Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.