Diagnostic Ultrasound Technologist

Job Description

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary:

This position provides diagnostic imaging examinations utilizing frequency sound waves emitted by sophisticated ultrasound equipment. The work involves the performance of a variety of complex diagnoses and treatments.

Scope of Work: This position is located within the Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care Medical Imaging. The work performed has a direct and substantial impact on the care and wellbeing of the patient. The incumbent receives administrative supervision from the Supervisory Radiology Technologists; however, as a technical authority on ultrasound, the incumbent independently plans and carries out most activities and examinations as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Performs a wide range of complex ultrasound studies to assist in diagnosing and treating patient diseases or injuries.
• Receives and reviews requests from physicians and other health care providers for ultrasound examinations of patients.
• Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data, lab tests, and other ancillary diagnostic exams to obtain an optimal clinical value ultrasound exam.
• Receives and positions patients for examination, explains procedures to alleviate patient fears, and secures maximum cooperation.
• Selects, sets up, adjusts, and operates ultrasound equipment.
• Maintains professional expertise in recognizing the anatomy of various structures within the abdomen and pelvic cavities.
• Monitors patient condition during the examination and renders emergency aid, and summons assistance if necessary.
• Assist in performing invasive procedures such as biopsies and thoracentesis with highly specialized equipment.
• Assist radiologist or physician in reading or evaluating results by providing technologist impressions.
• Record diagnostic findings in a systematic retrieval system to maintain confidentiality.
• Cognizant of scheduling factors, consideration provided for referral patients transported from various TONHC hospitals and clinics.
• Responsible for proper maintenance and performance of ultrasound equipment. Maintain adequate documentation on file, cleans, and organizes the ultrasound unit.
• Maintains processing equipment, CD burner, and laser printing at the required level of operation to obtain optimal hard copies and retains a digital image and data management system needed to process ultrasound exams.
• Establishes and maintains a variety of logs and records relating to ultrasound activities and functions. Prepare reports on examinations, equipment status and utilization, workload, supply status, consumption, and related matters.
• Performs and documents Quality Assurance activities to maintain Joint Commission compliance.
• Develops or adapts and documents new or changed procedures to accommodate equipment changes of new techniques in ultrasound.
• Keeps abreast of the latest advances in ultrasound equipment and technical updating of procedures by current journals, attending meetings, seminars, and conventions at local, state, and national levels as required by ARDMS or ARRT (US) to maintain active status as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) or of American Radiologic Technologist (Ultrasound).
• Serve as a mentor and instructor for non-RDMS or ARRT (US) registered technologist at TONHC.
• Provide clinical instruction and technical imaging training for non-ARDMS or ARRT (US) technologists studying the art and science of diagnostic imaging.
• Meets the training needs of the non-RDMS, ARRT (US) Technologists in diagnostic imaging applications and in preparing for the National Registry required by ARDMS or ARRT (US).
• Constantly observes the non-ARDMS or ARRT (US) technologists for techniques, knowledge of anatomy, physiology equipment functions, and professional interrelationship with the patient during the examination.
• Assures that the non-ARDMS Technologist produces diagnostic examinations or professional quality.
• Responsible for the non-ARDMS Technologist achieving satisfactory quality images for interpretation by the physician monitoring the examination.
• Explains in explicit detail the anatomy and pertinent clinical findings of the examinations.
• Trains physicians, radiology staff, and other personnel in ultrasound principles, procedures, capabilities, techniques, and equipment.
• Explains concepts and principles of the methodology and its use and limitations as a diagnostic tool and provides technical and clinical demonstrations.
• Develop ultrasound training plans for other programs.
• Incumbents must demonstrate the knowledge and skills of dealing with pediatric through geriatric patients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Extensive and intensive knowledge of the concepts, practices, procedures, techniques, and equipment applied to medical ultrasound and considerable skill in using them to conduct the most challenging and varied examinations.
• Knowledge of physical principles of sound generation and transmission characteristics of ultrasound equipment to record the interaction of ultrasound to biological tissues.
• Knowledge of various complex instruments used, their specific characteristics, and applicability to the appropriate selection of signal processors.
• Knowledge of human cross-sectional anatomy and pathology of all body planes.
• Knowledge of human embryology as it applies to obstetrical examinations performed at all stages of fetal development.
• Knowledge and skill to distinguish between fetal cranial, abdominal and skeletal structures identified as viewed in different planes.
• Knowledge of a variety of transducers utilized for examinations or situations, ability to select appropriate equipment to obtain diagnostic scans.
• Knowledge of computer operations necessary for the recording of examinations and measurement determinations particularly germane to obstetrical scans.
• Knowledge of, and ability to apply emergency first aid and resuscitation techniques to patients exhibiting distress during examination.
• Knowledge of Radiology RPMS computer system and standard diagnostic procedure coding for the medical imaging department.
• Skill in setting up, adjusting, operating, and maintaining diagnostic ultrasound and ancillary equipment.
• Skill in reading sonograms and identifying and explaining significant medical aspects therein.
• Possess skills necessary to successfully impart knowledge to others as evidenced by work quality of personnel trained.
• Skill in organizing workflow, distribution, scheduling, and submitting reports in a timely and informative manner.
• Ability to visualize the position and functioning of three-dimensional forms within the body from a two-dimensional presentation (sonogram or cathode ray screen).
• Ability to troubleshoot the RPMS package requiring expertise to correct problems with software.
• Ability to use multiple teaching methods to assist in comprehensive non-RDMS training to Technologists and clinical staff.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of patience in teaching technical and clinical applications in stressful situations dealing when critically ill patients.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation; however, meeting the requirements for eligibility to be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Ultrasound or by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) through formal education and clinical experience is required.
• One year of experience as an Ultrasound Technologist.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.