Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

SUMMARY

General Sonographers utilize high-frequency sound waves and use of special camera equipment to produce images of the inner human body for the identification and diagnosis of abnormalities. Vascular Sonographers utilize high-frequency sound waves to perform non-invasive ultrasound studies to identify vascular abnormalities and informs appropriate health care providers of preliminary data. Informs patients about testing procedures. Cardiac Sonographers/Echo utilizes high-frequency sound waves to perform non-invasive ultrasound procedures of the heart to assess the function as well as the structures of the heart in adult and geriatric patients. OB Sonographers utilize high frequency soundwaves and uses special camera equipment to produce images of the inner human body and/or fetus for the identification and diagnosis of abnormalities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General Sonographers

Utilizes high-frequency sound waves and uses special equipment to produce images of the inner human body for the identification and diagnosis of abnormalities. Assists physicians in such procedures as needle biopsies, and fluid drainages; suggests angle for puncture and assists as necessary while maintaining sterile techniques. Performs all ultrasound techniques and examinations including but not limited to: abdominal scans, retro-peritoneal scans, limited obstetric, gynecological scans, and surgical ultrasound procedures. Cleans the equipment and probe after each patient and disinfects the probes after each procedure, making sure to adhere to safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures as set forth by the hospital and the department.

Vascular Sonographers

Assists physicians with procedures such as pseudoaneurysm thrombin injections and assists as necessary maintaining sterile procedures and techniques. Performs all vascular ultrasound procedures and exams including, but not limited to carotid, venous, arterial, and transcranial doppler and provides preliminary reports. Cleans the equipment and probe after each patient and disinfects the probes after each procedure, making sure to adhere to safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures as set forth by the hospital and the department.

OB Sonographers

Utilizes high frequency soundwaves and uses special camera equipment to produce images of the inner human body and/or fetus for the identification and diagnosis of abnormalities. Assists physician in such procedures as amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling; determine angle for puncture and assists as necessary while maintain sterile techniques. Performs routine obstetric ultrasound cases independently and is able to perform obstetric ultrasound cases with complexities under the supervision of the experienced Sonographer. OB Sonographers must have reasonable knowledge in various fetal conditions and anomalies as well as an understanding of contributing high-risk maternal factors.

Cleans the equipment and probe after each patient and disinfects the TEE probe after each procedure, making sure to adhere to safety, environmental and infection control policies and procedures as set forth by the hospital and the department.

Explains the procedure, answers patient questions and addresses their concerns

Assists medical staff during special procedures.

Obtains patient history, answers patient questions, explains procedures and comforts patients.

Abstracts relevant information from the patients’ clinical record and obtains additional information if necessary; verifies prescription, diagnosis, patient identification and chart.

Maintains records of examination data and other pertinent information on patients.

Maintains sonographic and other equipment in efficient operating order; assists with preventative maintenance on a regularly scheduled basis.

Performs advanced tests with portable equipment in patients’ rooms when necessary.

Positions patients and operates equipment to produce the most reliable and informational data; observes patient for any unusual reactions or event.

Cleans instruments on fixed and movable equipment associated with surgical sonography activities.

Operates specialized equipment to calibrate and record test results; prepares room and equipment for patient; and instructs hospital personnel and students on examination procedures, evaluation of results, equipment maintenance and calibration, as well as anatomy and physiology pertaining to exam and principles utilized by equipment.

Assists in inventory control and ordering supplies.

Takes call responsibilities as needed in department.

Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values policies and standards.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION : Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school providing a sonography program.

EXPERIENCE : Six months to one year of diagnostic medical sonography experience preferably in an acute care setting.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION : General Ultrasound Sonographers and OB Sonographers are required to obtain American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) within eighteen (18) months of hire date. Vascular are required to obtain ARDMS or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within eighteen (18) months of hire. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required for General Ultrasound Sonographers and Vascular and Cardiac Sonographers upon hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of sonography best practices and procedures.
• Skill in performing ultrasound techniques and examinations, and evaluating scans.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence; ability to listen and accurately interpret others' communication or instructions to take appropriate action.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations