Ultrasound Technician

The Sonographer functions as a healthcare provider who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising physician, serves as a medical imaging professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The Sonographer role and responsibilities include providing diagnostic medical sonography services. The Sonographer activities are performed consistent with their education and training, and in accordance with facility policies and procedures and applicable professional standards.

• Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infections disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with facility protocols which may be 2D and/or 3D.
• Ensure that the sonography examination order is complete. Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information.
• Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination.
• Evaluate any contraindications, insufficient patient preparation, and the patient's inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination and associated procedures.
• Communicate with the patient in a manner appropriate to the patient's ability to understand.
• Apply independent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures.
• Practices safety at all times, which includes adhering to ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles for proper radiation safety for team members and patients using mobilization and immobilization devices, following safe patient handling practices, following infection prevention practices (proper personal protective equipment), and following hand hygiene to comply with government agencies or other regulatory bodies.
• Assists providers in diagnostic procedures.
• 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.
• Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images.
• As necessary, acquire additional ultrasound imaging to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.
• Provide preliminary report/comments of sonography examinations for use by the interpreting physician
• Identify and document any limitations to the sonography examination.
• Ability and willingness to complete number of exams needed for the day, to include add on exams.
• Adhere to accepted professional and ethical standards.
• Establish positive/open relationships with patients, physicians, staff and the public.
• Exercise responsibility to ensure that the ultrasound equipment is functioning accurately and at optimal level.
• Troubleshoot to try to resolve machine issues, contact GE representative or Supervisor if unable to resolve.
• Document any incidental findings that might impact patient safety or patient care and provide that information to the interpreting physician.
• Operate the Viewpoint software reporting system.
• 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.
• Assist with the daily operation of the sonography department.
• Other tasks as required or asked by your Supervisor
• Assist with the education and training of sonography students…