Sonographer

Job Summary And Responsibilities

Performs ultrasound examinations in accordance with department protocols and applicable regulatory requirements, and assumes responsibility for the safe, efficient, and proper operation of ultrasound equipment. Work is performed with respect to various specialty/sub‑specialty areas (i.e., cardiac, general and sub‑specialties) in a variety of healthcare settings. Incumbents may perform echocardiograms only if at S EH.

Incumbents are also accountable for:

• Keeping abreast of FHS standards, protocols and procedures relating to the department; keeping skills current.
• Demonstrating evidence of continuing education; attending department, local and national professional meetings.
• Availing themselves of individualized learning opportunities to stay current on new procedures, equipment or information.

The Non‑Registered Sonographer is a temporary classification for employees who are not currently registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers at the time of hire with a signed exception form. Employees have one year from date of hire to obtain the requisite registration.

• Prepares/operates a variety of diagnostic ultrasound equipment in accordance with American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) standards and department protocols.
• Operates ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape and composition of blood, organs, tissues and bodily masses such as fluid accumulations.
• Determines correct techniques to obtain images of the highest quality and resolution.
• Performs quality control checks of sonographic equipment; troubleshoots breakdowns; maintains supplies; performs preventive maintenance procedures and backs up computer software and data.
• Cleans, checks and maintains sonographic equipment; submits maintenance requests or performs minor repairs as necessary.
• Evaluates new ultrasound products and equipment.
• Delivers patient care for all age groups while performing ultrasound exams/procedures and/or special procedures.
• Facilitates diagnoses by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis.
• Regularly performs basic functions; obtains and records accurate patient history, including prior test results and information from physical examinations; prepares patient for exam by explaining procedure, transfers patient to ultrasound table, scrubs skin and applies gel, and positions them properly to get the best image.
• Relays emergent exam results promptly to the appropriate physician or medical floor.
• Responds to emergency situations consistent with scope of authority.
• Determines suitable areas for needle aspirations and/or tissue biopsies for pathologic diagnosis.
• Determines provisional diagnoses and participates (along with supervising Radiologist) in the final exam diagnosis.
• Advises nursing staff of any significant change in patient’s condition while in Diagnostic Imaging.

Required

Education:

Graduation with an Associate’s Degree in General Diagnostic Sonography and recent completion of a twelve‑month internship in diagnostic ultrasound (with at least six months in general ultrasound) or equivalent recent directly related work experience that demonstrates the requisite job knowledge, skill, and abilities.

Required Licensure: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Adult Echo (RDCSAE) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Fetal Echo (RDCSFE) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Pediatric Echo (RDCSPE) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Abdomen (RDMSAB) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Breast (RDMS ) upon hire;

or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Neurosonology (RDMSNE) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer OB/GYN (RDMSOB) upon hire; or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pediatric Sono (RDMSPS) upon hire; or Registered Technologist Radiography ARRT (RTR) upon hire.…