Radiology-US TECH-PRN/PT

Job Title: Ultrasound Technologist

Policy Description and Purpose: Managing patient care involves a team of clinical and nonclinical staff interacting with patients and working to achieve patient-centered care.  Job descriptions and responsibilities of the care team emphasize a team-based approach to patient care and promote training of team members to meet the highest level of function allowed by state law. 

Procedure: The job description and responsibilities are defined for the Radiology department at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic below:

Job Description: A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional that is qualified by professional credentialing and academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. The scope of practice of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer includes those procedures, acts and processes permitted by law, for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, has demonstrated competency, and has completed the appropriate ARDMS certification(s) which is the standard of practice in ultrasound.

Job Summary: The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for daily operations of the sonographic laboratory, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The sonographer always maintains a high standard of medical ethics and is self-motivated to increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease, and new procedures as they evolve.

Essential Functions:

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Uses independent judgment during the sonographic exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
• Analyses sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.
• Coordinates the work schedule with Departmental Director and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in the sonographer's care.
• Assists with the daily operations of the sonographic laboratory.
• Maintains a daily log of patients seen / completes exam billing forms.
• Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area and maintains adequate supplies.
• Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
• Establishes and maintains ethical working relationships and good rapport with all interrelating hospitals, referral or commercial agencies.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs all requested sonographic examinations as ordered by the attending physician.
• Prepare preliminary reports and contacts referring physicians when required, according to established procedures.
• Coordinates with other staff to ensure appropriate patient care is provided.
• Addresses problems of patient care as they arise and makes decisions to appropriately resolve the problems.
• Organizes daily work schedule and performs related clerical duties as required.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of all patients in the sonographic area/department.
• Reports on equipment failures to the appropriate supervisor or staff member.
• Provides an education service team on requirements of sonographic procedures as requested by other members of the health care team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Radiologic Technology program with ARDMS is required.
• Active certification by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the specialty(ies) as appropriate.
• Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate.
• Minimum of 3 years in ultrasound modality

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment.
• Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
• Ability to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
• Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.
• Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient's needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
• Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be physically capable of carrying out all assigned duties:

• Emotional and physical health is sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
• Strength sufficient to lifting some patients, and to move patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.