Ultrasound Technologist - Owosso, United States - Memorial Healthcare

Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Ultrasound Technologist will perform a variety of complex and specialized tasks utilizing ultrasonic high frequency sound waves to detect abnormalities including masses, abscesses, and stones. Proficient and able to perform independently both Diagnostic Sonography and Vascular Sonography procedures. Assist physicians with biopsy procedures, guiding biopsy instrument using sonographic techniques. Strives for superior performance by consistentl providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS
RESPONSIBLE TO: Diagnostic Imaging Management and Radiologists.

WORKERS SUPERVISED: None

INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Patients, visitors, physicians, and all department/hospital personnel, office personnel, vendors, and community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Produces high quality images through appropriate sonographic technique, body part positioning and image capture. Adjusts protocols to meet patient needs when appropriate and/or necessary.
2. Moves transducer by hand over the specified anatomy, observes sound wave displays to provide a written assessment, and discusses findings with the attending radiologist.
3. Acquires complete and appropriate patient history and conveys all pertinent information to radiologist.
4. Familiarity with terminology and the procedures performed in all of Diagnostic Imaging. Demonstrates a working knowledge of all front desk and file room procedures.
5. Communicates delays to patients. Explains procedures so that patients are comfortable. Obtains thorough and pertinent patient history and prepares patients for examination.
6. Encourages and assist in research at the technologist level. Keeps abreast of new procedures and exams as it pertains to area of diagnostic imaging practice.
7. Selects the appropriate equipment and is aware of the set up based on procedure protocol, specifications, and standards.
8. Evaluates the technical quality of images and is able to record, archive, retrieve, compile, and calculate data.
9. Independently capable of assisting the radiologist during invasive procedures such as biopsies and abscess drainages.
10. Positions the patient based on anatomy in question and provides accurate measurements, educates and can clearly explain procedures before imaging, and follows age-specific guidelines.
11. Practices positive patient identification
12. Confers with radiologist regarding patient care and protocol as necessary.

LEAD ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST

1. Provides leadership among all Ultrasound Technologists and acts as an educational resource.
2. Assists with all Ultrasound accrediting activities with State, Federal, and various accrediting bodies including, but not limited to the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The Joint Commission (TJC).
3. Develops and implements new Ultrasound protocols as necessary and educates all Ultrasound Technologists, Radiologists, and Referring Physicians on new protocols.
4. Maintain the Ultrasound on-call staff schedule and rotation ensuring appropriate on-call staffing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
5. Fills the role of 'go-to' person for all things Ultrasound. From equipment selection to new procedures, the Lead Ultrasound Technologists acts as a change agent by adapting to the constant change of healthcare and growing the Ultrasound business.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Consistently treats patients and co-workers with dignity and respect. Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of Memorial Healthcare and complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
2. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital's mission, vision and value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, imaging exam protocols, and the code of ethical behavior. Promotes a culture of safety, quality services, and customer satisfaction.
3. Demonstrates safe and effective use as well as calibrates and performs preventive maintenance of all equipment associated with assigned duties.
4. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs.
5. Identifies problems or issues and brings them to the attention of the appropriate individual. Assumes responsibility and confirms that the problem has been resolved.
6. Informs Diagnostic Imaging Management of unusual events or variations in normal business or clinical activities and shares ideas for improvement.
7. Participates in educational and staff meetings. Attends all department meetings and/or reads minutes. Participates as assigned with student/new employee education.
8. Performs and/or accepts all other duties as assigned.
9. Performs routine cleaning of work area and associated equipment. Maintains a complete stock of necessary supplies.
10. Transports and transfers patients in a safe manner and adheres to patient transport policy. Utilizes proper restraints, side rails, and other associated measures when transporting patients.
11. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities or committees.
12. Adheres to dress code requirements and standards. Wears identification badge clearly visible at chest level while on duty.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

1. Registered (or Registry Eligible) with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry exam in the discipline of Medical Sonography.
2. Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Intersocietal Accreditation Commission Vascular Testing (ICAVL). Two year allied health degree preferred.

Experience and Job Knowledge:

1. Able to perform imaging procedures associated with area of hire independently and accurately.
2. Two years of experience in a clinical setting as a registered ARDMS or ARRT technologist preferred.

Essential Technical and Motor Skills

1. Ability to operate telephone, computer, and associated peripheral equipment used by Memorial Healthcare including related applications such as Microsoft Office products.
2. Ability to operate/utilize imaging equipment in area of hire.

Essential Physical Requirements

1. Ability to sit, walk and/or stand for long periods of time.
2. Ability to do forward reaching, bending, pulling, twisting lifting and turning associated with patient transport and equipment handling.
3. Ability to push wheelchairs or stretchers throughout the hospital.

Essential Mental Requirements

1. Ability to understand complex written and verbal instructions
2. Ability to manage several different tasks at once.
3. Ability to read quickly and accurately to obtain clinical and pertinent information.

Essential Sensory Requirements

1. Ability to communicate receptively and expressively in English both written and spoken, with employees, volunteers, and patients.
2. Ability to visually assess patient's condition.
3. Ability to communicate verbally with patient in order to assess patient's condition and evaluate effects of treatment.
4. Ability to accurately hear communication by phone or in person.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Must have the ability to interact effectively with patients and their families, the public, physicians and other Memorial Healthcare staff and maintain a professional and courteous manner both verbally and in written communication at all times.
2. Ability to interact with emotional or distraught patients.
3. Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor during difficult situations.