Diagnostic Medical Sonographer-Per Diem

Bristol Hospital Group•Bristol, CT

About The Position

At Bristol Health, the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer independently evaluates and documents a wide variety of complex sonographic examinations using non-ionizing, high-frequency ultrasonic waves. The sonographer produces high-quality images for provider diagnosis and performs specialized procedures requiring advanced knowledge and techniques. The position uses complex imaging equipment and controls, may assist with staff orientation and training, helps evaluate equipment, procedures, and protocols, carries out emergency procedures within authorized limitations, maintains records, and performs routine equipment maintenance. The sonographer receives and reviews procedure orders and patient histories, coordinates procedure timing and preparation with physicians’ offices or nursing units, and enters patient information into the computer. The role independently scans requested anatomy, recognizes pathological conditions, applies judgment to extend or discontinue examinations, positions and supports patients, adjusts the transducer and equipment, monitors and records findings, and takes precise measurements. The sonographer also performs specialized procedures, prepares sterile trays, assists physicians with procedures such as biopsies and amniocentesis, and communicates pertinent information clearly to radiologists and other providers.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved ultrasound program.
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Ultrasound Certification.
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification.
Complete general orientation at hire and required annual fire, safety, and infection-control education, along with other programs mandated by the hospital.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including repetitive movement and lifting more than 50 pounds as needed.
Visual acuity correctable to normal with normal color perception and hearing acuity correctable to normal.
Ability to communicate so the average person can understand.
Ability to concentrate on fine detail despite interruptions, attend to tasks for more than 60 minutes, understand and relate theories across several related concepts, remember multiple tasks over long periods, and adjust routines to accommodate patients or department needs without affecting departmental flow.

Responsibilities

Perform and document complex sonographic examinations and specialized procedures.
Produce high-quality ultrasound images for use in patient diagnosis.
Receive procedure orders, review patient histories, coordinate procedure timing and preparations, and enter patient information into the computer.
Set and adjust complex ultrasound equipment based on the examination, patient body habits, and clinical history.
Independently scan requested anatomy, recognize pathological conditions, and use judgment to extend or discontinue examinations as needed.
Position patients and adjust transducers and controls to obtain and enhance images.
Monitor images while scanning, note and record normal or abnormal anatomy, and measure organs and fetal parts.
Prepare sterile trays and assist physicians with biopsies, amniocentesis, lesion localization, fetal manipulation, and other procedures.
Repeat scans and record changes resulting from special procedures.
Communicate pertinent information clearly to radiologists and other providers.
Carry out emergency procedures within authorized limitations and maintain required records and files.
Perform routine maintenance on equipment.
May assist with orientation and training of new staff and evaluation of new equipment, procedures, and protocols.