Diagnostic Sonographer

SSM Health • St. Louis, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies. This role involves performing ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines, clearly communicating and explaining exam procedures to patients, assessing patient's medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam, assembling patient charts, entering information into the PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR), and recording all imaging studies for review and interpretation. The position also includes completing patient billing, supporting departmental goals and objectives, participating in the development of new diagnostic testing procedures, educating staff, and enhancing professional growth through continuing education. Safety and infection control practices are paramount, including practicing universal precautions, disinfecting equipment, and maintaining a safe environment. Service excellence is expected in all interactions with patients, families, and staff, emphasizing courtesy, effective communication, and confidentiality. The role also incorporates quality assessment into daily work, assisting with data collection for performance improvement programs, and utilizing resources wisely. Age-appropriate care is provided to infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, demonstrating knowledge and skills specific to each age group. Specialized care is provided to patients at high risk for injury, including restraint care, pain management, and abuse assessment. The position assists in the day-to-day operations of the department, including reporting work orders, retrieving studies, assisting with clerical duties, and participating in safety and infection control surveys.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved AS program in Medical Sonography or scheduled to graduate from approved BS program with RDMS(AS) certification
• 2-5 years’ experience in abdominal, musculoskeletal, breast and obstetrics and gynecology preferred
• BLS upon hire, RDMS(AB) within 12 months of hire
• Compile statistics
• Compile paperwork to send to Medical Records for scanning into EMR
• Computer skills
• Billing studies upon end exam
• Answer phones using proper phone etiquette
• Various ultrasound and Doppler equipment to perform procedures
• Electronic Medical Record System
• Hospital telephone system
• Stress Case System, for Echocardiology departments
• Digital archiving
• Copy machine and other standard office equipment
• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) with Abdomen (AB) Specialty - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) with Breast (BR) Specialty - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) with Pediatric Sonography (PS) Specialty - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Nice To Haves

• abdominal, musculoskeletal, breast and obstetrics and gynecology experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines.
• Clearly communicates & explains the exam procedure to the patient and any family member present to insure understanding and patient’s consent for explained test.
• Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.
• Assembles a chart with the patient’s information and enters information into the current PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for the Medical Director or his/her designee to review and interpret.
• Completes patient billing to insure accurate and timely billing procedures.
• Supports all functions, goals and objectives of the department as well as development of any new programs.
• Participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department. Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.
• Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations.
• Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, in-services, workshops, reading current publications, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs. Complete required CEUs to maintain specialty certification.
• Participates in research studies that require services of the department.
• Practices according to safety and infection control policies.
• Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines. Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy, including high level disinfection (HLD).
• Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.
• Adheres to dress code. Properly displays ID badge worn with picture visible and above the waistline at all times. Maintains equipment in clean & proper working condition on a daily basis. Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed. Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer’s service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.
• Reports risk management concerns.
• Assumes responsibility for completing all assigned annual hospital and department specific mandatory requirements.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Provides service excellence to the customers of Saint Louis University Hospital by delivering timely, high quality care in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Demonstrates Care and Courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff. Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety
• Communicates Effectively and Maintains Confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.
• Demonstrates Competence and Collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.
• Provides Cost Effective Services: Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time). Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.
• Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of St. Louis University Hospital and its operation.
• Incorporates Quality Assessment into one’s daily work.
• Assists in the daily collection of data for the department’s Performance Improvement Program (volume indicators monthly & quality indicators are based upon department operation & requested monitoring by the procedure review committee).
• Wisely and responsibly utilize the resources within the facility. Take care of equipment and report problems to result in a longer usage life.
• Recommends changes in practices to increase efficiency and minimize waste to manager.
• Provides age-appropriate care to: Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.
• Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.
• Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.
• Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.
• Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.
• Provides specialized care to patients at high risk for injury.
• Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application.
• Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure.
• Monitors and assesses patient’s response throughout the restraint period at the appropriate intervals.
• Provides specified patient care (toileting, skin care, hydration, feeding, etc.) on a timely basis.
• Provides for trail release and removal of restraint as soon as possible.
• Adhere to hospital policy Restraints.
• Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, message, immobilization, etc.
• Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.
• Evaluates and addresses pain concerns in accordance with Pain Management Policy (see hospital policy on pain management).
• Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.
• Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician and Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.
• Adhere to hospital policy on Abuse and Neglect Clinical Assessment and Reporting.
• Assists in the day-to-day operation of the assigned department.
• Utilizes work order entry system to report functions which need to be performed by housekeeping, maintenance and clinical engineering.
• Retrieves previously archived studies for viewing/printing as requested.
• Assists in clerical duties as required, including telephone responsibilities, processing of reports, posting/mailing of reports, filing, scheduling, etc.
• Participates in preparing and performing regular safety and infection control surveys. Reports non-compliant issues to manager/administrator and if necessary, safety or infection control director, and takes steps to correct deficiencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE)
• instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday
• upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree