Registered Sonographer Valley

Driscoll Children's Hospital•Edinburg, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Utilizing high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render medical diagnosis. He or she can perform all duties of radiographer I if registered with the American College of Radiology (ARRT) as required. Maintains own clinical competency in Ultrasound and Radiography if registered both modalities.

Requirements

Training as a Medical Diagnostic Sonographer (Typically 12-18 mos.)
2-3 years as a pediatric Sonography experience in a hospital setting preferred
Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school in radiologic technology if applicable but not mandatory for a sonographer.
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS ) or Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Sonographer (RT-S)
Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT-R) if performing radiography
Current unlimited license with the Texas Medical Board as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT ) if performing radiography
CPR Certification within 30 days of hiring

Nice To Haves

Maintains own clinical competency in Ultrasound and Radiography if registered both modalities.

Responsibilities

Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
Maintains clinical records
Maintain infection control and use standard precautions, including good hand washing before and following patient contact
Accurately enters patient demographics into instrument memory
Selects appropriate transducer, set initial power output and gain for patient size and age
Recognizes differences in normal and abnormal tissue structures
Obtains and evaluates pertinent patient history and physical findings
Extends standard imaging protocols as required by patient history or initial sonographic findings
Recognizes examination findings that may require an immediate clinical response and notifies interpreting physician
Selects proper transducers for the study being performed
Transfers images to “hard copy” or to PACS system as appropriate.
Consistently provides best images possible within the limitations imposed by available resources
Employs professional judgment and discretion to protect patient rights and perform within scope of practice
Documents equipment performance service, maintenance and configuration changes
Assists in cyst aspiration, fluid aspiration and biopsy procedures
Assists in developing/maintaining ultrasound procedure manual
Assists in maintaining the section in full compliance with all requirements of ACR certification for ultrasound facilities
Reviews medical record and uses personal patient/parent interview to obtain significant clinical information and historical facts, which may affect the sonographic examination
Provides basic patient care and comfort, including good infection control practices, including good hand washing technique, appropriate use of standard precautions
Consistently provides the best image quality within the limitations of available resources and patient clinical status
Recognize significant clinical information and historical facts from the patient and medical record, which may affect the sonographic examination
Identifies life threatening situations and responds appropriately
Uses oral and written communication skills to interact with interpreting physician
Recognize the sonographic appearance of normal and abnormal tissue structures
Notifies appropriate physician of findings that may require immediate clinical response
Recognize and compensate for acoustic artifact
Performs all duties of diagnostic sonographer and radiographer
Performs other related duties as assigned
Assists in the collection of pertinent information regarding equipment, the procedures and the work environment
Assists in the collection of pertinent data regarding departmental Process Improvement activities
Ensures that services are performed in a safe environment in accordance with established guidelines
Assesses equipment to determine acceptable performance based on established guidelines
Reviews protocol and procedure manuals as well as Safety, Risk Management, Radiation Safety and other pertinent manuals on at least an annual basis
Analysis information collected and recommends whether changes need to be made to equipment, procedures or work environment; discusses any recommended changes with appropriate supervisor
Instructs students regarding sonographic policies and procedures
Assists in performing quality assurance activities based on established quality protocols
Performs weekly inventory of area supplies, orders needed items via computer
Assists in ensuring all QA checks are completed in a timely manner
Assists in performing departmental safety inspections
Reports equipment malfunction to appropriate individuals e.g., supervisor, service vendors, ensuring all required documentation is completed
Assists in updating/maintaining departmental Policy and Procedure Manuals for optimal compliance with JCAHO
Ensures that self assists in the collection of pertinent information regarding equipment, the procedures and the work environment.
Ensures that services are performed in a safe environment in accordance with established guidelines.
Ensures that equipment maintenance and operation comply with established guidelines.
Evaluates self on quality assurance results and establishes an appropriate action plan for improvement as required
Compares quality assurance results to established acceptable values
Implements a self-improvement QA action plan, and assists technologists in their plans as required.