Registered Sonographer Valley

DRISCOLL HEALTH PLAN•Edinburg, TX

11d

About The Position

The Registered Sonographer uses high-frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data used by physicians to make medical diagnoses. The role performs diagnostic sonography duties and may perform radiography when appropriately registered and licensed. The sonographer maintains clinical competency in ultrasound and, if registered in both modalities, radiography. The position also supports patient care, equipment and quality assurance activities, student instruction, procedure and policy compliance, and ACR certification requirements for ultrasound facilities. Sonography students are supervised as part of the role.

Requirements

Training as a Medical Diagnostic Sonographer, typically 12–18 months.
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) or registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Sonographer (RT-S).
CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
If performing radiography: registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT-R) and a current unlimited Texas Medical Board license as a Certified Medical Radiologic Technologist (CMRT).
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, including the required knowledge, skills, and abilities described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

2–3 years of pediatric sonography experience in a hospital setting is preferred.
Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in radiologic technology, if applicable; not mandatory for a sonographer.

Responsibilities

Maintain confidentiality and follow hospital policies, ethical business practices, and corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
Maintain clinical records and follow infection-control practices, including handwashing and standard precautions.
Enter patient demographics accurately, select appropriate transducers, and set initial power output and gain according to patient size and age.
Review medical records and interview patients or parents to obtain relevant history and findings that may affect the examination.
Perform and adapt sonographic imaging protocols based on patient history and initial findings; recognize normal and abnormal tissue structures and compensate for acoustic artifacts.
Produce the best image quality possible within available resources and the patient's clinical status, and transfer images to hard copy or the PACS system as appropriate.
Recognize findings or life-threatening situations requiring immediate response and notify the interpreting or appropriate physician.
Communicate with interpreting physicians using oral and written communication skills, and exercise professional judgment to protect patient rights and work within scope of practice.
Provide basic patient care and comfort using appropriate infection-control practices.
Assist with cyst aspiration, fluid aspiration, and biopsy procedures.
Document equipment performance, service, maintenance, and configuration changes; report malfunctions and complete required documentation.
Assess equipment performance and ensure equipment maintenance and operation comply with established guidelines.
Assist with collecting information about equipment, procedures, the work environment, and departmental process-improvement activities; analyze findings and discuss recommended changes with the appropriate supervisor.
Assist with quality assurance activities, timely completion of QA checks, departmental safety inspections, and compliance with established protocols; evaluate QA results and implement self-improvement plans as needed.
Review relevant protocol, procedure, safety, risk management, and radiation safety manuals at least annually; assist in maintaining ultrasound procedure and departmental policy and procedure manuals and compliance with ACR and JCAHO requirements.
Perform weekly inventory of area supplies and order needed items by computer.
Instruct sonography students regarding sonographic policies and procedures.
Perform radiography when appropriately registered and licensed, and maintain clinical competency in radiography when registered in both modalities.
Administer performance management responsibilities, including developmental feedback, goal setting, competency assessment, and progressive discipline; manage human resources responsibly and make decisions aligned with organizational goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.