Sonographer

CommonSpirit Health•Omaha, NE

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sonographer uses advanced sonographic equipment to capture diagnostic images of blood, organs, tissues, bodily masses, and unborn fetuses. The role provides visual information to support diagnosis and prenatal care. The Sonographer works directly with patients, explaining procedures, answering questions, preparing patients for scans, and helping ensure their safety and comfort. The position requires technical proficiency, sound judgment, careful attention to detail, and effective patient communication. Responsibilities include assessing patients’ ability to participate in procedures; explaining procedures, their duration, and what to expect afterward; obtaining patient histories and documenting them in the medical record; preparing equipment, technical settings, protocols, and supplies; acquiring and evaluating images; and presenting preliminary findings to physicians. The Sonographer also assists physicians with interventional procedures, applies aseptic and sterile techniques and universal precautions, and provides patient education as appropriate. The role includes following radiation and MR safety standards, radiation-protection practices, and applicable quality, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. The Sonographer checks equipment and supplies, performs required quality tests, assesses image quality and equipment issues, reports problems, and uses the CHI incident reporting system to document specified incidents. The position participates in department, campus, and system quality-improvement efforts and must be familiar with CMS and Joint Commission requirements and department processes related to quality and environment of care. The position is at CHI Health Immanuel in North Omaha. The posting offers eligible new hires a sign-on bonus of up to $4,500 and education assistance of $10,000, as well as additional night and weekend pay.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in or a graduate of a Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Radiology Technology program; alternatively, a graduate of a post-secondary allied health profession program with on-the-job training alongside a registered sonographer.
Basic Life Support (CPR) certification upon hire.
Obtain one of the listed applicable sonography credentials within 12 months: RDMS; RDCS; RDCS Adult Echo, Fetal Echo, or Pediatric Echo; or RDMS Abdomen, Breast, Fetal Echo, Neurosonology, OB/GYN, or Pediatric Sono.
Excellent patient-service and communication skills.
Sharp eyesight and meticulous attention to detail.
Strong technical proficiency, sound judgment, and advanced decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

Assess patients and their ability to participate in ordered procedures.
Explain procedures to patients, including their duration, process, and what to expect after completion; answer questions and provide patient education as appropriate.
Verify informed consent for and assist physicians with interventional procedures, including needle localization, aspiration, and biopsies.
Use sonographic equipment to acquire clear diagnostic images, selecting appropriate equipment, technical factors, protocols, and supplies.
Monitor and care for patients to support their safety and comfort during procedures.
Select and examine images for pathology, perform image quality assessment, and present preliminary findings to physicians.
Obtain a clear and complete patient history from the patient or medical record and document it in the patient record.
Apply aseptic and sterile techniques as needed and observe universal precautions.
Follow radiation safety, MR safety, and radiation-protection standards, including applicable lead-protection practices.
Ensure equipment is in working order before the day begins and before procedures; perform required performance and quality tests, including ACR quality requirements.
Check supplies for expiration dates and report shortages, variations, equipment failures, and malfunctions to a supervisor, manager, or director.
Report patient injuries or concerns, equipment or supply failures, medication reactions or errors, and visitor or personal injuries or exposures through the CHI incident reporting system.
Participate in department, campus, and system quality-improvement projects and understand applicable ACR accreditation, Radiation Safety, ALARA, MQSA, and state requirements.
Understand applicable CMS and Joint Commission requirements and department processes related to quality and environment of care.