Sonographer - PT, Weekends

Prisma Health•Richland, WA

About The Position

Under the direction of the manager and medical director, the staff sonographer provides diagnostic patient care services using diagnostic medical sonography. The role requires professional credentialing and academic and clinical preparation, and team members are expected to uphold Prisma Health's purpose: “Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.” This is a non-management position reporting to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.

Requirements

Completion of a radiology or sonography program.
Credentialed Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) through ARDMS, with at least one ARDMS credential in Abdomen, OB/GYN, or Pediatric; a Breast credential obtained through ARDMS before 2011 may be accepted at the manager's discretion if it is the only credential.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Proficiency using telephone equipment.
Oral and written communication skills.
Basic computer skills and data-entry ability.
Mathematical skills.
Knowledge of patient equipment, including vitals, suction, and defibrillator equipment.
EMR experience.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Accredited radiology or sonography program.
Sonography clinical experience.
ARRT in Radiology.
PACS experience.

Responsibilities

Identify patients using two demographic identifiers and review physician orders, clinical information, expected dates, and procedural contraindications.
Perform ultrasound procedures using independent judgment to distinguish normal from pathological findings.
Analyze sonograms together with medical history and communicate findings to the appropriate physician.
Ensure image quality meets quality-control standards and protocol requirements.
Explain procedures, introduce self and department, greet patients professionally, guide them to appropriate areas, and keep patients and families informed about delays.
Help maintain patient comfort and arrange interdepartmental transportation; transport patients when necessary.
Prepare examination rooms and supplies, maintain a sanitary and organized work area, replenish supplies, and dispose of waste and biohazardous materials according to policy.
Maintain appropriate disinfection of endovaginal transducers and proficiency with departmental equipment.
Manage patient flow to support efficient use of equipment.
Follow departmental downtime protocols and charge for procedures and supplies; investigate and help resolve outstanding or improper charges.
Help ensure ultrasound cases are read when a dictation is missing.
Resolve scheduling conflicts with other healthcare departments and promote effective communication.
Provide handoff communication to relieving staff and follow instructions from radiologists, radiology physician assistants, and fellow sonographers.
Operate the PACS system appropriately; verify studies and ensure required comments, measurements, and consents are complete before sending studies to be read.
Check for exams needing interpretation and follow up with radiologists.
Follow HIPAA and Prisma Health communication policies; maintain paper and cartridges, contact the help desk when needed, fax reports when requested, report equipment problems, and keep passwords current.
Recognize and respond appropriately to emergencies and report unsafe conditions or unauthorized persons in the ultrasound department.
Mentor newly hired sonographers and instruct, supervise, and evaluate sonography students and volunteers according to departmental and academic protocols.
Facilitate medical student observations and communicate with clinical instructors or department heads as necessary.
Perform quality checks on sonograms, recommend corrections, troubleshoot complex studies and equipment or PACS issues, and assist colleagues with complex studies.
Stay informed about organizational, affiliate, and departmental updates by checking email each shift.
Perform other duties as assigned.