Sonographer

Inova Health System•Fairfax, VA

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Sonographer provides clinical services according to ultrasound practice standards and acts as a resource to students, residents, fellows and other technologists to ensure optimal department functions. Administers sound patient care practices according to hospital and department policies and procedures to ensure the safety of patients. Completes ancillary tasks to ensure efficient and consistent departmental operations. Demonstrates safety for patients, staff, and self as outlined in department protocols and regulatory guidelines. Maintains equipment, exam rooms, and work areas in a neat and safe condition.

Requirements

Basic Life Support Upon Start
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) or Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) certification as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or must be registry eligible and obtain certification within 18 months from date of hire.
Recent experience in a hospital/healthcare environment as a sonographer or sonography student.
Graduate of an accredited school of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Responsibilities

Communicates effectively with patients to obtain clinical history and informed consent from patients or patients' chart to assist physicians in optimizing the performance and interpretation of examinations.
Explains procedures to patients/families and answers any questions to ease anxiety and ensure patient cooperation.
Assists physicians in performing a variety of examinations by using standard department protocols, isolation precautions and/or sterile technique.
Demonstrates the ability to recognize clinical and/or emergent problems that may interfere with exams, takes appropriate action to resolve them and produces the most desirable outcomes.
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of intravenous (IV) heparin locks and central line usage as they pertain to Sonography. Demonstrates proper technique for injection of IV contrast, or other test enhancing solution, under the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Standards.
Correctly identifies patients and their files by ensuring a high degree of accuracy. Identifies errors and takes immediate action for corrections. Tracks patients according to department procedures.
Participates in department/hospital performance improvement initiatives, in-services, and meetings.
Demonstrates patient safety in the department by use of side rails, braking mechanisms, and patient monitoring. Reports, documents, and corrects any adverse, unsafe, or unusual conditions. Troubleshoots equipment effectively and reports equipment to biomedical engineering/vendor. Performs/recognizes the need for routine maintenance of imagers/processors and ultrasound equipment to maintain consistent quality images. Operates imaging and other related equipment according to manufacturers' specifications.
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of ultrasound principles and theory as it relates to the cardiovascular system, anatomy, and pathology processes by utilizing the most appropriate technique and/or positioning for optimal examinations.
Adheres to department policies and protocols by ensuring that all examinations are optimized for interpretation.
Demonstrates the ability and skills to assist in teaching Ultrasound Students sound ultrasound principles. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Cardiac anatomy, pathology, and physiology.
May perform additional duties as assigned.