Sonographer

St. Clare Hospital•Lakewood, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As our Sonographer, you will utilize advanced sonographic equipment to record detailed images of blood, organs, tissues, and bodily masses, including unborn fetuses, providing critical visual data for diagnosis and prenatal care.Every day you will directly interact with patients, explaining procedures, answering questions, and preparing them for scans. You will meticulously operate sonographic equipment, adjusting settings and patient positions to ensure clear, diagnostic images. You will monitor and care for patients to ensure their safety and comfort, select and examine images for pathologies, and present preliminary findings to Physicians. Performs ultrasound examinations in accordance with department protocols and applicable regulatory requirements, and assumes responsibility for the safe, efficient and proper operation of ultrasound equipment. Work is performed with respect to various specialty/sub-specialty areas (i.e. cardiac, general and sub-specialties) in a variety of healthcare settings.

Requirements

Associate's degree from an accredited training program in General diagnostic sonography.
Recent completion of a twelve-month internship in diagnostic ultrasound (with at least six months in General ultrasound) or equivalent recent directly-related work experience demonstrating attainment of the requisite job knowledge, skills, and abilities.
In-depth knowledge of ultrasound principles, procedures, and techniques.
Proficiency in operating and maintaining ultrasound equipment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.
Registration with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Certification in Sonography by the American Association of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) is required.

Responsibilities

Prepares/operates a variety of diagnostic ultrasound equipment in accordance with American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) standards and department protocols.
Operates ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape and composition of blood, organs, tissues and bodily masses such as fluid accumulations.
Determines correct techniques to obtain images of the highest quality and resolution.
Performs quality control checks of sonographic equipment; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance procedures and backs up computer software and data.
Cleans, checks and maintains sonographic equipment; submits maintenance requests or performs minor repairs as necessary.
Evaluates new ultrasound products and equipment.
Delivers patient care for all age groups while performing ultrasound exams/procedures and/or special procedures.
Facilitates diagnoses by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis.
Regularly performs basic functions; obtains and records accurate patient history, including prior test results and information from physical examinations; prepares patient for exam by explaining procedure, transfers patient to ultrasound table, scrubs skin and applies gel, and positions them properly to get the best image.
Relays emergent exam results promptly to the appropriate physician or medical floor.
Responds to emergency situations consistent with scope of authority.
Determines suitable areas for needle aspirations and/or tissue biopsies for pathologic diagnosis.
Determines provisional diagnoses and participates (along with supervising Radiologist) in the final exam diagnosis.
Advises nursing staff of any significant change in patient’s condition while in Diagnostic Imaging.
Performs general office duties department operations to include; answering phone; scheduling; filing; maintaining patient records; ordering supplies.
Participates in the ordering and inventorying of equipment and supplies.
Ensures patient data is entered correctly and that patients are billed appropriately.
Maintains accurate patient records by documenting the patient chart with pertinent information.
Assists with quality assurance/improvements audits and activities as required.
Participates in the formal training of ultrasound interns.