Student Sonographer - PRN, Days

Prisma Health•Richland, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the manager and medical director, the Student Sonographer provides diagnostic patient care services using diagnostic medical sonography. The role performs ultrasound procedures, applies independent judgment to distinguish normal and pathological findings, analyzes sonograms alongside medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician. The position supports patient care and department operations, including patient preparation and comfort, room and equipment readiness, accurate exam documentation and charges, patient scheduling and flow, communication and handoffs, and compliance with safety, privacy, and departmental protocols. Sonographers may be required to cover various shifts, weekends, and holidays. Team members are expected to uphold Prisma Health’s values: “Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.”

Requirements

Enrollment in or completion of an accredited sonography program in an applicable discipline: Ultrasound, Echo, Cardiovascular, or Vascular Sonography.
No experience required.
Obtain applicable ARDMS, RVT, or RCS certification within one year.
Knowledge of equipment required for each exam and proficiency with department equipment.
Customer service and interpersonal skills.
Computer skills and data-entry ability.
Knowledge of office equipment and mathematical skills.
EMR knowledge.

Nice To Haves

ARRT in Radiology preferred.
PACS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify patients using two demographic identifiers; review procedure orders and requisitions, verify clinical information and account details, and check for procedural contraindications.
Perform ultrasound procedures using independent judgment; analyze sonograms and medical history, communicate findings to the appropriate physician, and ensure imaging meets quality-control and protocol standards.
Explain procedures, introduce self and department, greet and guide patients, communicate delays, and help maintain patient and family comfort.
Arrange interdepartmental transportation and transport patients when necessary, including to and from the radiology observation area.
Obtain supplies and prepare rooms; maintain a sanitary, organized environment; restock supplies; dispose of waste and biohazardous materials according to policy; and disinfect endovaginal transducers in compliance with safety standards.
Support efficient patient flow and comply with departmental downtime protocols.
Maintain accurate daily exam logs; enter procedure and supply charges, investigate outstanding charges, complete debit and credit forms, troubleshoot improper charges, and help ensure ultrasound cases are read when dictations are missing.
Participate in patient flow using the department patient board, resolve scheduling conflicts, and promote effective communication within and outside the department.
Provide handoff communication to the relieving shift and follow instructions from radiologists, physician assistants, and fellow sonographers.
Deliver specimens to the laboratory as needed, verifying locations and labels comply with policy; communicate with physicians and healthcare workers about procedures; and support patient and family understanding, arranging translation services when appropriate.
Operate the PACS system, verify studies before archiving, check for unverified exams, and ensure required consents and time-out forms are completed and filed appropriately.
Prepare outpatient schedules, review patient histories and duplicate medical record numbers, check for added patients, coordinate with central scheduling, and gather information to schedule ultrasound-guided interventional procedures.
Recognize and respond to emergencies; monitor for conditions that could compromise care; report unsafe conditions and equipment problems; and challenge unknown persons in the department regarding their identity and purpose.
Follow departmental and Prisma Health HIPAA requirements and communication guidelines; check email regularly; use telephone and office equipment professionally; maintain supplies such as paper and cartridges; contact the help desk; fax reports; record equipment-problem confirmation numbers; and keep passwords current.
Perform other duties as assigned.