Ultrasound Technician-Imaging - Per Diem

UHS•Palmdale, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Opened in 2010, Palmdale Regional Medical Center is a 184-bed, acute care hospital located in Palmdale, CA. One of Southern California’s newest hospitals and featuring all-private patient rooms, Palmdale Regional provides high-quality, award-winning patient care to residents and visitors of the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas. Palmdale Regional is active in the community and regularly participates with the Antelope Valley Board of Trade/Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance (now AV Edge), and other civic and governmental groups. Palmdale Regional believes in "Community Service Excellence" and supports nonprofit agencies and other healthcare related organizations. Palmdale Regional recently joined the newly created regional brand, Southwest Healthcare. This comprehensive network of care incorporates five hospitals in the southern California region and includes multiple convenient ambulatory locations serving many communities. With more than 7,000 skilled and talented care providers across the region, all dedicated to the highest standards, the shared goal is to provide convenient access to a wide range of healthcare services. Learn more: www.SouthwestHealthcare.com. For more information on Palmdale Regional, please visit www.palmdaleregional.com and follow Palmdale Regional Medical Center on social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 500 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 99,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 28 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, 60 outpatient and other facilities in 39 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. www.swhpalmdaleregional.com/careers Position Description: Under the direction of the Department Director and/or Medical staff, the Ultrasound Technologist is responsible for performing ultrasound procedures at a skilled technical level assuring that all legal guidelines are followed. To perform quality diagnostic scans with a high degree of proficiency and skill and routinely perform continuous quality improvement procedures as required to promote the favorable services of this department and the philosophy of this hospital in the community.

Requirements

Two to three years of x-ray training under supervision of a Radiologist preferred with experience in geriatric, adolescent, adult, and pediatrics.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Graduate of a school in ultrasound technology and ARDMS eligible.
Written and verbal communications, interpersonal skills.
Basic organizational and computer skills.
ARDMS certification or eligible.
Current BLS certification.
CPI is required within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

CRT beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Knowledgeable in current “routine” diagnostic ultrasound procedures, departmental procedure and positioning is followed. Address ultrasound department protocol for information describing each exam.
Is proficient using the Department Equipment.
Ensures patient’s welfare by thoroughly checking chart for discrepancies with exam ordered and notifying Radiologist of any discrepancies. Check patient I.D. and explain procedure to patient. Verifies physician’s order and makes sure patient has a signed consent. Obtains thorough history from outpatients. Can handle extreme emergency situations such as severe trauma and C ode Blue. Is conscientious of call responsibilities. Observes Age-Specific guidelines.
Explains procedure thoroughly to parents and patient (if child is of age to understand). Is knowledgeable in the use of pediatric restraint devices, i.e. Pigg-O-Stat, Papoose Board, sponges and allows parents help in restraining child when appropriate. Utilizes Gonadal Shielding. Utilizes high KVP, low MAS for minimal exposure time and dose to patient. Enlists help from other tech or staff to ensure patient safety while developing films or out of the room. Confers with radiologists to minimize repeat films and exposure to the patient. Speaks calmly to children and reassures their fears.
Explains procedure thoroughly to patient and parents, and answers patient questions. Inquires as to the possibility of patients being pregnant (if of childbearing) prior to procedure. Utilizes Gonadal Shielding. Utilizes high KVP, low MAS for minimal exposure to patient. Recognizes and respects the adolescent patient’s modesty and need for privacy. Confers with radiologist as to any specific need or request by the adolescent patient, prior to procedure. Speaks reassuringly to patients.
Explains procedure thoroughly to patient and family member or attendee. Answer any questions the patient may have. Demonstrates appropriate safety precautions associated with elderly patients. Sets breaks on wheelchairs, gurneys, etc., while transferring patients to and from radiology table. Stands close to patient assisting when needed in case of a fall. Replaces restraints removed from patient from exam, i.e. pony-vest, leg and arm restraints, side rail of bed or gurney. Never leaves patient unattended
Appropriate use of pads, sponges, sheets, pillows, blankets, etc. to assure patient comfort and protect skin. Use of slider board to facilitate easier more comfortable transfer. Speak slowly and clearly when giving instructions and frequently inquire as to the comfort of the patient. Reassures confused patients and orients patient to their surroundings. Use of short exposure time to minimize motion and limit time patient needs to suspend respiration. Inform radiologists of special needs or requests by the geriatric patient.
Patients are transported to the ultrasound in a safe, warm and caring manner. Exams are done at bedside without additional charge with technologist discretion. Patients ordered portably should be charged.
Notifies nurse prior to taking patient for procedure, fully explains each exam. Obtains consent as specified for pediatric or adolescent EV exam. Geriatric patients should be able to understand and comply with EV exam. Documents patient education in patient’s chart.
Consistently sees that images are properly transferred to the PAC S System and verified.
Checks to see that billing is accurate to procedure performed.
Consistently sees that the order matches the exam done. Reliably performs QC procedures in a timely manner. Checks that exam is complete through dictation.