Ultrasound Technologist - Per Diem - Shift

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Per diem employees supplement department staffing needs, with no guarantee of minimum hours. The minimum scheduling expectation is six shifts within a four-week schedule. Under the direction of the Radiology Manager, the Ultrasound Technologist performs complex ultrasound imaging procedures for medical, obstetrical, and surgical diagnosis and serves as the lead technical person in the Ultrasound area for an assigned shift. This is a journey-level position involving complex procedures using special techniques or equipment, or shift coordinator responsibilities. The role prepares patients and rooms for examinations, performs ultrasound studies, supports surgical biopsy and aspiration procedures, and contributes technical knowledge during physician reading sessions. The technologist documents examination information, correlates clinical history with the procedure, verifies informed consent, supports patient needs, and maintains equipment, supplies, records, and work areas. The position also includes coordinating schedules, staffing and scheduling staff, assisting with personnel actions, training and educating staff and students, and evaluating equipment and products. The position requires ARDMS certification. Completion of an accredited ultrasonic training program and two years or equivalent paid ultrasound experience are preferred. Employees must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency; those without an American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support card at hire must complete training and qualify for certification within 60 days of employment.

Requirements

ARDMS certification is required.
Employees must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency as a continued condition of employment.
Employees without an American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support card at hire must complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment.
Knowledge of ultrasound techniques, methods, equipment operation and care, structural and organic anatomy, acute care hospital procedures, and occupational safety precautions for radiologic work.
Ability to understand and follow written instructions; administer emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; maintain records and files; interact tactfully and professionally with patients, physicians, and staff; supervise and instruct employees; maintain strict confidentiality; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and use computers.
A background check may be required for this classification.
All Kern Medical employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and must remain at work or report to work safely and practicably during a disaster or civil disorder.
If job responsibilities require driving, a current valid California Driver’s License and compliance with the applicable Kern County Hospital Authority vehicle-use policy are required; additional authorization and driver-record release requirements apply when driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical.

Nice To Haves

Satisfactory completion of an accredited ultrasonic training program.
Two years or equivalent paid ultrasound experience.

Responsibilities

Document patient information on images, consents, and other medical records, and ensure clinical history is corroborated and available to the licensed independent practitioner.
Verify informed consent and assume responsibility for patient needs during procedures.
Maintain intravenous access as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner and within scope of practice.
Coordinate schedules with the receptionist, maintain a daily log and procedure manual, and track monthly procedure counts.
Operate, calibrate, adjust, and maintain complex ultrasound equipment.
Educate and monitor students and other healthcare providers.
Maintain orderly, clean equipment and ultrasound areas and adequate supplies.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with hospital, referral, and commercial agencies.
Manage staff staffing and scheduling and assist with personnel actions.
Recommend improvements to departmental performance quality and evaluate products and equipment for possible future use.
Demonstrate ultrasound equipment to staff and visitors; assist in training new sonographers and orienting staff to new techniques, research projects, and in-service education.
Use ancillary devices, including oscilloscopes, cameras, and video recorders, to obtain permanent examination records.
Select the appropriate transducer frequency and diameter for examinations.
Assess whether anatomy is normal or abnormal, delineate abnormalities, and extend the study appropriately when indicated.
Prepare rooms and patients for examinations; provide instructions, position patients, and apply protection according to safety standards.
Correlate clinical history with the examination and consult referring radiologists or physicians about history and appropriate procedures.
Perform ultrasound studies and provide technical and nursing aid for surgical biopsy and aspiration procedures.
Participate in physician reading sessions and contribute technical and professional knowledge to the diagnostic impression or report.
Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid care to patients.
Ensure charges are entered in the computer billing system.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in care of patients ranging from newborns through adults over 100 years of age, depending on assignment.
Perform other job-related duties as required.