Ultrasound Technologist - Days

SSM Health • St. Louis, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies. This role involves performing ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines, including abdominal, small parts, and gynecological procedures under the supervision of a radiologist. The technologist will communicate and explain procedures to patients, assess their medical status, maintain patient records in PACS and EMR systems, and record imaging studies for review. Additionally, the role includes completing patient billing, supporting departmental goals, practicing safety and infection control, and providing service excellence to patients and staff.

Requirements

• Graduate of an approved AS program in Medical Sonography or scheduled to graduate from approved BS program with RDMS(AS) certification
• 2-5 years’ experience in abdominal, musculoskeletal, breast and obstetrics and gynecology preferred
• BLS upon hire
• RDMS(AB) within 12 months of hire
• Compile statistics
• Compile paperwork to send to Medical Records for scanning into EMR
• Computer skills
• Billing studies upon end exam
• Answer phones using proper phone etiquette
• Various ultrasound and Doppler equipment to perform procedures
• Electronic Medical Record System
• Hospital telephone system
• Stress Case System, for Echocardiology departments
• Digital archiving
• Copy machine and other standard office equipment
• Eye shield/goggles
• Gown
• Lab Coat
• Mask
• Non-sterile medical gloves
• Sterile medical gloves
• Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients (can exceed 350 lbs on occasions)
• Periodic heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs).
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking/sitting required.
• Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies (up to 400 lbs)
• Manual dexterity, mobility and fine motor skills required.
• Intermittent exertion when performing studies.
• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and crouching required in performing job duties.
• Be able to adjust vision for varying degrees or room light.
• Bring objects into focus and see clearly at 20 inches or less.
• Be able to distinguish and identify multiple subtle shades of gray and different colors.
• Be able to distinguish and identify varying tones/pitch of an audible signal.
• State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin
• Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) with Abdomen (AB) Specialty - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Nice To Haves

• Experience in abdominal, musculoskeletal, breast and obstetrics and gynecology

Responsibilities

• Performs ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines, including abdominal, small parts, and gynecological procedures under the supervision of a radiologist.
• Clearly communicates and explains the exam procedure to the patient and any family member present to ensure understanding and patient’s consent for explained test.
• Assesses patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.
• Assembles a chart with the patient’s information and enters information into the current PACS System or Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Records all imaging studies (digital archive) for the Medical Director or his/her designee to review and interpret.
• Completes patient billing to ensure accurate and timely billing procedures.
• Enters charges daily for procedures performed with no more than 1 error per week.
• Prints reports from PAC, Epic and On Demand.
• Checks each charge to ensure the right account number is used and the correct procedures are charged.
• Participates in development of new diagnostic testing procedures to be performed in the department.
• Participates in the evaluation of new equipment for potential purchase.
• Educates residents and other medical or technical staff in the technical aspects, indications and limitations.
• Enhances professional growth and development through annual participation in educational programs, in-services, workshops, reading current publications, on line CME through various professional organizations & manufacturers and viewing videotaped education programs.
• Completes required CEUs to maintain specialty certification.
• Participates in research studies that require services of the department.
• Practices universal precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.
• Disinfects and cleans equipment according to manufacturers’ guidelines and standards outlined by Infection Control and department policy, including high level disinfection (HLD).
• Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.
• Maintains clutter free environment.
• Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum.
• Adheres to dress code.
• Properly displays ID badge worn with picture visible and above the waistline at all times.
• Maintains equipment in clean & proper working condition on a daily basis.
• Troubleshoots & corrects technical problems as needed.
• Contacts Clinical Engineering or manufacturer’s service department (if under contract) when malfunctions occur.
• Reports risk management concerns.
• Assumes responsibility for completing all assigned annual hospital and department specific mandatory requirements.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Demonstrates Care and Courtesy to all patients, family members, hospital and medical staff.
• Demonstrate ability to relate to coworkers in a professional and respectful manner, in order to assure and promote a culture of safety.
• Communicates Effectively and Maintains Confidentiality as outlined in the hospital policy.
• Demonstrates Competence and Collaboration as outlined in the hospital policy.
• Provides Cost Effective Services: Minimizes overtime by scheduling and performing patient procedures in the most efficient manner (flex time).
• Appropriately uses/handles equipment and orders supplies to minimize expenditures on repairs, replacement items and inventory.
• Attends regularly scheduled hospital and department meetings that support and explain the Mission of St. Louis University Hospital and its operation.
• Assists in the daily collection of data for the department’s Performance Improvement Program (volume indicators monthly & quality indicators are based upon department operation & requested monitoring by the procedure review committee).
• Wisely and responsibly utilize the resources within the facility.
• Take care of equipment and report problems to result in a longer usage life.
• Recommends changes in practices to increase efficiency and minimize waste to manager.
• Provides age-appropriate care to: Infant, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills of normal growth & development necessary to provide services to the age of the patient served by the department.
• Demonstrates ability to assess and interpret age specific data to identify patient needs.
• Utilizes communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to service and interaction.
• Involves family or significant other in decision making related to services provided.
• Demonstrates ability to provide service needed for the age groups routinely served by the department assigned.
• Initiates/evaluates alternatives to restraint prior to application.
• Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure.
• Monitors and assesses patient’s response throughout the restraint period at the appropriate intervals.
• Provides specified patient care (toileting, skin care, hydration, feeding, etc.) on a timely basis.
• Provides for trail release and removal of restraint as soon as possible.
• Adheres to hospital policy Restraints.
• Follows pain management plan of care, e.g.: repositioning, message, immobilization, etc.
• Reports patient complaints of pain to the nursing staff and/or physician.
• Evaluates and addresses pain concerns in accordance with Pain Management Policy (see hospital policy on pain management).
• Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments.
• Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician and Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.
• Adheres to hospital policy on Abuse and Neglect Clinical Assessment and Reporting.
• Utilizes work order entry system to report functions which need to be performed by housekeeping, maintenance and clinical engineering.
• Retrieves previously archived studies for viewing/printing as requested.
• Assists in clerical duties as required, including telephone responsibilities, processing of reports, posting/mailing of reports, filing, scheduling, etc.
• Participates in preparing and performing regular safety and infection control surveys.
• Reports non-compliant issues to manager/administrator and if necessary, safety or infection control director, and takes steps to correct deficiencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• Sign-on Bonus
• One week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
• Instant access to earned, unpaid base pay before payday through DailyPay (fees may apply).
• Upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree