Employment

Primary Function

The purpose of this position is to perform ultrasound examinations.   Diagnostic technologist must be registered in ultrasound and able to perform all U/S exams.  Fully competent and possess a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of the ultrasound field.  Supervision will be minimal on day to day activities, conferring with superior on unusual matters.  Front desk clerical duties and tasks will be performed as needed.

Job Description

• Receives patient, explains methods of procedure, position patients and obtains appropriate scans necessary for the requested examination.
• Correlates clinical history, pertinent clinical data and other ancillary diagnostic examinations to obtain an ultrasound examination of optimal clinical value.
• Develops, collates and presents examination to radiologist for final interpretations.
• Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognized equipment limitations.
• Responsible for proper maintenance and performance of ultrasound equipment, documents quality control tests and repair services with biomedical engineers or service representatives.
• Maintains sufficient supplies through regular inventory checks: gives request to manager or supervisor for supplies to be ordered.
• Reads journals to keep abreast of new techniques and procedures in the field of diagnostic ultrasound.
• Maintains credentials by earning 30 CME’s in a 3 year time period.
• Maintains accurate record of Trophon system.  Keeps patient detail and pass/fail of system and chemical indication.
• Maintains a neat, clean, and orderly ultrasound room.
• Evaluates new products and equipment for recommendation to Radiology Manager for possible future purposes.
• Researches, develops and formulates new techniques and procedures for use in the ultrasound department.
• Performs radiology duties and functions when time and workload permits.  Performs other related duties as assigned/required.
• Performs all OB/Gyn exams.
• Performs breast ultrasound procedures; reviews patient relevant previous imaging exams prior to the breast ultrasound.
• Interviews the patient to acquire clinical history.
• Correlates physical findings with adjacent imaging modalities.
• Optimizes the breast ultrasound by using the following as appropriate, Doppler, color Doppler, and panoramic imaging.
• Reviews p
• Performs ER exams that include but are not limited to (R/O DVT, Abd Ltd RUQ, appendicitis, ruptured spleen, lacerated liver,  R/O ectopic pregnancy, FHT, etc.
• Performs add-ons from inpatient and outpatient as needed.
• Performs Ankle Brachial Index w/ Pulse volume recordings (ABI Complete) as needed.
• There is the possibility of exposure to infectious disease, body fluid, and radiation while on duty

Education/Experience/Requirements

• Must be a graduate of an accredited school with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Must be registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (OB-GYN and/or Abdomen).

• Required to  have 3 or more years of experience in OB/GYN
• Applicant must have a valid North Carolina Driver’s License
• Applicant must have an unrestricted valid Registered Radiologic Technologist license with the state of NC or a state that is accepted as reciprocity.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) is required
• Must possess critical thinking skills and work efficiently in traumatic situations
• Must possess a personality to work with and welcome diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Must possess the ability to operate new technical computer and imaging equipment.
• Must possess the ability to adapt to changes in schedule and maintain flexibility to work weekends and holidays as scheduled and be on call when necessary.
• Must possess the ability to interact compassionately and effectively with the critically sick (physically or mentally) or traumatically injured.
• Must possess effective communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to adapt and perform well as a team and independently.
• Must possess excellent troubleshooting skills.

Job Knowledge

• Knowledge of general ultrasound procedures.
• Must have in-depth knowledge and skill to operate complex ultrasound equipment to provide basis for a wide variety of medical diagnosis. This knowledge and skill may have been gained through education or experience or a combination.
• Knowledge of physiology and cross sectional human anatomy in all planes in order to recognize structures visualized on the monitor, to recognize and differentiate normal from abnormal structures. (To demonstrate abnormality by assessing integrity of surrounding structure and measuring and recording size.) In-depth understanding of the functioning of the major organs, to interpret requests and to recognize the need for additional tests.
• Knowledge of physical diagnosis and clinical course of diseases.
• Knowledge of cleaning and maintaining logs of transvaginal probe cleaning and disinfecting. 
• Must be capable of recognizing a diagnostic scan and consulting with the radiologist to determine proper diagnosis.
• In-depth knowledge of physical principles of sound generation and transmission characteristics of the ultrasound equipment.
• Incumbent must be completely familiar with the following methods of signal processing: A-mode (amplitude modulation), B-mode (brightness modulation), M-mode (time-motion modulation), and Transducers (focused and unfocused at different megahertz ratings).
• Knowledge of human embryology to demonstrate the stages of fetal development, to confirm pregnancy and to assess normal expected growth of fetus by correlating with chronological data. Fetal cranial, abdominal, cardiac and skeletal structures must be identified as viewed in different planes in order that specific required measurements can be obtained.
• Knowledge of aspects of all ultrasound physics and concepts of sound generation, transmission characteristics of ultrasound equipment and interaction of ultrasound with biological tissues. (To recognize changes in aging equipment and to determine maintenance or repair as needed as well as understanding equipment limitations.)
• Knowledge and ability of organization by reviewing the workload and coordinating changes in rescheduling of studies to improve service and quality of care.
• Knowledge and ability to deviate from normal techniques when necessary to develop better techniques to improve the diagnostic quality of examinations.
• Ability to work effectively with patients, physicians, hospital personnel, and people to promote a progressive working environment.
• Knowledge of computer applications to ultrasound equipment for measurements and recordings of ultrasound studies. Computer knowledge to access patient information and to register patients for the procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance as it applies to the ultrasound service.
• Knowledge of basic nursing practices such as emergency cardiac arrest procedures, use of oxygen, sterile techniques, and infection control procedures.

Complexity of Duties

The work involves independent performance of many types of ultrasonic scans under the general direction of the Radiologist. The examination process requires the incumbent to recognize the lesions, masses or disease processes which are the object of the examination in order to adjust the image or take additional scans to achieve optimum visualization of affected areas. Imaging procedures, which are complex and intricate, as the instrument selection factors must be tailored to each patient body habitus, correlated with anatomical area of clinical concern. Diagnostic quality markedly affected by the incumbent’s ability to maximally utilize equipment capabilities and to extrapolate relevant visual images on the screen to the recorded exam.

Supervision Received

Incumbent will work under minimal supervision of the Radiology Manager and any requested guidance of the Radiologist. The Radiology manager provides detailed instructions on new procedures and techniques, and advises on technical problems.  Work is spot checked for diagnostic value and for methods used in conduction the examinations. The employee must maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in the fields of Ultrasonography to recommend new methods, examinations and guidelines for adoption.  Procedures change frequently due to new developments and technology in the field.

Key Competencies under minimum supervision:

• Customer Focused
• Empathetic and compassionate
• Strong work ethic
• Flexible adaptability; willingness to accept change
• Excellent mental, visual, and auditory attention to detail in all situations
• Exceptional communication skills both written and oral
• Commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and use of evidence-based protocols

Responsibility for Accuracy

The purpose of the work is to provide diagnostic Ultrasound images for diagnosis and treatment to patients.  The effect of the incumbent’s performance of duties directly correlates to proper diagnosis and/or treatment. Clear and accurate studies are essential to enable the physician to evaluate and treat for patient’s conditions

Contacts with Others

Personal contacts are with patients, patient’s family, and co-workers within the department and in the hospital, Radiologist, Physicians and other professional workers.  Personal contacts are for the purpose of performing the radiologic exam ordered by the physicians.  Contacts with co-workers are to exchange information to resolve problems with equipment, procedures and rescheduling patients and to coordinate work with other technologist when working on procedures, which may require more than one technologist or a team effort.  Contact with patients are to explain the procedure to be performed, patients who are unfamiliar with Ultrasound examinations and to direct patients on how to move to achieve correct positioning.  Some patients are seriously ill, injured or nervous.  This may require the incumbent to provide reassurance and comfort.  Contacts with professionals outside the department are to demonstrate and explain practical problems and procedures in taking radiographic procedures.  Contact with the Radiologist, in addition to receiving instructions, are to coordinate work efforts to resolve problems.  Contacts with other health care of related disciplines within the hospital, along with outside providers, for the purpose of sharing images, confirming orders or diagnosis to ensure quality care for our patients.

Internal professional contacts include the department directors, coworkers, governmental agencies, vendors and the public to exchange and/or provide information. Interpersonal skills are required along with tact, decorum, and professional etiquette. Incumbent will consistently demonstrates customer service skills and care to patients and internal/external customers by displaying Right Way behaviors and skills.

Confidential Data

The incumbent has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information. The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical and personnel records, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action.

Mental/Visual/Physical

There are long periods of standing, walking, bending and carrying of moderately heavy items, stretchers, wheelchairs and patients.  Considerable physical efforts involved in pushing and positioning of patients who are unable to assist or cooperate and lifting of totally incapacitated patients should only be done with the help from other employees.

Close attention to detail and mental concentration for extended periods of time are required. This is a multi-tasking position, which is subject to frequent interruptions requiring varied responses. Must deal with multiple situations concurrently. Must have ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Must frequently use creative thinking to complete tasks or solve problems. Physical efforts require mobility, reaching, bending, manual dexterity, and visual acuity. Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.

Environment

The work environment is in a restricted access area. Will be exposed to moveable equipment, chemical fumes, patients with contagious diseases, electrical equipment, ionizing radiation, and contamination or infection through accidental needle puncture or exposure to blood and/or body fluids. Occasional exposures to odor, blood, chemical irritation, and a variety of constant interruption.  Area is supplied with personal protective equipment.  Area has appropriate light and is temperature controlled. Telephone and computer access are adequate for communications.  There may be occasions when overtime is required.  Will be necessary to work when Administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.