Description

Job Summary:

The Ultrasound Technologist demonstrates competency in performing all ultrasound exams, including invasive procedures, ensuring proficiency in producing technical and diagnostic scans for interpretation. Positions patient and equipment to produce an appropriate image. The Ultrasound Technologist is responsible for processing and transmission of images to PACS.

Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of department exam protocols.
• Knowledge of JCAHO and CMS State and Federal Regulations.
• Knowledge of medical and surgical aseptic procedures.
• Understands and participates in PI process.
• Knowledge of hospital policies on reducing risk of wrong-site, wrong patient, and wrong procedure occurrences.
• Understands Emergency Codes, how to call a code and their response to them.
• Aware of location and usage of MSDS Manual, EOC Manual, Infection Control Manual.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• ARDMS certification in at least one body or region. Certification eligible technologists are required to become ARDMS certified within 1 year of employment.
• Previous experience preferred. Experience with invasive ultrasound procedures preferred
• Current BCLS certificate

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Selects appropriate equipment for use in ultrasound setup, following exam specifications.
• Explains exam to patient. Instructs and assists the patient in assuming physical position for exam.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with procedure- makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Modifies patient positioning techniques and / or views relative to the patient’s physical and cognitive abilities.
• Utilize optimum technical factors to maximize resolution and sets high personal standards for image quality.
• Completes examination worksheets completely and accurately.
• Work pace is consistent with the standards of other workers. Is able to assist Radiologist with procedures by having all supplies and equipment ready.
• Participates in medical and surgical aseptic procedures. Follows all recommendations for maintaining the sterile field, labeling items on the sterile tray and participating in the Time Out Process prior to commencing with an invasive procedure. Also assures that consent for procedure is obtained by the performing radiologist.
• Takes care of patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs from neonate to geriatric.
• Transports and positions patients accurately for all phases of diagnostic ultrasound.
• Covers patients while during exam and while transporting them.
• Maintains on-call response time within hospital policy. Maybe required to use a pager while on standby.
• Collects data for the PI Program. Participates in the department PI Program. Documents and reports PI issues to supervisors.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Understands and practices proper use of all equipment; never operates equipment inconsistent with manufacturer instruction.
• Checks and logs Trophon as required.
• Uses personal protective equipment appropriately and regularly.
• Informs and educates patients and families regarding procedure to be performed.
• Ascertains patient understanding of process and informed consent.
• Checks patients’ identification before exams by at least two methods.
• Reduces risk of health care acquired infections through proper hand washing and equipment disinfecting.
• Follows hospital policies to reduce risk of wrong-site, wrong patient, and wrong procedure occurrences.
• Assists radiologists during procedures such as thoracenteses, paracenteses, fine needle aspirations, etc.
• Works to improve effectiveness of communication among caregivers.
• Communicates and documents patient's condition/history for Radiologist
• Obtains all applicable results of prior examinations.
• Calls all abnormal results that are given verbally read back to ensure accuracy
• Demonstrates safe/ careful use of all equipment.
• Reports all equipment malfunctions and call for service immediately using department protocol.
• Attends scheduled in-service and mandatory in-service. Communicates ideas to supervisor for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
• Follows standard precautions and transmission-based precautions as shown by consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Adheres to procedures for the disposal of waste – household waste and biohazard waste as well as the proper disposal of sharps.
• Uses proper body mechanics at all times. Seeks assistance when necessary to move heavy objects or to transport/transfer a heavy patient.
• Is knowledgeable in the hospital safety program and takes necessary steps to maintain a safe environment. Adheres to safe work practices in order to prevent injuries and illnesses.
• Is familiar with emergency codes and emergency preparedness procedures and understands his/her role in response to each of the emergency codes (Code Blue, Code Pink, Code Red, Code Yellow, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Violet and Code Green, etc.)
• Maintains the department in a neat, clean, and orderly manner, especially in own work area.
• Eliminates or assists in eliminating any seen or known hazards in the workplace. Reports any unsafe conditions to his or her immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrates good safety habits and judgment by maintaining a safe environment at all times.
• Complies with all hospital safety and injury prevention policies and regulations (seven Environment of Care plans and hospital safety policies and procedures).
• Understands the Continuous Quality Improvement Process and applies it in performing everyday tasks/duties. Active participant in Continuous Quality Improvement program by assisting in finding new and better ways of performing duties and responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting 3-6 hours/day
• Standing 3-6 hours/day
• Walking 3-6 hours/day
• Bending less than 3 hours/day
• Pulling less than 3 hours/day
• Pushing less than 3 hours/day
• Lifting up to 50 pounds or greater with assistance
• Wrist deviation (side to side and up and down) 3-6 hours/day
• Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals or infections