Diagnostic Imaging Technologist - Sonographer

About the Role

Under indirect supervision, performs diagnostic ultrasound examinations and produces two-dimensional ultrasonic recordings of internal organs. These recordings are used by physicians to diagnose disease processes and delineate both normal and abnormal human anatomy as well as pathological conditions in various areas of the body, including:

• Abdomen
• Superficial structures (e.g., breast, musculoskeletal)
• Pelvis
• Gravid uterus
• Obstetrics (e.g., maternal uterus and adnexa, fetal biophysical profile, amniocentesis)
• Interventional procedures (e.g., biopsies, aspirations, drainage procedures)

Responsibilities

• Uphold Kaiser Permanente’s Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal, and local laws.
• Maintain professional behavior toward members and coworkers, creating a positive image for the department.
• Identify the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and accommodate differences.
• Demonstrate understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation process in delivering services to patients of the age group served.
• Demonstrate competence in the overall operational function of the department, including scheduling patient appointments via telephone, mail, or in person using OPAS.
• Prepare patients for examinations, explain procedures to alleviate apprehensions, and consult with referring physicians and radiologists regarding patient medical history to determine the required ultrasonic procedure.
• Demonstrate competence in operating diagnostic ultrasound equipment (real-time and mobile) to obtain quality diagnostic images.
• Perform special application exams/tests, such as assisting physicians in sterile procedures (e.g., surgery, localizations, aspirations, biopsies).
• Select transducers and adjust equipment controls based on the organ of interest, depth of field, and other test specifications.
• Move the transducer by hand over the area of interest and evaluate the quality of the ultrasonic pattern produced.
• Key test data and patient information into ultrasound equipment to record results on magnetic tape, computer disk, strip printout, or film; photograph images of organs shown on the display module.
• Identify and process images, prepare them for interpretation, and discuss test results with physicians.
• Utilize ancillary devices such as selective transducers and monitors; scan areas of interest using B-mode, M-mode, and real-time techniques while optimizing display parameters and recorded images.
• Note the significance of structures displayed and recognize artifacts and equipment limitations.
• Operate various ultrasound emitters to scan pertinent anatomical areas and record signal responses.
• Produce quality, diagnostic images considering transducer selection, technical factors, patient variables, image annotation, and criteria for diagnostic quality.
• Document clinical activity in a timely, comprehensive, and accurate manner.
• Observe all applicable regional, medical center, and department policies and procedures.
• Maintain standards of professional behavior to enhance service quality.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and professional maturity in all interactions with patients and staff.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, and work area in accordance with department guidelines.

Requirements

• NT certification when performing Nuchal Translucency procedures in the OB-GYN department.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles, theories, practices, and techniques of diagnostic medical sonography.
• Demonstrated ability to operate ultrasound equipment to produce quality images, recognize normal human anatomy and pathological conditions, and differentiate disease processes and artifacts.
• Consistently demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service.

Qualifications

Education

Depending on the exact assignment, specialty registration in abdominal, cardiac, cardiovascular, or vascular sonography may be required.

License, Certification, Registration

• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate - OB-Gyn from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
• Nuchal Translucency Certification Certificate.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of clinical experience as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in an acute care medical center.
• RDMS OB/GYN AB Breast certification preferred.

Schedule

• Must provide at least 2 days of holiday availability.
• Must provide 10 days per month, 4 of which must be weekend days.
• Shift: Day
• Workdays: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Working Hours Start: 07:00 AM
• Working Hours End: 03:30 PM
• Job Schedule: Per Diem

Pay

Pay Range: $83.93 - $90.78 per hour. Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market-competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of the total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.