Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Lead

About the role

The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer position presents an exciting opportunity for the diagnostic technician to advance their skills working independently in a supportive team-based environment within a Multi-Specialty ambulatory clinic.

Responsibilities

• Provide ultrasound procedures in accordance with established protocols
• Perform diagnostic procedures on patients using ultrasound waves to examine tissue and body structure
• Provide quality images for interpretation
• Perform patient assessments, acquire, and analyze data obtained using ultrasound
• Use independent judgment and systematic problem-solving methods to produce high quality diagnostic information and optimize patient care
• Provide a summary of findings to the physician or health care provider to aid in patient diagnosis and management
• Collaborate with the patient’s care team to optimize clinical outcomes
• Coordinate, monitor, train, and serve as a technical resource
• Provide expertise in decision making, problem solving, and development of ultrasound policies and procedures
• Work with supervisor in core competencies and/or skills that typify the work of the Lead Sonographer
• Provide input for hiring and performance evaluation of ultrasound employees
• Maintain production and quality of imaging procedures by following established standards and procedures
• Instruct and communicate with patients and their family regarding the test to be performed and assess patient's ability to tolerate exam
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to safety requirements, infection-control, drug and radiation policies, protocols, and techniques
• Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infections disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures
• Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information
• Evaluate any contraindications, insufficient patient preparation, and the patient’s inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination and associated procedures
• Use proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety
• Ensure that the sonography examination order is complete, contains relevant information, and meets the standard of “medical necessity”
• Conduct patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols
• Apply independent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures
• Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images
• Identify and document any limitations to the sonography examination
• Review examination images, synthesize examination results, and prepare the preliminary findings
• Provide patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Sonographer
• Operate the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
• Assist with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents
• Ensure all equipment utilized has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use
• Report any malfunctions to management and regularly practice preventive maintenance procedures
• Stock supplies and prepare patient rooms and equipment
• Clean, maintain, and store equipment (machine and accessories) and all required logs as per manufacturer's guidelines
• Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards
• Participate in daily patient care (unit) huddles
• Enhance the patient experience by practicing AIDET during each patient interaction
• Assist in the development of departmental protocols, policies, and procedures related to ultrasound procedures
• Participate in continuous quality improvement projects to better serve the patient, family and healthcare system
• Serve on committees as assigned
• Attend staff meetings and education offerings both in person and via teleconference/online as required
• Support organizational initiatives to promote and maintain a strong positive workplace culture

Requirements

• Graduation from accredited Ultrasound Technician program required
• Three (3) years experience as a full-time ultrasound technician in a hospital, diagnostic imaging, or ambulatory clinic setting required
• Proficient knowledge of Ultrasound Equipment, ARDMS and or CCI registered required

Qualifications

• High level of skill at building relationships and providing excellent customer and patient care
• High degree of knowledge and competency in performing ultrasound procedures
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness

Licenses and Certifications

• Graduation from an Accredited Ultrasound Technology Program required upon hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) ‐ Obtained through approved American Heart Association or Red Cross required upon hire
• At least one of the following (required upon hire): Medical Sonographer credentialed from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). (RDMS, RVT) or Medical Sonographer credentialed from the Cardiovascular Training Institute (CCI) Current licensure RVT or RVS, RDMS required upon hire