Diagnostic Sonographer

About the role

Performs diagnostic ultrasound imaging studies at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. PRN position.

Responsibilities

• Perform ultrasound procedures and examinations according to established department guidelines (60‑75% of time).
• Communicate and explain exam procedures to patients and family members to ensure understanding and obtain consent.
• Assess patient’s medical, cardiac or vascular status by taking a history before the exam.
• Assemble patient chart and enter information into PACS or EMR.
• Record all imaging studies (digital archive) for review by the Medical Director or designee.
• Complete patient billing: enter charges daily with ≤1 error per week, print reports from PACS, Epic, On Demand, verify account numbers and procedures.
• Support department functions, goals, and objectives; participate in development of new diagnostic testing procedures, evaluate new equipment, educate residents and staff, pursue continuing education, maintain certification, and participate in research studies.
• Practice safety and infection control: universal precautions, hazardous waste disposal, equipment disinfection (including high‑level disinfection), maintain clean environment, adhere to dress code and ID badge policy, maintain equipment, troubleshoot technical problems, report risk management concerns, complete annual mandatory training (Safety/Fire, Blood Borne Pathogens, Hazardous Communication, TB, Department Specific, Age Appropriate Care).
• Provide service excellence: demonstrate care and courtesy, communicate effectively while maintaining confidentiality, demonstrate competence and collaboration, provide cost‑effective services (minimize overtime, efficient equipment use, supply ordering), attend hospital/department meetings supporting the mission.
• Incorporate quality assessment into daily work: assist with data collection for Performance Improvement program, utilize resources wisely, recommend practice changes to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide age‑appropriate care for infant, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations as indicated.
• Provide specialized care for high‑risk patients: initiate/evaluate alternatives to restraint, apply and monitor restraints per policy, follow pain management plan, assess and report abuse/neglect per hospital policy.
• Assist in day‑to‑day department operations: use work order entry system for housekeeping/maintenance/clinical engineering requests, retrieve archived studies, perform clerical duties (telephone, report processing, filing, scheduling), participate in safety and infection control surveys.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: Graduate of an approved AS program in Medical Sonography or scheduled to graduate from an approved BS program with RDMS(AS) certification.
• Minimum Experience: 2‑5 years’ experience in abdominal, musculoskeletal, breast, and obstetrics and gynecology preferred.
• Required Certifications: BLS upon hire; RDMS(AB) within 12 months of hire; plus one additional certification from the list: RDMS(BR), RDMS(PS), RMSKS, or RVT (ARDMS).

Skills

Administrative/Business: Compile statistics, compile paperwork for Medical Records scanning into EMR, computer skills, bill studies after exam, answer phones using proper phone etiquette.

Equipment/Machine: Operate various ultrasound and Doppler equipment, use Electronic Medical Record System, hospital telephone system, Stress Case System (Echocardiology), digital archiving, copy machine and other standard office equipment.

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases.
• Regularly exposed to risk of blood borne pathogens.
• Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes.
• Subject to electrical and radiant energy hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements.
• May be exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, illness).
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.
• May be required to handle emergency or crisis situations.
• Occasionally subjected to irregular hours including rotating call duties.