Senior Diagnostic Medical Sonographer-ILWU

Job Summary

Under direct and indirect supervision, and medical direction of physician section head, performs diagnostic, therapeutic, and biopsy ultrasound procedures.

Essential Responsibilities

• Performs ultrasound (US) studies and biopsy/aspiration procedures.
  • Positions patients and provides immobilization means and patient counseling as required.
  • Selects proper transducer frequency for performance of study.
  • Reviews orders, prepares schedules and consults with attending Radiologists and Registered Nurses as needed.
• Recognizes electronic equipment limitations.
• Recognizes significance of all structures visualized sonographically.
• Determines artifacts as well as normal anatomy as appropriate for creating a comprehensive final study.
• Remains able to deviate from normal techniques when necessary to provide wider latitude of visualization.
• Collaborates with referring physicians to plan or arrange appropriate studies when needed.
• Maintains daily records of exams performed.
• Protocols orders from Protocol Worklist prior to releasing orders for scheduling.
• Follows all National Patient Safety Goals.
• Receives and double identifies patients using appropriate criteria prior to performing the study ordered.
• Ensures accuracy of information and data entry, while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Captures required documentation in Radiology Information System (RIS).
• Affirms contraindications to study or procedure.
• Prepares sterile fields; prepares floor stock medications; ensures sterility of surgical packs, trays and disposables to be used in assigned area.
• Maintains appropriate operational understanding of transducer/probe disinfectant devices.
• Maintains appropriate and adequate supplies during the procedures.
• Aids radiologist during procedures; capturing specific images and assisting with biopsy specimen collection.
• Operates and understands all features and performance capabilities of the US systems and tranducers/probes.
• Post processes US images and prepares final Sonographer interpretation as required; prepares images for Radiologist interpretation, and transmits images to the Diagnostic Imaging PACS system.
• Maintains working knowledge of all department equipment and devices.
• Reports equipment malfunctions appropriately.
• Assists with patient transport at end of procedure.
• Provides instructions on appropriate safety measures to patients, family members, and hospital staff as required; ensures appropriate safety precautions are followed.
• Adheres to policy and manufacturer recommendations for operation and use of personal protection devices when operating disinfectant devices.
• Functions as part of resuscitation team during Code Blue and/or Rapid Response Team situations.
• Maintains all materials needed and linen supply on daily basis; maintains general order and cleanliness of room assigned.
• Rotates between facilities and shares on call responsibilities for US service areas.
• Orients and trains (mentors) new personnel regarding subsection operations as needed.
• Accepts responsibilities of direct supervision of student technologists during their clinical assignments.
• Pursues ongoing continuing education; remains knowledgeable and current regarding technological advances in field of diagnostic medical sonography.
• Attends departmental meetings and/or inservice presentations as needed or required.
• Reads and initials minutes of such meetings when excused absence precludes attendance.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years post-graduate sonography experience, including experience or successful completion of training program (pre-hire, post-hire, or on-the-job) in area of specialty, if applicable.
• Completion of approved ultrasound training program recognized by CAAHEP; or one (1) year directly related experience.
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ultrasound experience in general, breast, vascular and obstetrics imaging.
• Certifications in Abdomen, Breast, Vascular and Obstetrics imaging by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ADRMS).
• Associates degree.