Sonographer Extern

Responsibilities

• Competently operates ultrasound equipment to perform general and/or vascular procedures/studies.
• Accurately differentiates between normal and pathologic findings.
• Reviews patient's medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders; obtains necessary clinical information from patients; and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• Positions patient and selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures; adjusts factors to attain appropriate images; ensures safety, mental and physical comfort of patient.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Accurately identifies and labels images with patient name, medical record unit (MRU) number, and location or position of scan on all images.
• Maintains records in accordance with various regulatory agencies; enters patient and study information into the radiology information system; documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.
• Identifies equipment performance issues, communicates to appropriate staff, and evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use.
• Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide age‑appropriate care, including understanding growth and development principles and applying departmental policies and procedures.

Licensure, Registration, and Certification

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Education

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Experience

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Completion of a minimum of twelve (12) months training in an accredited program in Sonography.
• Clinical competency in abdominal, pelvic and routine vascular exams or other sonographic exams routinely performed by the hiring department; competency must be verified by the Sonography Program Director.
• Knowledge of and adherence to department, facility, and organization policies and protocols.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers using excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, work independently and manage simultaneous assignments.
• Ability to be flexible in schedule and adaptable to constant change.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, and twist throughout the workday.
• Lift up to 50 lb. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 20 lb. over the head.
• Carry up to 40 lb. a reasonable distance.
• Push/pull with 30 lb. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lb. with a second person present.
• Must have clear speech, vision, and hearing.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids; personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.