Ultrasound Sonographer I

Performs a full range of diagnostic ultrasound imaging/therapeutic services and associated patient care which support the Radiology Department mission to provide diagnostic information for the subsequent treatment of patients.

Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

• Graduate of a Medical Imaging program.
• Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Plans and performs imaging procedures to produce sonographic medical images for the diagnosis or treatment of patients meeting the quality standards of the department as identified through professional literature, department protocol, policy, and procedure.
• Demonstrates appropriate level of knowledge and technical aspects of the position, maintaining professional and technical competencies as required by the organization, accreditation, and licensing bodies.
• Reviews the physician’s request completely for information on the procedure to be performed for each patient; refers any questions to the sonologist or referring physician before performing the study.
• Produces images of optimal quality.
• Maintains confidentiality of all Protected Health Information.
• Assesses patient’s needs related to comfort, hygiene, and range of motion and provides support accordingly.
• Educates patients regarding sonographic procedures by explaining the procedure and answering questions.
• Promotes the team approach to providing Radiology services by positively interacting with technical, support, nursing, residents, and medical staff.
• Engages in problem solving, crisis management, and systems implementation throughout the hospital to promote and support efficient, high-quality, cost-effective patient care.
• Performs as a clinical instructor meeting the quality standards of the sonography education program as identified through professional literature, department, institutional, and sonography education program(s) protocol, policy, and procedure.
• Evaluates and documents student clinical performance fairly, consistently, and in a timely manner according to guidelines of the educational programs.
• Maintains professional development in sonographic imaging and techniques.
• Participates in in-house training and development offerings and applies the resultant skills and knowledge to position performance, monitored by supervision.
• Displays imaging techniques, patient care, and guest relation behaviors in accordance with the ARDMS Code of Ethics, WVUH Administrative Policies and Procedures, WVUH Behavior Standards, Radiology Department Policies and Procedures, State and Federal Regulations, and The Joint Commission guidelines.
• Reports equipment failures immediately upon identification.
• Performs High-Level Disinfection of ultrasound equipment per department policy.

Physical Requirements

• Differentiate various shades of gray as depicted on a black and white television monitor or photograph.
• Stand and walk for six to seven hours a day.
• Lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds of weight.
• Ability to push ultrasound machine for portable exams.

Working Environment

Clinical setting.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow directions both written and verbal in English.
• Works with people utilizing a teamwork approach.
• Ability to prioritize work tasks and multi-task.

Sonographer Clinical Ladder

The Sonographer Clinical Ladder is a system-wide clinical advancement program to enhance professional development, provide a reward system for quality clinical performance, promote quality imaging care, and improve job satisfaction for cardiac sonographers.

• Level 1: No experience required. All Sonographers with less than 12 months of experience enter at Level one.
• Level 2: Meets requirements for previous level. One year of sonographer experience. Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1, plus additional skill sets.
• Level 3: Meets requirements for previous levels. One continuing education pathway. Three years of sonographer experience. Compliant in 3 leadership/supervisory skills. Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1 and 2, plus 3 additional skill sets.
• Level 4: Meets requirements for previous levels. One continuing education pathway. Five years of sonographer experience. Compliant in 5 leadership/supervisory skills. Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1, 2, and 3 plus 4 additional skill sets.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Shift: Non-Exempt