Ultrasound Technologist II-PRN

About the role

At Houston Methodist West Hospital, the Ultrasound Technologist II is an experienced technologist who completes a variety of routine to complex diagnostic ultrasound procedures, including common and special ultrasound exams of high difficulty. This position is a member of the direct patient care team, fully competent in all aspects of ultrasound exams, and serves as a mentor to Ultrasound Technologist I staff and students by utilizing skills and knowledge to help train and educate others. The role works independently, exercising sound judgment and executing above-average clinical skills on challenging diagnostic procedures and patient care situations, and provides direct assistance to physicians with all diagnostic and special ultrasound procedures. The position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to ultrasound exam standards and guidelines established by governing agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures including common and special exams using high-frequency sound waves to capture images.
• Proactively assesses, identifies, and responds to patient needs for adjustment or intervention to optimize patient care, image quality, and patient experience (e.g., positioning, physiology, procedure preparation, technical factors).
• Modifies technical factors to achieve desired imaging results and recognizes complications and limitations associated with certain procedures.
• Provides direct assistance to physicians during diagnostic or special ultrasound procedures, including sterile technique support.
• Provides accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members using appropriate terminology and language.
• Mentors Ultrasound Technologist I staff and students to build confidence in skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused unit that supports optimal department results.
• Collaborates with the patient care team by communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information comprehensively.
• Uses peer-to-peer accountability toward department goals for retention and employee engagement.
• Facilitates open, professional communication to achieve mutual understanding and models behavior by example.
• Follows safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures accordingly, maintaining proper sterile techniques and infection control.
• Complies with job role, department, and hospital safety standards, practices, and policies.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, contributing to quality and safety targets.
• Reports “near misses” and errors promptly into the hospital patient safety reporting system to improve processes and identify trends.
• Utilizes critical thinking to observe and proactively address patient reactions (e.g., contrast media and medications) or potential outcomes.
• Ensures all imaging equipment has undergone required quality control (QC) and is in safe working order before use; reports malfunctions and performs preventative maintenance.
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures and enters charges at the time of service delivery.
• Uses resources efficiently and manages time effectively to prioritize daily tasks.
• Actively participates in special projects, department initiatives, or shared governance activities and seeks opportunities for continual development.
• Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis.
• Fosters a positive teaching environment by engaging students and co-workers in valuable learning opportunities aligned with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s).
• Experience: Three years as an Ultrasound Technologist.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Required: BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association.
  • One of the following certifications:
    • RVT – Registered Vascular Technologist (ARDMS)
    • RVS – Registered Vascular Specialist (CCI)
    • RCS – Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)
    • ARRT-SON – Radiologic Technologist – Sonography (ARRT)
    • RDMS-OB – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – OB/GYN (ARDMS)
    • RDMS-AB – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – Abdomen (ARDMS)
    • RDMS-BR – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer – Breast (ARDMS)

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, verified through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential functions, especially regarding activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with customer service and positive language principles.
• Works independently; capable of handling challenging or difficult diagnostic procedures and patient care situations.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above-average clinical skills.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems including Hospital/Radiology Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and exam documents.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with all levels of the healthcare team and ensures delivery of excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision, including organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving.

Work attire

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

On-call

Yes – Employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events) regardless of selection.

Travel

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area.
• May require travel outside the Houston Metropolitan area.