Sonographer

JOB DESCRIPTION:

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional that is qualified by a professional credentialing and academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. The scope of practice of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer includes those procedures, acts, and processes permitted by law, for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, has demonstrated competency, and has completed the appropriate ARDMS and Sonography Canada certification(s) which is the standard of practice in ultrasound.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

• Administrative Supervisor: Office Manager
• Technical Supervisor: Chief Technologist
• Medical Supervisor: Radiologist

JOB SUMMARY:

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for daily operations of the sonographic laboratory, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The sonographer maintains a high standard of medical ethics at all times and is self-motivated to increase levels of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease, and new procedures as they evolve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, and diagnostic information and images.
• Uses independent judgement during the sonographic exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
• Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the attending Radiologist.
• Coordinates work schedule with the Departmental Director and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety and mental and physical comfort of patient’s while they are in the sonographer’s care.
• Assists with the daily operations of the sonographic laboratory.
• Maintains a daily log of patients seen.
• Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area and maintains adequate supplies.
• Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
• Establishes and maintains ethical working relationships and good rapport with all inter-relating hospitals, referral, or commercial agencies.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs all requested sonographic examinations as ordered by the attending physician.
• Prepares preliminary reports according to established procedures.
• Coordinates with other staff to assure appropriate patient care is provided.
• Addresses problems of patient care as they arise and makes decisions to appropriately resolve the problems.
• Organizes daily work schedule and performs related clerical duties as required.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of all patients in the sonographic area/department.
• Reports equipment failures to the appropriate supervisor or staff member.
• Provides in-service education team on requirements of sonographic procedures as requested by other members of the health care team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate.
• Current credentialed member of Sonography Canada.

Experience:

• As defined by institution.

Demonstration of Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment.
• Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
• Ability to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examinations as necessary.
• Ability to use independent judgement to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed.
• Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending Radiologist.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team and recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient’s needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
• Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The employee must be physically capable of carrying out all assigned duties:

• Emotional and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
• Strength sufficient to lift some patients, move heavy equipment on wheels (up to 500 lbs), and to move patients in wheelchairs.
• Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.

WAGE/BENEFITS:

As defined by institution (wage should be competitive for geographic location, practice setting, and practice specialty).