Breast Ultrasound Technologist

Advocate Health Care; Barrington (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care seeks an experienced Sonographer to determine imaging techniques and positions using immobilization devices. You will position patients, adjust equipment, and secure necessary devices to perform procedures safely and effectively.

Responsibilities include assisting radiologists with ultrasound procedures, ensuring quality control, and maintaining patient records and exam workflows in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Must be graduate from an AMA-accredited School of Sonography.
• 1 year of sonography experience preferred.
• ARDMS certification required within 1 year of hire.
• CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Determine ultrasound imaging technique and patient positioning using immobilization and support devices.
• Position patients and adjust equipment to perform procedures safely and efficiently.
• Assist radiologists during ultrasound procedures including advanced liver and breast imaging.
• Maintain patient records and coordinate exam scheduling and workflow.
• Ensure safety standards and cleanliness of assigned ultrasound room.
• Label and handle ultrasound films according to QA standards.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer interaction

CPR certification

ARDMS certified

HIS system knowledge

RIS system knowledge

Education

AMA School of Sonography

Tools

HIS system

RIS systems

Job description

Major Responsibilities

Determination of appropriate image scan technique and position for patient using immobilization and support devices.

• Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to tactfully perform procedures.
• Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality films to provide to the radiologists.
• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.

Major Responsibilities

Determination of appropriate image scan technique and position for patient using immobilization and support devices.

• Positions patient, adjusts equipment, secures immobilizes and support devices as needed to tactfully perform procedures.
• Determines appropriate image technique based on anatomy and patient’s condition to obtain quality films to provide to the radiologists.
• Secures history from patient regarding reason for prescribed test and records on appropriate form for the radiologist’s review.

Operation of more advanced and sophisticated Ultrasound equipment.

• Assists radiologists with U/S procedures to include the more advanced and specialty procedures (i.e. liver and breast imaging, etc.) requiring additional experience and knowledge.

Adherence to all accepted safety standards and practices to ensure patient safety and quality patient care.

• Maintains compliance with established safety standards to protect patients and staff at all times.
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness for assigned room on a daily basis.
• Assures accuracy of exam performed and requisition.
• Performs clerical duties such as maintaining adequate patient records, answering phones, scheduling examinations, giving instructions to patients in preparation for examination to provide smooth and continuous departmental services.
• Operates safely U/S equipment as required.

Coordination of quality control areas (checking U/S films to ensure optimal quality, disseminating exams to U/S Technologist, etc.).

• Labels U/S films according to department quality assurance standards and criteria.
• Prepares sedation/needles as necessary following prescribed procedures.
• Coordinates the flow of patients into and out of the department in accordance with established departmental procedures.

Transports patients into and out of department as necessary.

• Checks film quality to assure optimal quality is attained and correct film labeling is provided.
• Performs quality control activities, responds to inquiries, coordinates patient flow, and communicates with staff radiologists and other hospital personnel to ensure exams are completed in a timely fashion.
• Prepares U/S suite for procedures, maintains equipment, and supplies as required.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and linen to ensure an adequate level is available for overall departmental usage.

Provision of instruction and orientation to students, technologists, and new technologists to effectively participate in the assessment of their performance reviews.

• Provides direction and instruction to U/S Technologist in need of assistance with specific procedures.

Provision of inservices to the technical staff in order to maintain technical competence.

• Provides inservices to staff to ensure competence is maintained and (new information the hospital has sponsored someone to acquire through a formal inservice or seminar) is shared with everyone it may apply to.

Participation in problem‑solving issues addressing patients, department operations, quality assurance procedures, interdepartmental relationships, and employee morale.

• Maintains positive “guest relations” and telephone etiquette following prescribed departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains current CPR certification/RDMS certification.

Assumption of leadership role in absence of Senior Tech to ensure continuity of department policies & procedures.

Education/Experience Required:

Must be a graduate from an accredited AMA School of Sonography

1 Year Experience As a Sonographer Preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of HIS system
• Basic knowledge of RIS systems
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact with customers from all levels
• Certified by Radiologic Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• CPR certification
• New hire must be ARDMS certified within 1 years of hire.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must be able to make independent professional decisions pertaining to high quality patient care
• High degree of technical skills
• Must be able to function with minimal assistance in performing job activities
• Must be conscientious in practicing high quality patient care
• Ability to lift and/or move patients. Heavy lifting: lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with established time constraints
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life‑threatening diseases
• Ability to work rotating shifts any day of the week
• Must be able to deal with extremely ill patients
• This position can recognize needs and behaviors of the following age groups: pediatric (newborn, toddler, school‑age), adolescent, adult, older adult.
• Evidence of this can be shown by recognizing levels of development and modifying approach and exhibiting communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case‑case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.