Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Lead

Central Health; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Health seeks a Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer to advance ultrasound services in a multi-specialty ambulatory clinic. The role performs vascular, abdomen and small parts exams, analyzes data, and provides a concise summary of findings to the physician for patient management.

The candidate should have an accredited ultrasound program credential, 3+ years of full-time experience, ARDMS/CCI registration, BLS, and current licensure.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Ultrasound Technician program.
• Three years of full-time ultrasound technician experience in hospital, diagnostic imaging, or ambulatory clinic.
• ARDMS or CCI credentialing required upon hire.
• BLS certification required upon hire.
• Current licensure: RVT or RDMS required upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the patient's care team to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Performs high-quality ultrasound procedures per exam protocol in a timely manner.
• Provides input for hiring and performance evaluation of ultrasound staff.
• Maintains imaging quality by following established standards and procedures.
• Instructs patients on the test and assesses their ability to tolerate the exam.
• Operates PACS and supports quality improvement projects.

Skills

Patient care

Ultrasound procedures

Communication skills

Quality focus

Education

Ultrasound Technician program

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

ARDMS/CCI registered

Job description

Overview

The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer position presents an exciting opportunity for the diagnostic technician to advance their skills working independently in a supportive team-based environment within a Multi-Specialty (Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Podiatry) ambulatory clinic. As an Ultrasound Technician, you will provide ultrasound procedures in accordance with established protocols. The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for performing diagnostic procedures (Vascular, Abdomen and Small parts) on patients using ultrasound waves to examine tissue and body structure, providing quality images for interpretation. The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs patient assessments, acquires, and analyzes data obtained using ultrasound, and uses independent judgment and systematic problem-solving methods to produce high quality diagnostic information and optimize patient care. Provides a summary of findings to the physician or health care provider to aid in patient diagnosis and management. Our team of diagnostic technicians model a commitment to the organization's vision, mission, and values to support an unparalleled patient experience and positive clinical outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the patient's care team including, primary care team and specialist team, and any others involved with the patient's care to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Coordinate, monitor, train, and serve as a technical resource. Provide expertise in decision making, problem solving, and development of ultrasound policies and procedures.
• Works with supervisor in core competencies and/or skills that typify the work of the Lead Sonographer.
• Provide input for hiring and performance evaluation of ultrasound employees.
• Performs high quality ultrasound procedures, according to exam protocol, in a timely manner.
• Maintains production and quality of imaging procedures by following established standards and procedures.
• Instructs and communicates with patients and their family regarding the test to be performed and assesses patient's ability to tolerate exam.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to safety requirements, infection-control, drug and radiation policies, protocols, and techniques.
• Prepares exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infections disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews patient medical history and supporting clinical information. Evaluate any contraindications, insufficient patient preparation, and the patient's inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination and associated procedures.
• Uses proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety, and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer.
• Ensures that the sonography examination order is complete, contains relevant information, and meets the standard of "medical necessity."
• Conducts patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols.
• Applies independent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures.
• Applies independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images. As necessary, acquire additional ultrasound imaging to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.
• Identify and document any limitations to the sonography examination.
• Reviews examination images, synthesize examination results, and prepare the preliminary findings.
• Provides patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Sonographer.
• Operates the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
• Assists with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.
• Ensures all equipment utilized has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use.
• Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.
• Stocks supplies and prepares patient rooms and equipment.
• Cleans, maintains, and stores equipment (machine and accessories) and all required logs as per manufacturer's guidelines.
• Ensures all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, and Central Health Standard Operating Procedures, Policies and Procedures.
• Participates in daily patient care (unit) huddles.
• Enhances the patient experience by practicing AIDET during each patient interaction.
• Assists in the development of departmental protocols, policies, and procedures related to ultrasound procedures.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement projects in order to better serve the patient, family and healthcare system to improve the quality of service provided. Serves on committees as assigned.
• Attends staff meetings and education offerings both in person and via teleconference/online as required.
• Supports organizational initiatives to promote and maintain a strong positive workplace culture.
• Serves on committees as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High level of skill at building relationships and providing excellent customer and patient care.
• High degree of knowledge and competency in performing ultrasound procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from accredited Ultrasound Technician program required.

Work Experience:

• Three (3) years experience as a full-time ultrasound technician in a hospital, diagnostic imaging, or ambulatory clinic setting required.
• Proficient knowledge of Ultrasound Equipment, ARDMS and or CCI registered required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Graduation from an Accredited Ultrasound Technology Program required upon hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Obtained through approved American Heart Association or Red Cross required upon hire.
• At least one of the following (required upon hire):
  • Medical Sonographer credentialed from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). (RDMS, RVT)
  • Medical Sonographer credentialed from the Cardiovascular Training Institute (CCI)
• Current licensure: RVT or RVS, RDMS required upon hire.