Overview
USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community. USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provides the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of our community.
Responsibilities
- Performs a variety of general ultrasound examinations, including but not limited to: Abdominal, OB/GYN, small parts, Pelvic (transabdominal and transvaginal), Renal, vascular/non-invasive studies as applicable.
- Conduct both inpatient and outpatient exams, including portable bedside procedures in critical care units, emergency department, and medical-surgical floors.
- Prepares patients for examinations and explains procedures to patients while performing studies
- Verifies patient identity, review physician orders, and obtain relevant clinical history prior to examination.
- Communicate effectively with radiologists, providers, nurses, and scheduling staff regarding exam findings, workflow, and patient needs.
- Completely explains examination procedure to the patient and family, if present.
- Communicates and uses appropriate customer relation skills with patients, families, and all members of the healthcare team.
- Completes all aspects of a patient's exam, including ensuring images are available for physician review in a timely manner, charging procedures and supplies, documenting contrast usage, and documenting history.
- Optimizes ultrasound equipment settings and select appropriate transducers to obtain diagnostic-quality images.
- Accurately document exam findings, measurements, and preliminary observations for radiologist interpretation.
- Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathological processes and recognizes electronic equipment limitations
- Ensure proper care, cleaning, and maintenance of ultrasound equipment and transducers.
- Researches, develops, and recommends new procedures and techniques to be used
- Provides in-service training to students and other personnel in ultrasound
- Maintains scan logs and procedure manuals
- Maintains service records on ultrasound equipment
- Maintain strict adherence to infection control, patient safety, and universal precautions.
- Works assigned schedule including overtime and call as required
- Participate in on-call, weekend, evening, or holiday coverage as required by departmental staffing needs.
- May assist with training sonographer students or, orienting new employees.
- Distinguishes audible sounds and color distinctions when performing scan, listening to Doppler signals and reviewing ultrasound images.
- Obtains and records appropriate velocities and calculates measurements according to procedure protocols.
- Obtains appropriate 2-D measurements using equipment measurement tools
- Maintains competency by performing two-dimensional ultrasonic recordings and Doppler now analyses abdominal/pelvic organs/vasculature and small parts including, but not limited to thyroid, soft tissues of the head/neck, and scrotum. Utilizes Endo-cavity transducers to image female pelvic organs and the prostate and surrounding areas, as requested.
- Provides thorough documentation of all procedures performed including completing all elements of the procedure worksheet, patient demographics, and patient history.
- Performs ultrasound scan and prepares supplies required for invasive procedures, using aseptic technique.
- Assists with invasive procedures including but not limited to thoracenteses, paracenteses, and biopsies.
- Uses independent judgement in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure according to diagnostic findings.
- Ability to perform exams independently with minimal supervision.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, hospital policies, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintains active credentials and required continuing education.
- Adheres to hospital and departmental policies including confidentiality.
- Demonstrates CPR according to American Heart Association standards
- Exhibits an acceptable work ethic as evidenced by regular and prompt attendance, as well as following all timekeeping/clocking policies.
- Utilizes proper body mechanics when moving, positioning and transferring patients without assistance or with assistance when needed for patient safety and when moving equipment/supplies necessary to perform essential functions.
- Maintains necessary inventory of supplies, rotating stock in an orderly fashion and eliminating outdated items
- Conducts a variety of additional ultrasound procedures, including intracranial and extracranial vascular studies, peripheral vascular studies, and other diagnostic modalities as assigned.
- Maintains log of high-level disinfection of endocavity transducers, following all manufacturer guidelines and completing required documentation.
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements
- Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards
- Regular and prompt attendance
- Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required
- Related duties as assigned
Additional Information
Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent and completion of an approved ultrasound training program from an accredited institution, or 2 years of ultrasound experience Required
- (AB) ARDMS or ARRT - Abdomen with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) (AB) within 1 Year Required and
- RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) within 1 Year Required or
- RVS - Registered Vascular Sonographer with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 1 Year Required
- Other combinations and experience may be considered as designated by the ARDMS/CCI registry eligibility requirements.
- Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.