PRN Sonographer

Aurora Health Care; Green Bay (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin seeks an Ultrasound Technologist to perform general, vascular, and cardiac ultrasound studies with attention to patient safety and comfort. You will review clinical information, select probes and settings, and accurately label and document exams in the RIS system.

The role requires adherence to department policies, effective communication with patients and physicians, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Completed program in Sonography from an accredited school.
• No experience required.
• Ability to differentiate normal vs pathologic findings in ultrasound.
• Follows department policies and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate ultrasound equipment for general, vascular and/or cardiac studies.
• Review patient history, labs, orders for exam accuracy.
• Position patient and select transducer and factors for quality images.
• Document findings and ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Label images with patient name and MRU, and track scan locations.
• Enter study data into radiology information system and ensure charges.
• Identify equipment issues and evaluate new products for future use.
• Communicate findings to physicians after analysis of sonograms.
• Provide age-appropriate patient care as described in department standards.

Skills

General/vascular/ cardiac sonography

Independent judgment

Aseptic techniques

Communication with patients

Policies and procedures adherence

Prioritization and multitasking

Flexibility in schedule

Education

Accredited Sonography program

Tools

RIS

Job description

• Competently operates ultrasound equipment to perform general, vascular and/or cardiac procedures/studies. Accurately differentiates between normal and pathologic findings.
• Reviews patient's medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders, obtains necessary clinical information from patients, and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• Positions patient and selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures. Adjusts factors to attain the appropriate images. Ensures safety, mental and physical comfort of patient.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Accurately identifies and labels images identifying patient name, medical record unit (MRU) number, and location or position of scan on all images.
• Maintains records in accordance with various regulatory agencies and enters patient and study information into the radiology information system, and documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.
• Identifies equipment performance issues, communicates to appropriate staff, and evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use.
• Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Competently operates ultrasound equipment to perform general, vascular and/or cardiac procedures/studies. Accurately differentiates between normal and pathologic findings.
• Reviews patient's medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders, obtains necessary clinical information from patients, and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• Positions patient and selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures. Adjusts factors to attain the appropriate images. Ensures safety, mental and physical comfort of patient.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Accurately identifies and labels images identifying patient name, medical record unit (MRU) number, and location or position of scan on all images.
• Maintains records in accordance with various regulatory agencies and enters patient and study information into the radiology information system, and documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.
• Identifies equipment performance issues, communicates to appropriate staff, and evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use.
• Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with Abdomen issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with OB/GYN issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Vascular Technologist (RVT) registration issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Vascular Sonography (VS) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Vascular Specialist (RVS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education Required

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Competency in all general and/or vascular sonographic procedures routinely performed in the hiring department.
• Ability to use independent judgment to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers using excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of and adherence to department, facility and organization policies and protocols.
• Ability to prioritize, work independently and manage simultaneous assignments.
• Ability to be flexible in schedule and adaptable to constant change.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, and twist throughout the workday.
• Must be able to:
• - lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• - lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• - carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• - push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• - perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Must have clear speech, vision and hearing.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation hazards as well as blood and body fluids; therefore, personal protective equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

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.