Sonographer Extern

Aurora Health Care; Burlington (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care is seeking an ultrasound technologist to perform general and vascular ultrasound studies, ensuring accuracy and safety. You will review patient history, select transducers, adjust settings, and record findings for physician interpretation.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Sonography program and have knowledge of aseptic technique, with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced radiology department. This is an on-site position in Wisconsin.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Sonography.
• Clinical competency in abdominal, pelvic and routine vascular exams.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and department policies.

Responsibilities

• Operate ultrasound equipment to perform general and/or vascular studies.
• Differentiate normal vs. pathologic findings.
• Review patient records and physician orders to ensure exam accuracy.
• Position patient and select appropriate transducer and factors.
• Label images with patient details and scan location.
• Maintain records in the radiology information system and document billing codes.

Skills

Ultrasound procedures

Patient positioning

Image labeling

Record review

Communication with physicians

Education

Sonography program enrollment

Tools

RIS (Radiology Information System)

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

• Competently operates ultrasound equipment to perform general and/or vascular 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 and/or vascular 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

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).

Education Required

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Completion of a minimum of twelve (12) months training in an accredited program in Sonography.
• Clinical competency in abdominal, pelvic and routine vascular exams or those sonographic exams routinely performed by the hiring department. Competency must be verified by the Sonography Program Director.
• Knowledge of and adherence to department, facility, and organization policies and protocols.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers using excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize, work independently and manage simultaneous assignments.
• Ability to be flexible in schedule and adaptable to constant change.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques.

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.