Sonographer I

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

Job summary

Aurora Health Care is seeking a Medical Sonographer who will perform obstetric and pelvic ultrasound procedures, including specialized studies to assist in prenatal diagnosis. You will select transducers and settings, collaborate with clinicians, and ensure accurate documentation and billing for procedures.

Requirements include an accredited sonography program and ARDMS registrations with timelines, BLS certification, and ability to stand for extended periods.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of fetal abnormalities and their diagnosis.
• Proficient in performing scans of various anatomical areas and identifying cross sectional anatomy to establish evaluation.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and patient service skills for working with physicians, patients and staff.
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g. email, electronic medical records).

Responsibilities

• Performs obstetric and pelvic diagnostic ultrasound procedures and related advanced studies.
• Selects proper transducer and settings; uses Doppler, color imaging and M-mode as needed.
• Reviews patient history, labs and orders before examinations and communicates with patients.
• Calibrates, adjusts and maintains ultrasound equipment; evaluates new products for future use.
• Participates in department quality assurance studies and documents billing codes for charges.

Skills

Fetal anomaly knowledge

Scan proficiency

Communication skills

EMR basics

Education

Accredited Sonography program

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

• Performs obstetric and pelvic diagnostic ultrasound procedures, including: genetic sonograms, basic fetal echocardiography, amniocentesis, sonohysterograms, umbilical cord flow studies, amniotic fluid indices, portable imaging, transvaginal ultrasounds, biophysical profiles, early amniocentesis, placental biopsies, specialized doppler studies, fetal urocentesis, intracardiac transfusions, Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) and assisting with prenatal diagnosis and termination procedures as medically indicated.
• Selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures, which may include doppler, color imaging, M-mode and real time. Utilizes non-standard techniques when necessary with independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the performance of ultrasonography for diagnosis.
• Reviews medical records to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders prior to examination, and communicates with patients to obtain history data.
• Calibrates, adjusts, and maintains ultrasound equipment. Evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use. Notifies biomedical department and leadership when equipment failures occur.
• Participates in department quality assurance studies, and prepares and maintains records of ultrasound examinations which includes documenting billing codes of performed procedures to ensure accurate patient charges.
• Assists in the clinical instruction of sonography students, OB/GYN residents, and medical students.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• 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

• Performs obstetric and pelvic diagnostic ultrasound procedures, including: genetic sonograms, basic fetal echocardiography, amniocentesis, sonohysterograms, umbilical cord flow studies, amniotic fluid indices, portable imaging, transvaginal ultrasounds, biophysical profiles, early amniocentesis, placental biopsies, specialized doppler studies, fetal urocentesis, intracardiac transfusions, Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS) and assisting with prenatal diagnosis and termination procedures as medically indicated.
• Selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures, which may include doppler, color imaging, M-mode and real time. Utilizes non-standard techniques when necessary with independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the performance of ultrasonography for diagnosis.
• Reviews medical records to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders prior to examination, and communicates with patients to obtain history data.
• Calibrates, adjusts, and maintains ultrasound equipment. Evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use. Notifies biomedical department and leadership when equipment failures occur.
• Participates in department quality assurance studies, and prepares and maintains records of ultrasound examinations which includes documenting billing codes of performed procedures to ensure accurate patient charges.
• Assists in the clinical instruction of sonography students, OB/GYN residents, and medical students.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• 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 1 year, and
• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with OB/GYN issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 1 year, and
• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with Fetal Echocardiography issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 2 years, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• A valid drivers license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

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

• Advanced knowledge of fetal abnormalities and their diagnosis.
• Proficient in performing scans of various anatomical areas and identifying cross sectional human anatomy, distinguishing normal from abnormal, to establish initial evaluation of sonograms.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and patient service skills to work effectively with physicians, patients and other staff members.
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g. email, electronic medical records).

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Must be able to stand 50% of the day.
• Must be able to walk, lift, squat, bend and twist continuously.
• 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 be able to frequently push or pull 100 lbs.
• Must be able to use hands and feet to operate ultrasound equipment.
• Must have clear speech, vision and hearing.
• Must wear protective clothing (i.e. isolation gowns, protective eyewear, etc.) as needed.

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.