ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST

Independence Health System; Mount Pleasant (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System seeks an Ultrasound Technologist to obtain optimum images during scans and to initiate downtime procedures during HIS/RIS and PACS downtime. You will collect pertinent patient data, verify orders, and ensure proper screening and consent.

You will communicate with patients, select equipment and techniques, send images to PACS for radiologist interpretation, and participate in department meetings.

Qualifications

• Completion of CAAHEOP accredited Medical Ultrasound Program.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex topics to a wide and diverse audience.
• One year experience in Ultrasound.
• Experience in Healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Collects pertinent data about the patient and procedure.
• Confirms the patient's identification and verifies the physician's order.
• Provides information to the patient about the procedure.
• Verifies patient consent and answers questions.
• Analyzes information to determine imaging parameters per diagnosis.
• Selects appropriate ultrasound equipment and scanning techniques.
• Obtains optimum images during scan.
• Sends images to PACS for interpretation by radiologist.
• Notifies appropriate healthcare provider when immediate clinical response is necessary.
• Maintains equipment and workstation in optimum condition.
• Performs daily QC on equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

CAAHEOP Ultrasound Program

Job description

Obtains optimum images during scan.

Initiates established downtime procedures during HIS/RIS and PACS downtime.

Produces diagnostic images using ultrasound equipment to assist physicians in the diagnosis of disease and for interventional procedures.

Essential Job Functions

Collects pertinent data about the patient and procedure.

Confirms the patient's identification and verifies the physician's order.

Assures the proper screening protocol is completed.

Provides information to the patient about the procedure.

Verifies the patient has consented to the procedure and answers any questions the patient may have.

Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patient can understand.

Analyzes the information obtained during the assessment phase to determine optimal imaging parameters per diagnosis.

Determines whether the patient has been appropriately prepared for the procedure.

Assesses factors that may contraindicate procedures such as medications and insufficient patient preparation.

Selects appropriate ultrasound equipment and scanning techniques based on the age and size of the patient and the objective of the exam to optimize the procedure and minimize patient exposure to acoustic energy.

Obtains optimum images during scan.

Adjusts as needed to better visualize the anatomy or pathology according to established protocols and guidelines.

Sends images to PACS for interpretation by radiologist.

Acts based on patient and procedural variances.

Notifies appropriate healthcare provider when immediate clinical response is necessary based on findings and patient condition.

Initiates additional scanning techniques for further investigation of area of interest.

Collects and documents additional images and patient data as needed.

Provides the interpreting physician with a summary of findings according to hospital protocol.

Documents information about patient care, exams, and patient history in appropriate record.

Verifies correct order is entered into HIS/RIS.

Documents appropriate patient history into PACS system.

Documents any exceptions to the established guidelines.

Facilitates correspondence with all departments to assure procedures are done in a timely manner.

Works with centralized scheduling, nursing units and ER to accommodate STAT or ASAP orders.

Responds to emergency call per department procedures.

Maintains equipment and workstation in optimum condition.

Performs daily QC on equipment.

Assures adequate patient care and office supplies are maintained.

Reports equipment malfunction to service provider and supervisor.

Implements downtime procedures when necessary.

Coordinates rescheduling of patients during equipment downtime.

Initiates established downtime procedures during HIS/RIS and PACS downtime.

Attends department meetings/reviews minutes as required.

Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

Completion of CAAHEOP accredited Medical Ultrasound Program

Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.

Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

One (1) year experience in Ultrasound

Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.

Current registry with the American Registry Diagnostic Medical Sonographers with 1 certifications of the following: Abdominal, Vascular, OB/GYN, Breast, or Nuchal Translucency.

Act 33 clearance

Act 34 with renewal

Act 73 FBI Clearance

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).

Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

Extreme Cold

Heights

Confined Spaces

Extreme Noise(>85dB)

Mechanical Hazards

Use of Vibrating Tools

Operates Vehicle (company)

Operates Heavy Equipment

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

Rotates All Shifts

8 Hours Shifts

10-12 Hours Shifts

On-Call

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)

Travel Between Sites

Direct Patient Care

Respirator Protective Equipment

Eye Protection

Head Protection (hard hat)

Hearing Protection

Hand Protection

Feet, Toe Protection

Body Protection

Latex Exposure

Solvent Exposure

Paint (direct use) Exposure

Dust (sanding) Exposure

Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

Blood/Body Fluid Exposure

Chemicals (direct use) Exposure

Mist Exposure

Wax Stripper (direct use)

Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Laser Exposure

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Bending (Stooping)

x

x

Sitting

x

x

Walking

x

x

Climbing Stairs

x

x

Climbing Ladders

x

Standing

x

x

Kneeling

x

x

Squatting (Crouching)

x

x

Twisting/Turning

x

x

Keyboard/Computer Operation

x

x

Gross Grasp

x

x

Fine Finger Manipulation

x

x

Hand/Arm Coordination

x

x

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

x

20#

Carry

x

10#

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

x

x

Seeing Near w/Acuity

x

x

Feeling (Sensation)

x

x

Color Vision

x

x

Hearing Clearly

x

x

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

x

x

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

x

x

Reaching Forward

x

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

x

10#

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

x

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

x

10#

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

x