Staff / Sr Ultrasound Sonographer

The Staff/Senior Ultrasound Sonographer performs ultrasound procedures to demonstrate anatomy for interpretation and/or intervention. Processes images on appropriate archival systems. Participates in performance improvement activities in the department. Maintains appropriate quality control records and participates in routine equipment testing and maintenance. Requires active ARDMS status and previous ultrasound experience.

Responsibilities

65% - Perform diagnostic sonograms to demonstrate anatomy and pathology for interpretation:
•    Obtain appropriate patient clinical information from requesting physician and/or service prior to performing exam.
•    Prepare patient for imaging.
•    Prepare room and equipment prior to imaging and after completion of exam.
•    Demonstrate appropriate self-critique of exams to include ability to recognize sub-optimal techniques and equipment malfunctions.
•    Meet physical requirements to perform all aspects of diagnostic sonography studies in the inpatient as well as outpatient settings, including but not limited to: performing portable exams, transferring and transporting gurney and wheelchair patients, and assisting with invasive procedures.
•    Maintain RDMS credential(s) according to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography's criteria.
•    Maintain competency in all position-related required skills, based on objective annual evaluation by the Section Chief and Section Supervisor.
•    Demonstrate competency in the Radiology Information System (Radiant), including scheduling and completing exams with appropriate exam codes and billing codes.
•    Store and process image data on the Visage/ PACS archival system; have basic understanding and use of the Radiology PACS to interface with Visage/PACs; manage Visage/PACs and imaging system malfunctions by contacting and working with help desk personnel or service engineers until the problems are satisfactorily rectified.
•    Participate in departmental Annual Performance Improvement activities and goals.
•    Maintain appropriate equipment service records and quality assurance records as required by the department; communicate equipment problems and failures to appropriate supervisors and responsible engineers.
•    Provide leadership in the absence of the supervisor.
•    Demonstrate the ability to work with minimal supervision
•    Recognize and perform duties that need to be performed, although not directly assigned by the supervisor.
•    Assist in training assigned staff, residents and fellows.
•    Assist in formal clinical training of DMS students, according to DMS program criteria.

10% - ADHERES TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
•    Utilize proper body mechanics to ensure patient safety upon moving and/or transferring patie nts, and moving equipment.
•    Follow established department and hospital guidelines for attendance and tardiness.
•    Adhere to all hospital and department policies and procedures. Remain current in regard to patient safety to include electrical, mechanical, fire, safety and disaster procedures.
•    Provide excellent customer service to patients, co-workers, physicians and other departments.
•    Assure that work environment is clean and in compliance with infection control and environmental health and safety standards.
•    Be a role model by maintaining a professional, neat appearance and adhering to the department dress code policy. Display hospital identification badge.
•    Be current with all annual required online training, UCSF Medical Center Policies, and the TUGs Operations Manual.
•    Ensure clinical data is correct and appropriate for specific procedures being requested.
•    Demonstrates competency utilizing Visage/PACs.
•    Complete all exams in Radiant following the procedure.
•    Utilize hospital/department computers for hospital business only.

5% - DEVELOPMENT
•    Assume responsibility and accountability for own professional growth and practice. Attend assigned staff development activities.
•    Participate in cross training activities when necessary.
•    Recognize and perform duties which need to be performed although not directly assigned.
•    Attend professional meetings or seminars to keep current within the field of Ultrasound and maintain ARDMS credential.
•    Comply with the department expectations and standards.
•    Attend required hospital training and in-services

5% - BUDGETARY
•    Use time effectively.
•    Use supplies conscientiously.
•    Adhere to the productivity monitors for the department.
•    Assure patient information and exam codes are correct.
•    Identify opportunities for cost containment.

Qualifications

Required: 

•    Requires ARDMS board credentials in Abdomen and OB/Gyn specialties at minimum.
•    Graduate of a formal accredited ultrasound training program in an approved school. 
•    Flexibility in scheduling, ability to rotate shifts and coverage for weekends and holidays and on-call shifts.
•    Requires 2-5 years – minimum experience as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer for Senior Sonographer classification.
•    BLS - Basic Life Support