Ultrasound Technologist - NST Clinic - Temporary

Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, we are an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, offering the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Kern Medical offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient-centered wellness care.  Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year.

• Extra-help is temporary employment with a limited term (up to 9 months).
• Health Benefits coverage may be offered.
• Shift Differentials vary per classification.

Position: Ultrasound Technologist I/II - Temporary

Compensation:

The estimated pay for this position is $39.3806 to $60.5534 per hour.  This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

Job Description:

Under direction, performs a variety of ultrasound imaging procedures for use in medical, obstetrical and surgical diagnosis and treatment at a technical level not requiring direct supervision.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Level I:

This is the entry level of the ultrasound technologist series. Incumbents in this class perform routine ultrasonic procedures under close supervision according to established procedures. This class is distinguished from Ultrasound Technologist II by the latter's performance of complex procedures and supervision of staff. Appointment to the next level of Ultrasound Technologist II is based on department needs, recommendation by the department head and approval by the Director of Personnel.

Level II: 

This is the journey level of the Ultrasound Technologist series.  This classification is distinguished from Ultrasound Technologist I by the assignment of complex ultrasound imaging procedures involving the use of special techniques and/or equipment OR shift coordinator responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

Level I:

• Documents all information on the patient's images, consents and other medical records.
• Assumes responsibility for patient needs during procedures.
• Starts and maintains intravenous access as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner within scope of practice.
• Operates complex ultrasound equipment pertinent to department needs; calibrates, adjusts and maintains ultrasound equipment.
• Utilizes ancillary devices, such as oscilloscopes, cameras and video recorders to obtain permanent record of examination.
• Selects proper transducer frequency and diameter for performance of the examination.
• Determines if the anatomy is normal or abnormal, and if deemed abnormal, be able to delineate the abnormality and extend the scope of the study appropriately.
• Prepares room and patients for ultrasound examination.
• Gives directions to patients before examinations; positions patients on examination tables; provides proper protection to patients according to prescribed safety standards.
• Correlates clinical history with the test to be performed; consults with radiologist or referring physician regarding patient's previous history and decision of appropriate ultrasound procedures required.
• Performs ultrasound studies.
• Provides technical and nursing aid for surgical biopsy and aspiration procedures.
• Participates in reading sessions with the physician and contributes technical and professional knowledge to the final diagnostic impression or report.
• Maintains equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Assists in maintaining records.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Provides cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid care to patients.
• Insures charges are in the computer billing system.
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.

Level II: (In addition to the above)

• Corroborates patient’s clinical history with procedure, ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner. Verifies informed consent.
• Coordinates schedule with the receptionist to complete departmental workload; maintains a daily log and procedure manual; maintains monthly count and a chart of all scans performed.
• Educates and monitors students and other health care providers.
• Maintains order and cleanliness of equipment and ultrasound area; maintains adequate supplies.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all inter-relating hospital, referral, or commercial agencies.

• Responsible for staffing and scheduling of staff. Assists with all personnel actions.

• Recommends action necessary for improvement of overall performance quality of department; evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use; provides demonstrations of ultrasonic equipment for staff and visitors.

• Assists in training new sonographers and, at times, directs orientation of new techniques, research projects and in-service education of other medical staff members.

Other Functions: (Level I and Level II)

•  Assists with training new personnel;
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Employment Standards:

Level I: 

Satisfactory completion of an ultrasonic training program. ARDMS certification is preferred.  Appointees not possessing an ARDMS certificate must obtain this required certificate within 18 months of employment.

Level II: 

Satisfactory completion of an accredited ultrasonic training program and two (2) years or equivalent paid ultrasound experience preferred AND ARDMS certification required.

BOTH LEVELS: Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.

Knowledge of:

Ultrasound technique, methods, operation and care of equipment; structural and organic anatomy; acute care hospital procedures; occupational and safety precautions for ultrasound work. 

Ability to:

Understand and follow written and oral instructions; administer emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; maintain records and files; deal tactfully and professionally with patients, physicians and staff; ability to maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality; effective verbal and written communication skills and computer knowledge.

Supplemental:

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.