Under direction, and with the guidance of an American College of Radiology Board Certified Radiologist, performs Ultrasound procedures as requested by a physician. All procedures will be performed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. This position also provides support and assistance to the Ultrasound staff relevant to the performance of their job duties, including training, performance improvement, continuing education, and departmental operations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES(*Essential Functions)

1. Assists physicians with biopsy and other invasive procedures, utilizing Ultrasound as guidance for needle placement and maintaining sterile technique as appropriate.
2. Assumes responsibility for daily work operations, including assessment of daily schedule at all locations and reassignment of staff as needed, patient throughput, work orders, problem solving of issues that may arise, maintenance of supplies, mentoring the less senior sonographers, identifying areas for continuing education, and assuming supervisory duties in the absence of the manager.

3. Assists the manager with new staff orientation and staff training, monthly scheduling, time cards, and obtaining necessary images and data for ACR credentialing.

4. Performs a variety of complex specialized ultrasound exams in the specialties of abdominal, ob/gyn, vascular sonography according to department protocol. Utilizes high frequency soundwaves to differentiate normal form abnormal anatomy in a timely manner while still maintaining excellent exam quality.

5. Prepares a sonographer impression form for each study performed to include a detailed patient history and diagnoses pertinent to the particular exam executed and obtains stat preliminary results on abnormal exams according to department protocol.
6. Reviews and correlates patients exam orders with patient's current history and prior exam history to ensure that the appropriate exam is being performed.
7. Verifies correct transfer of images and exam information through PACS and RIS for interpretation by the Radiologists , and ensure correct charging.

8. Performs other duties as needed and /or assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (Minimum Requirements)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of normal vs abnormal anatomy.
• Recognizes and diagnoses disease processes pertinent to exams performed.
• Cognizant of critical findings and situations and how to address them competently in conjunction with critical thinking skills and good decision making.
• Extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to abdominal, ob/gyn, vascular, breast, and neuro sonography.
• Adapts scanning technique to enable performance of exam requested at all levels of difficulty.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently displaying confidence in diagnoses and images obtained.
• Ability to function in a supervisory capacity as needed.

EDUCATION

• Associates Diagnostic Medical Sonography Required
• 10 Years Experience Healthcare/Medical Ultrasound Required
• Licensed Sonography
• Certified Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation

RDMS certification in four specialties, to include Abdomen (AB), Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), and vascular (VT) with the addition of one of the following: Breast (BR), Pediatric Sonography (PS), or Musculoskeletal (MSK)

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
Meets the Standards of Behavior as outlined in Personnel Policy and Procedure #1, Employee Relations Code.

CONFIDENTIALITY/HIPAA/CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Demonstrates knowledge of procedures for protecting and maintaining security, confidentiality and integrity of employee, patient, family, organizational and other medical information. Understands and supports the commitment of Methodist Hospitals in adhering to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing ethical business practices for healthcare providers.

DISCLAIMER - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.