Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital

Department: Ultrasound

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 32.00

Work Schedule: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Summary:

The purpose of the job is to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. The scope of the practice of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer includes those procedures, acts and processes permitted by law, for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, has demonstrated competency and has completed the appropriate ARDMS certification(s) which is the standard of practice in ultrasound. The duties are performed under the general supervision of the Director of Imaging Services and the Radiologists.

Responsibilities:

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations under sonography.

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for daily operations of the sonographic equipment, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and Quality Assessment (QA).

• The sonographer maintains a high standard of medical ethics at all times and is self-motivated to increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease, and new procedures as they evolve.

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations.

• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify record and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathologic findings.

• Uses independent judgment during the sonographic exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.

• Analyses sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.

• Coordinates works schedule with Departmental Director and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage.

• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in the sonographer’s care.

• Assists with daily operations of the sonography area.

• Maintains a daily log of patients seen/completes exam billing with appropriate staff.

• Verifies patient identification by two methods.

• Assures that a licensed practitioner has ordered the exam and documents other verification for all inpatients.

• Determines the clinical indication is pertinent for the sonogram that is requested.

• Seeks clarification of unclear orders from the radiologist or referring physician/provider.

• Call urgent readings to referring physician/provider when indicated.

• Educates the patient about the procedure, explaining the reason for additional images without alarming the patient.

• Is knowledgeable of the guidelines for care of all age groups of patients and age-related equipment.

• Ensures quality and continuity of patient care by proper use of the patient documentation systems.

• Maintains equipment in a clean, orderly environment.

• Ensures cleanliness/readiness of exam room(s) with the availability of emergency supplies as necessary.

• Follows department protocols, performing imaging within established time frames.

• Promptly performs the exam’s complete function to enable time report availability and billing.

• Minimizes patient delays by being flexible in adjusting the schedule as necessary.

• Demonstrates initiative by seeking assignments when the assigned area is not busy.

• Maintain a safe environment which includes knowing and understanding hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

• Report and directly address identified environmental hazards when appropriate.

• Report and directly address violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.

• Other duties as requested by Manager.

Other Information:

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.

• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.

• Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.

• Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.

• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.

• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.

• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.

• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

• Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.

• Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.

• Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .

• Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.

• Extend body and limbs to reach items.

• Prolonged periods of standing.

• Lifting, moving, and loading over 50 pounds.

• Prolonged periods of walking.

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