Sonographer I

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Performs a full range of diagnostic ultrasound imaging/therapeutic services and associated patient care which support the Radiology Department mission to provide diagnostic information for the subsequent treatment of patients.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Graduate of a Medical Imaging program. 2. Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.

Core Duties and Responsibilities: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Plans and performs imaging procedures to produce sonographic medical images for the diagnosis or treatment of patients meeting the equality of standards of the department as identified through professional literature, department protocol, policy and procedure.
• Demonstrates appropriate level of knowledge and technical aspects of the position, maintaining professional and technical competencies as required by the organization, the accreditation and licensing bodies (where applicable).
• Reviews the physician's request completely for information on the procedure to be performed for each patient; refers any questions to the sonologist or referring physician before performing the study.
• Produces images of optimal quality.
• Maintains confidentiality of all Protected Health Information.
• Assesses patient's needs related to comfort, hygiene and range of motion and provides support accordingly.
• Educates patients regarding sonographic procedures by explaining the procedure and answering questions accordingly.
• Promotes the team approach to providing Radiology services by positively interacting with the technical, support, nursing, residents and medical staff.
• Engages in problem solving, crisis management and systems implementation throughout the hospital to promote and support efficient, high quality, cost effective patient care.
• Performs as a clinical instructor meeting the quality of standards of the sonography education program as identified through professional literature, department, institutional and sonography education programs(s) protocol, policy and procedure.
• Evaluates and documents student clinical performance fairly, consistently and in a timely manner according to guidelines of the Educational programs.
• Maintains professional development in sonographic imaging and techniques.
• Participates in in-house training and development offerings and applies the resultant skills and knowledge to position performance, monitored by supervision.
• Display imaging techniques, patient care and guest relation behaviors in accordance with the ARDMS Code of Ethics, WVUH Administrative Policies and Procedures, WVUH Behavior Standards, Radiology Department Policies and Procedures, State and Federal Regulations, and The Joint Commission guidelines.
• Reports equipment failures immediately upon identification.
• Performs High Level Disinfection of ultrasound equipment per department policy.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Differentiate various shades of gray as depicted on a black and white television monitor or photograph.
• Stand and walk for six to seven hours a day.
• Lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds of weight.
• Ability to push ultrasound machine for portable exams

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Clinical setting.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must have the ability to follow directions both written and verbal in English.
• Works with people utilizing a teamwork approach.
• Must have the ability to prioritize work tasks and multi-task.

The Sonographer Clinical Ladder is a system-wide clinical advancement program to enhance professional development, provide a reward system for quality clinical performance, promote quality imaging care, and improve job satisfaction for cardiac sonographers.

To apply for the next level, the Sonographer must meet the requirements of their current level. They must also meet the required years of experience, degree, and certification to apply for the next level.

• Level 1: No experience required. All Sonographers with less than 12 months of experience enter at Level one.
• Level 2: Meets requirements for previous level. One year of sonographer experience. Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1, plus additional skill sets.
• Level 3: Meets requirements for previous levels. One continuing education pathway. Three years of sonographer experience. Compliant in 3 leadership/supervisory skills. Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1 and 2, plus 3 additional skill sets.
• Level 4: Meets requirements for previous levels. One continuing education pathway. Five years of sonographer experience. Compliant in 5 leadership/supervisory skills. Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1, 2, and 3 plus 4 additional skill sets.