Sonographer II

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Department: Ultrasound

Position is located: Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Work Type: Full Time

FTE: 0.75 (30 hours)

Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned

**This position is eligible for a $10,000 - $15,000 sign on bonus (minus tax). Paid out incrementally with work commitment**

Summary:

The Sonographer is responsible for coordinating the patient flow to obtain requested imaging studies in a fast-paced environment. This is achieved through order verification, quality assurance of the imaging equipment, proper patient identification and obtaining appropriate imaging following approved policies and protocols. This is to include proper patient preparation and education which may begin prior to the patient arrival. The Sonographer may be involved in as part of a procedural team. The Sonographer will treat patients of all age groups which includes infancy, pediatrics, adults and geriatrics. The Sonographer must be knowledgeable of age specific protocols. The Sonographer must be flexible to cover a variety of shifts with weekend, holiday and non-restricted call duties required as needed. Under the general supervision of the Director of Medical Imaging and the interpreting physician, the sonographer uses Ultrasound to locate, evaluate, and record pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data. Assumes responsibility for designated areas as required. Will work with patients, their families, physicians, healthcare professionals, students, etc. They will be required to be on feet much of the time.

Responsibilities:

• Greeting customers, patients and co-workers with a friendly smile and using AIDET when appropriate (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You).
• Listens carefully and avoids interruptions in interactions with both patients and co-workers.
• Acts as a role model for co-workers within the department or EMMC.
• Adheres to badge, dress code, tobacco and other personal appearance policies.
• Maintains and exhibits a professional, positive attitude towards co-workers, work, and EMMC.
• Demonstrates a commitment to co-workers, job duties, and EMMC (e.g., team player).
• Appropriately focuses on customer needs and expectations as part of the care team, making referrals or transitions when necessary.
• Demonstrates initiative by seeking assignments when not busy.
• Performs other work of the department as needed.
• Participates in orientation and training of students and new employees.
• Makes timely and appropriate decisions and acts through empowerment to handle situations to resolution and/or refers to appropriate person when necessary.
• Channels suggestions and criticisms and questions in a constructive manner.
• Remains flexible and willingly accepts changes in assignments, scheduled working hours, imaging locations, etc. to meet patient care needs.
• Maintains a calm and knowledgeable demeanor, keeps composure under stressful situations.
• Supports and embraces change in job and EMMC.
• Proactively seeks out solutions to problems for self, co-workers, patients, and visitors.
• Continually develops skills and/or job knowledge. Participates in skills training opportunities available to him/her.
• Takes pride in the appearance and growth of EMMC and acts in a way to promote the same.
• Keeps current on hospital and departmental information by reading e-mail communications and other departmental briefings.
• Attends 75% of staff meetings and participates in discussions.
• Reads and initials minutes of staff meetings that were unattended.
• Stays current with changes to the electronic medical record in order to access patient orders and history when needed.
• Reviews and works within the scope of practice for position and obtains necessary CMEs to maintain licensure and/or registry/certification or both.
• Keeps abreast of new equipment, technology, techniques, etc.… via continuing education to expand knowledge and enhance job performance. May be asked to present to others on specific topics. Completes mandatory hospital wide education, i.e. Healthstream, Promise Point, and Imaging Skills Fail.
• Adheres to "EMMC Code of Conduct" and follows all applicable compliance policies/regulations. Works safely and follows all safety policies, reports incidents or hazards immediately.
• Practices appropriate hand hygiene policies.
• Seeks ways to improve quality of services provided.
• Ensures that a licensed practitioner has ordered the exam via electronic, written order or verbal confirmation.
• Ensures that the clinical indication is pertinent to the exam requested and seeks clarification of unclear orders.
• Matches written order with exam requisition, modifying information to ensure accuracy.
• Maintains equipment in good operating order.
• Cleans and disinfects area after each use per manufacturer’s instructions and infection control guidelines.
• Must participate in HLD of transducers using automated or manual techniques in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and will maintain competency annually where applicable.
• Performs diagnostic ultrasound procedures requiring understanding of cross-sectional anatomy and vascular hemodynamics so that independent modification of technical parameters will produce optimum results.
• Selects proper technical factors, adapting for atypical patients.
• Pre and post processing of images to include proper anatomical marks and secure data transmission to communication system.
• Applies and contributes to keeping technique guidelines and/or exam protocols up to date. Acknowledge and support the culture of safety by maintaining knowledge of policies and references (STAT/Fire protocols-RACE/PASS/Sharps Disposal/Waste Disposal/Infection Prevention/Reporting systems/Universal Protocol/MOAB) as well as maintaining safe environment (daily room checks where applicable, emergency equipment maintenance, willingness to speak up if something identified as concerning).
• Able to access images and reports in PACS and structured reporting systems.
• Ensures quality and continuity of patient care by proper use of the PACS system with accurate data input (MR #/Req Accession numbers/FIN #).
• Provides excellent customer service, both for internal and/or external customers.
• Responds to communications (phone calls, voice mail messages, and emails) in a timely manner.
• Consistent and reliable attendance, including communication and attempts to find coverage when legitimate issues prevent or inhibit attendance.
• Minimizes patient delays and is flexible when calling for inpatients to ensure the exam room is ready upon patient's arrival.
• Notifies appropriate personnel to release/return the patient upon completion of the test, transports patients to nursing units as necessary.
• Provides a clean and orderly work area.
• Arranges for equipment maintenance when needed, ensures supplies and forms are available in work area, and restocks supplies as needed and at the end of your shift.
• Proactively anticipates and alleviates situations which could result in a patient/customer complaint.
• Practices service recovery when needed. Reports and files all patient incidents, complaints, and HIPAA compliance reports immediately within the appropriate online system.
• Demonstrates reliability, understanding of timely response for call coverage.
• Ensures proper communication prior to, during, and post testing for safe hand off of patient care between care givers.
• Seeks out ways to reduce operating costs or increase efficiency within role/department.
• Acts in a cost-conscious manner with regard to use of supplies.
• Uses supplies and equipment conscientiously reducing waste and damage.
• Checks expiration dates of all supplies regularly and prior to each use.
• Makes effective use of time at work.
• Promptly performs the exam complete function to enable timely report availability and billing.
• Demonstrates knowledge of daily charges and is able to reconcile billing errors.
• Ensures correct financial encounter is used in the RIS when performing the order entry in Cerner.
• Complies with supervisor’s instructions regarding staffing level adjustments as needed due to volume changes.
• Down staffs when appropriate after checking with departmental leadership.

Other Information:

• Must have current ARDMS (AB)(OB/GYN) credentials or must be eligible to take ARDMS Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology Registry at time of hire and must pass within 6 months of hire.
• Must have clinical experience of adequate length to become proficient in the art of Medical Sonography.
• Must be able to hear and verbally communicate with patients, family members, physicians, healthcare professionals, department staff, students, etc.
• Must maintain current certification through continuing education.
• Must maintain continuing education in accordance with the department accreditation and professional licensure/certification agencies.
• Must maintain Basic Life Support Certification.

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.
• 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.

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)
• Preferred: Associates Degree in Sonography or completion of Accredited Sonography Program
• Must have current ARDMS (AB)(OB/GYN) credentials or must be eligible to take ARDMS Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology Registry at time of hire and must pass within 6 months of hire.
  

Working Conditions

• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Prolonged periods of walking.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
• Extend body and limbs to reach items.
• Prolonged periods of standing.