Sonographer

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

Operates ultrasound equipment used to produce quality routine and moderately complex diagnostic scans to ensure optimal patient care and meet department needs.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Graduate from an accredited sonography program.

Experience

• For sonographers working in Ultrasound or Mammography, one year of experience in specialty is preferred.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• Education completed in Sonography with current credential from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

- Sonography (ARRT(S)) and hospital sonography experience.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Sonographers working in Radiology ultrasound (70420) must be registered in the sub-specialty of abdomen [by ARDMS (RDMS (AB)) or ARRT (S)] or vascular sonography [by ARDMS RVT or CCI-RVS] as a condition of hire.

• If hired with subspecialty of abdomen [by ARDMS (RDMS (AB)) or ARRT (S)] then the vascular sonography subspecialty [by ARDMS RVT or CCI-RVS] must be obtained within 12 months of hire date.

• If hired with sub-specialty of vascular sonography [by ARDMS RVT or CCI-RVS] then subspecialty abdomen [by ARDMS (RDMS (AB)) or ARRT (S)] must be obtained within 12 months of hire date.

Must have a current Healthcare Provider (BLS Level) CPR course completion card or obtain certification

during initial orientation at Parkland from one of the following:

• American Heart Association

• American Red Cross Rescuer

• Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be able to operate various types of ultrasound and ancillary equipment used in performing  ultrasound procedures.

• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy.

• Must be proficient in ultrasound exams in specialty as required for general, OB/Gyn, or  mammography.

• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.

Responsibilities

1. Operates ultrasound equipment used to produce routine to moderately complex diagnostic scans

to ensure optimal patient care. Determines equipment and supply needs in advance.

2. Evaluates and verifies the images meet established imaging protocol quality standards for the sub

specialty. Follows department protocols for image acquisition, labeling, documentation, and image

presentation in PACS.

3. Identifies and distinguishes normal and abnormal anatomy throughout the body, and documents

in records to ensure optimal patient care.

4. Documents exam data, appropriate technologist notes, and charge capture data in the electronic

health record.

5. Participates in image review and feedback sessions with physicians, senior technologists, and

supervisor. Maintains required quality standards.

6. Observes patients during scan to ensure their safety and well being. Able to assess and respond

to urgent and emergent patient events and demonstrates ability to obtain appropriate level of

assistance. Follows patient safety guidelines as instructed during orientation and competency

training.

7. Maintains and performs basic troubleshooting of ultrasound equipment and informs senior

technologist or supervisor as needed to ensure maximum availability of operable equipment and

inoperable equipment receives service.

8. Inspects, cleans, and prepares imaging equipment and exam rooms after each patient to ensure

cleanliness of the environment of care and efficiency of patient flow within the area. Follows

infection prevention practices and reports any issues to supervisor.

9. May access and handle ultrasound contrast media within scope of practice under supervision of

senior technologist or supervisor.

10. Completes all Occupational Health and education requirements as assigned and meets all

deadlines for completion. Maintains all licenses and credentials included in job description as a

condition of continued employment.

11. Follows departmental and organizational behavioral expectations. Maintains positive working

relationships with colleagues and patients to ensure an efficient flow of patient information.

Job Accountabilities

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes

recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the

overall goals of the department and Parkland.

2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending

seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional

organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into

current work practices.

3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the

area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws,

accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and

guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.