General Sonographer

We are a 716-bed independent academic medical center. We are the community's major referral hospital, and we provide a wide range of services, including:

• Cancer care

• Critical care medicine

• Digestive disorder care

• Heart and vascular disease care

• Laboratory services

• Neurological disorders

• Obstetrics and gynecology care

• And care for many other injuries, illnesses, and conditions

• Ranked among highest performing hospitals nationally by U.S. News & World Report

• Among only 1% of hospitals to be recognized by Magnet® 4 consecutive times

• Named a top 50 cardiovascular hospital by Watson Health

Schedule:

• Full time 40 hours

• Five 8-hour shifts; shift hours flexible

• Required rotation with breast

• Weekend and holiday coverage

Location:

• Baystate Medical Center

• Springfield, MA

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Radiologist and according to established policies and procedures, operates imaging equipment as required to obtain diagnostic images according to Radiologist specifications; will assist the Radiologist in procedures as required.

Responsible for coordinating patient flow, operating all systems for routine, specialty, and research studies, supporting protocol development, and performing all duties related to scanning and image processing for their assigned specialty. Consistently follows proper patient screening/care protocols and provides accurate documentation for each exam while supporting expedited patient throughput and diagnosis.

Ability to operate ultrasound machine to produce cross-sectional images of patient's body for diagnostic purposes where applicable.  Through independent judgment and initiative, I can perform imaging sequences necessary to reach a medical diagnosis and decision. Provide professional and quality care while following hospital policies, procedures, and standards. May be responsible for specific areas of instruction in the training of new staff or others in specialty-assigned areas for procedures, protocols, equipment, and/or safety issues.

May float to other locations/hospitals in the Baystate Health system to support patient care and staffing needs.

Job Responsibilities:

1)  Demonstrates excellent customer service through positive patient experience; promotes positive inter/intradepartmental communications and relationships; maintains confidentiality.

2)  With guidance and supervision from the lead sonographer, operate ultrasound equipment and adjust controls according to the organ to be examined, depth of field, and other test specifications to obtain medical diagnosis through the use of appropriate acoustical parameters and in accordance with accepted protocols.  Perform technical procedures, which may include one or more of the following: abdominal, OB/GYN, trans-vaginal, trans-rectal, scrotal, thyroid, breast, and vascular.

3)  Maintains knowledge of procedures/protocols, applies knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy, and can identify pathology within the scope of practice to obtain necessary diagnostic information.  Responsible for independent and proficient operation of all assigned imaging equipment in the area of specialty to provide the best image outcomes in a proficient and time-sensitive manner.

4) Properly identifies patient information using two patient identifiers and complies with National Patient Safety Goals standards.  Performs procedures as outlined, including but not limited to routine, specialized, emergency, and urgent imaging procedures.  Responsible for providing accurate, high-quality exams.    

5)  Maintains operational communication with Supv/Mgr; shares information and follows through with assigned tasks.

6)  Works as a member of the health care team, including physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals in diagnostic testing.    

7)  Operates and maintains exam room and equipment:  evaluates equipment problems and takes appropriate action to expedite necessary service or repair.  Demonstrates knowledge/understanding in effectively operating all equipment.  Performs quality checks on equipment in accordance with departmental procedures.  Keeps work areas stocked with appropriate supplies.  Keeps all imaging rooms neat and clean.  Ensures supplies in the work area are not damaged or outdated.  Discards waste in appropriate waste containers according to established procedures.

8)  Recognizes examination findings that may require immediate clinical response, notifies the radiologist (for example, critical test results), and verifies timely transfer of images to the PACS system.

9)  Assures ongoing compliance with JC, MQSA, ACR regulatory, and DPH/CMS requirements.  Participates in departmental quality assurance activities.  Supports QC activities in the department.

10) Performs accurate and high-quality exams to ensure proper technique, positioning, and visualization of the appropriate anatomy requested.  Instruct the patient before and during the procedure to maximize the probability of obtaining a complete and accurate result.

11) Maintains standards of skills:  demonstrates/maintains current knowledge/skill in providing appropriate care for all patients potentially served in an imaging service, including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.

12) Present self to all patients and other customers in a pleasant, professional, and courteous manner at all times.

13) Attend in-service meetings and other designated training events that will enhance clinical skills as documented by attendance at meetings/seminars.

14) Report any suggestions for positive changes or recommendations within departmental policies/procedures to the supervisor.

15) Accurately inputs data, demographics, and information into appropriate modality-specific computer applications and systems.

16) Assists in the training of technologists, residents, and students when assigned to the same work area according to departmental procedures, where applicable.  Demonstrates a willingness to learn new procedures and accept new responsibilities.     

17) Observe strict safety standards in the area of specialty, ensuring the safety of patients, family members, staff, and visitors.  Maintains an environment that is free of hazards.

18) Utilizes time effectively by coordinating patients and procedures to achieve maximum productivity, as observed by the supervisor.

19) Assist the radiologist in a wide range of sterile procedures, as dictated by modality.  

Required Work Experience:

1) Demonstrated ability to perform sonography duties.

2) Must obtain ARDMS certification within 6 months of graduation from an accredited program.

Skills and Competencies:

1)  Ability to work with computer applications. 

2) Demonstrates good verbal and written communication. 

3) Able to work independently and be self-motivated.