Summary

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for daily operations of the ultrasound department, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The technologist 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. Responsible for interacting with hospital staff and/or nursing departments regarding patient care, concerns, and conflicts by identifying and assisting in the resolutions. Routinely works weekdays, weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, overtime, and/or on-call status when needed. Will also be subject to assigned responsibilities in other departmental areas and/or other system wide facilities as needed with departmental head approval and appropriate training and direction as may be appropriate to the task.

Job description

Position Summary

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for daily operations of the ultrasound department, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The technologist 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. Responsible for interacting with hospital staff and/or nursing departments regarding patient care, concerns, and conflicts by identifying and assisting in the resolutions. Routinely works weekdays, weekends, holidays, evenings, nights, overtime, and/or on-call status when needed. Will also be subject to assigned responsibilities in other departmental areas and/or other system wide facilities as needed with departmental head approval and appropriate training and direction as may be appropriate to the task.

Essential Functions

Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations.
Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
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 work 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 the daily operations of the sonographic laboratory.
Maintains a daily log of patients seen / completes exam billing forms.
Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area, and maintains adequate supplies.
Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
Establishes and maintains ethical working relationships and good rapport with all interrelating hospitals, referral or commercial agencies.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties & Responsibilities

Performs all requested examinations as ordered by the physician.
Prepares preliminary reports and contacts referring physicians when required, according to established procedures.
Coordinates with other staff to assure appropriate patient care is provided.
Addresses problems of patient care as they arise and makes decisions to appropriately resolve the problems.
Organizes daily work schedule and performs related clerical duties as required.
Assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of all patients in the area/department.
Reports equipment failures to the appropriate supervisor or staff member.
Provides in-service education team on requirements of sonographic procedures as requested by other members of the health care team.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Cardiovascular Technology Program accredited by CAAHEP (desirable)
Bachelor or Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiovascular Technology (desirable)
Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate
Currently licensed as an MRT or Certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or possess the ARRT (R) (S)
New hires may be ARDMS/ARRT (S) registry eligible and must obtain certification within first year of hire
Individuals currently licensed as an MRT, ARRT(R) and have at least 10 yrs. experience in Ultrasound in lieu of ARDMS
Must have and maintain current BLS certification, according to unit specific needs; certification must be in accordance with the curriculum of the AHA, for Healthcare Provider's Program
At least one year experience in abdominal, small parts, neurosonology and OB/GYN studies is desirable
Bilingual (English, Spanish) status is desirable
Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment
Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information
Ability to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary
Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed
Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician
Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of examinations and patient's needs
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team
Ability to follow established departmental procedures
Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations

Company overview

Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, operating as a Fortune 300 corporation headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1979, UHS has grown into a major healthcare enterprise with approximately 99,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $14 billion. The company operates through its subsidiaries, managing 29 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, and 60 outpatient and other facilities across 39 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. UHS provides comprehensive healthcare services including acute care, behavioral health treatment, cancer centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The company's strategy focuses on building or acquiring high-quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets and investing in advanced medical equipment and skilled personnel to become the leading healthcare provider in each community it serves. UHS is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: UHS) and has established a strong reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality care while maintaining financial stability and operational excellence.