Job Description

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.

$8,000 Sign-On Incentive

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Operates ultrasound equipment to produce basic diagnostic scans of high quality while ensuring optimal patient care.

MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

Education

- Graduation from a sonography program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JCRDMS) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) are preferred. Experience

- Minimum experience for Ultrasound sonographers must include clinical rotation in the hospital setting during a sonography program or equivalent experience in a hospital setting.

- Minimum experience for VSL sonographers must include clinical experience in vascular ultrasound in hospital-based and/or vascular specialty clinic settings.

- Minimum experience for Mammography sonographers must include clinical experience in breast ultrasound in a hospital-based and/or mammography specialty imaging setting. Equivalent Education and/or Experience

- Graduation from a local sonography program that is not accredited with JRCDMS or CAAHEP, but has a clinical relationship with Parkland Ultrasound and has completed a clinical rotation in the Parkland Ultrasound Department.

- Education completed in sonography in another country with current abdomen credential from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

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

- Equivalent experience obtained through on the job training in a hospital sonography setting and current abdomen credential from ARDMS or ARRT(S).

Certification/Registration/Licensure

- Sonographers working in Ultrasound must be registered in the sub-specialty of abdomen by ARDMS (RDMS) or ARRT (S) as a condition of hire and the sub-specialty of vascular technology (RDMS RVT) or vascular sonography (CCI-RVS) within 18 months of hire date.

- Sonographers working in VSL must be registered in vascular technology or sonography (RDMS RVT or CCI RVS). Sonographers in VSL that also hold RDMS or ARRT credentials are preferred.

- Sonographers working in Mammography must be registered in the sub-specialty of breast ultrasound (RDMS BR or ARRT BS) as a condition of hire.

- Must have a current Healthcare Provider CPR course completion card prior to hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross Rescuer
• Military Training Network.

Required Tests for Placement

- NA

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.

- Ultrasound sonographers must be proficient in general ultrasound exams and become proficient in vascular ultrasound exams within 18 months of hire.

- Mammography sonographers must be proficient in breast ultrasound exams.

- VSL sonographers must be proficient in vascular ultrasound exams.

- 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 general diagnostic scans to ensure optimal patient care. Determines equipment and supply needs in advance for general diagnostic scans, ensuring patient safety and scan efficiency.

2. May participate in complex scans and invasive procedures in order to meet vascular credential requirements and career development activities.

3. Evaluate and verify the images meet Ultrasound, VSL, or Mammography quality standards and established imaging protocols. Follows department protocols for image acquisition, labeling, documentation, and image presentation in PACS.

4. Maintains required quality standards through the use of Peer View and other department metrics reported on a regular basis. Participates in image review and feedback sessions with physicians, senior technologists, and supervisors.

5. Observes patients during scans to ensure their safety and well-being. Able to assess and respond to urgent and emergent patient events and demonstrates the ability to obtain the appropriate level of emergency assistance.

6. Identifies and distinguishes between normal and abnormal anatomy relevant to imaging sub-specialty and documents in images and electronic health records per protocol. Reviews anatomy quality metrics via Peer View and other department metrics at the frequency set by department management.

7. Ensures the accuracy of all data entered into the patient record such as arrival, begin and end exam information. Completes other computerized data entry and charging tasks with correct data to ensure the accuracy of patient records and charges.

8. Accesses and handles selected medications and contrast media within the scope of practice.

9. Maintains and performs basic troubleshooting of ultrasound equipment and informs supervisor as needed to ensure equipment is operable and safe. Ensures broken equipment is taken out of service.

10. Inspects, cleans, and prepares exam rooms after each patient to ensure the efficiency of patient flow within the area. Follows infection prevention practices and completes any logs or documentation as required. Participates in Environment of Care (EOC) rounds and inspection readiness activities.

11. Actively participates in the training of sonography students on clinical rotation in the department.

12. Maintains positive working relationships using PHHS's Colleague Behavior guidelines. Serves as a resource person for physicians, other sonographers, students, and patients to ensure an efficient flow of patient information and care.

13. Actively participates in training sonography students during clinical rotation and assists in the department orientation and onboarding of new sonographers, APP staff, and resident physicians.

14. Follows departmental and organizational behavioral expectations and has no written warnings, counsels or final warnings within the evaluation period or shows significant improvement in behavior since the corrective action occurred.

15. Attends six or more department meetings or department-sponsored continuing education sessions.

16. Provides evaluation-related documentation 45 days prior to evaluation to ensure department management has adequate supporting documents necessary for performance evaluation.

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.