Ultrasound Technologist

Overview

UnityPoint-St Luke's Hospital

Full-Time

Day Shift

Under the direction of the Radiologist, the Ultrasound Technologist (Sonographer) shall perform a wide variety of Ultrasound (US) procedures that require independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative in the utilization of US for the diagnosis of disease in patients of all ages.  They also provide the technical knowledge, expertise & professional judgement required to support the mission, vision, and values of UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

Communication and Interaction

• Explains procedure to patients (patient communication) and performs patient care activities. Responsible for patient education of US procedures, questions, and concerns.
• Always demonstrates professional conduct, displaying FOCUS Values to patients, visitors, peers, and leadership.
• Maintains privacy of the patients, their test results, and records.
• Maintains communication with Imaging Administration, staff, and physicians in a professional manner. Seeks the advice of the US Leader with problems. Implementing a solution at direction/discretion of Leaders.
• Maintains/stocking of sufficient supplies in the Ultrasound Suite so that patient care is not affected by untimely depletion of critical supplies. Mindful of waste & utilizes supplies wisely
• Promotes & exhibits a positive public relations image through productive and professional interactions with nurses, physicians, visitors, patients, peers, leaders, and other hospital personnel.
• Facilitates professional & safe learning environment for students and new hires through in-service instruction and clinical supervision. Providing constructive criticism in a private setting.
• Actively participates in Departmental Process Improvement projects; including but not limited to, patient satisfaction scores, Departmental Goals & personal goals
• Development of technologist role by attending various departmental Meetings & educational opportunities.
• Positively adapts to change; is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities; adjusts plans to meet changing needs. Portrays positive attitude others regarding system/departmental changes
• Ensures & works to improve customer satisfaction, sets realistic customer expectations, solves customer problems, meets commitments to customers, seeks out customer input, responds to internal customers. RL Events Reporting when warranted
• Has good listening skills, builds strong relationships, is flexible/open minded, solicits performance feedback and handles constructive criticism. Builds strong communication lines with others
• Works well in groups, helps resolve conflicts, participates in various staff or departmental meetings, works well with other departments, is flexible and open-minded, and focuses on strategies and goals.

Equipment and Regulatory Management

• Utilizes information systems and prepares all documentation necessary to ensure accurate and consistent information work flows.
• Performs care and light maintenance of the US equipment, imaging equipment and the US rooms. This includes testing and inspection (quality assurance) of the equipment for accurate usage, performance and can assess equipment problems. 
• Maintains knowledge & actively participates in following of current department protocols and equipment.
• Accurately maintains necessary documentation and records to comply with regulatory guidelines established by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) accreditation body
• Responsible for contributing to the annual inspection process and adherence to all mandated regulations and standards.

Quality and Procedure Management

• Correlates the US exam with other tests & preparations to best pronounce the disease process.
• Produces high quality imaging procedures with precision, accuracy, and in a timely manner for the Radiologist to interpret.
• Is attentive to detail and accuracy, is committed to excellence. Is responsible for their own actions and actively works to improve in areas that are lacking.
• Proactively identifies problems and communicates these concerns with Ultrasound lead, seeks out new responsibilities, acts on opportunities, generates new ideas, practices self-development.
• Practices & monitors safety precautions for patients, employees & oneself during all procedures.
• Disposes of all body fluids, hazardous materials, and chemicals in an appropriate manner according to OSHA standards and guidelines.
• Adheres to hospital & departmental safety regulations, guidelines, policies, procedures, & protocols.
• Accountability for completing daily departmental tasks, completing work either in a team or independent setting. Team work in all aspects including patient care in other areas if warranted.
• Rotates through call schedules & all areas of US responsibilities as assigned by the Ultrasound lead.

Qualifications

• Graduation of formal Ultrasound training program or equivalent approved by ARDMS
• Board certification within 6 months of start date.
• Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) credentialed OR Board Eligible for RDMS credential after passing ARDMS Physics boards. Must pass 1 specialty Board examination within 6 months of Hire.
• Current CPR/BCLS certification or obtained within 30 days for new hire.
• Computer Skills relating to various EMR & Radiology Imaging Systems, PACS
• Venipuncture Skills & Experience
• Administrative:   The US Technologist shall demonstrate a working knowledge of technical factors and patient body habitus to perform a variety of US procedures.  He/she must maintain knowledge of current department protocols, assist the radiologist in procedures, practice and adhere to safety requirements, utilize RIS/EMR/PACS to process paperwork, assist in training new and student radiographers, perform other assigned duties as requested, practice sterile and isolation techniques resulting in the prevention of cross-contamination and infection.  He/she must be able to concentrate on the task at hand and consistently follow procedures, must demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, cooperation, and maintain an attitude of professionalism, strictly adhere to all hospital and departmental safety regulations, guidelines, policies and procedure
• Machines: US Scanners:  US Scanners, RIS (Radiology Applications), EMR, PACS, Various office equipment (including but not limited to fax, copier, scanner, digitizer, CD Burner), Telephone skills
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.