Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Supervisor/Site Coordinator, the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (General Procedures & Cardiac Sonography), practices in accordance with the standards of professional practice as well as utilizing a client and family centered care model and the vision and values of the department within Fraser Health (FH). The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs abdominal, obstetrical, pelvic, peripheral vascular, small parts and echocardiography ultrasound examinations, observing patient safety practices. Duties include receiving and completing requisitions, entering relevant data into the diagnostic imaging information system, preparing patients for specific procedures, and conducting examinations utilizing ultrasound and Doppler techniques. May perform venipuncture for contrast media injections as directed by the Radiologist/Cardiologist. Participates on committees/teams and approved research projects as assigned. Responsibilities Receives and prepares patients for testing by methods such as receiving and completing requisitions, reviewing patients' case history, correlating clinical history with examination to be performed, assessing the nature of the issue to determine a process for testing, entering patient information into the diagnostic imaging information system and image processing systems as required, explaining procedures to patients and monitoring patients comfort level to ensure patient is at ease while obtaining required results. Performs ultrasound procedures on various sections of the body such as abdominal, obstetrical, pelvic, peripheral vascular, small parts, and echocardiography by methods such as positioning patients, placing probe on designated area, utilizing ultrasound and Doppler techniques in accordance with established procedures to obtain images, labelling permanent records and archiving of acquired data. May perform venipuncture for contrast media injections as directed by the Radiologist/Cardiologist. May be required to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the event of an emergency. Assists in procedural rooms by methods such as setting up biopsy trays following basic aseptic technique, assisting the radiologist/cardiologist with interventional procedures, labelling/requisitions, and providing support and comfort to the patient during the procedure. Monitors patient during procedures by methods such as observing and responding to possible contrast media reactions or other emergency situations in accordance with facility policies and procedures. Checks resultant images for technical quality and completeness, prepares technical worksheet, and discusses images with the radiologist/cardiologist to ensure examinations address designated requirements. Facilitates the workflow of designated work area by methods such as checking information on requisitions meets departmental standards, regulating inpatient examination time, and arranging for transportation of patients according to departmental procedure; transports patients as required. Monitors equipment performance and performs quality control duties in accordance with recommended manufacturers' guidelines, including recording results as well as identifying malfunctioning equipment for repair; notifies supervisor of equipment malfunctions according to established procedures. Demonstrates procedures and usage of equipment to staff including medical residents, technologists and students. Participates in orientation of new employees by monitoring progress, ensuring policies and procedures are respected; provides input to the area supervisor or designated personnel as requested on individual's progress in achieving established standards of practice. Participates in maintaining patient and hospital records by entering data into the diagnostic imaging and hospital information systems as required. Participates in team/department activities required to enhance and optimize the delivery of care and to facilitate evidence-based practice, including identifying processes/procedures that require improvement and drafting/revising guidelines, policies and procedures for review. Participates on committees as directed to promote optimal support for patients, to facilitate the resolution of issues, and to advocate for the goals and objectives of the team/department. Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with area supervisor and other health care professionals, through methods such as reviewing journals and publications, identifying new theories/trends/programs, collecting data, summarizing information, and/or providing verbal updates for review and further analysis by principal researcher, research team and/or project coordinator. Maintains a clean and safe work area by performing duties such as disinfecting probes, wiping down equipment, examination tables, and counter tops with disinfectant solution, tidying examinations rooms and storing items in appropriate areas. Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge within area of practice, and develops a plan in collaboration with designated personnel/team for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established time frames. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Must be a graduate of a recognized training program in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography and Diagnostic General Sonography and be certified with Sonography Canada or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or be certified with Sonography Canada and have passed the Sonography Canada Skills Assessment (CCSA). Completion of Intravenous Therapy training course or applicable experience working in IV Therapy or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience when required by site practice. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of theory and practice for sonography procedures including abdominal, obstetrical, pelvic, peripheral vascular, small parts and cardiac sonography. Demonstrated knowledge of the aseptic techniques. Demonstrated knowledge and practice of safe work procedures with diagnostic sonographic and medical imaging equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of imaging acquisition applications and digital imaging storage and distribution networks such as PACS. Demonstrated knowledge of research process and methodology. Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and deal effectively with clients and their families, co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, and staff of external agencies. Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others. Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques. Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized client care information system. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

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