Sonographer

CHI Health St. Mary’s has served Nebraska City and the surrounding areas since 1927. In the fall of 2014 St. Mary’s opened the doors of a brand-new fully modernized facility. The new 110000-square-foot campus is better equipped to meet the changing needs of our community with among other benefits an increased capacity for specialty clinics and an integrated primary care clinic. St. Mary’s encourages collaboration and care coordination among primary care physicians and medical specialists. This contributes to the high quality of care our patients have come to expect.

**Up to $10,000 Sign on Bonus**

**Up to $10,000 Educational Assistance**

JOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE 

Under the direction of a physician and with little supervision, performs procedures, using diagnostic imaging equipment designed for radiographic imaging. Provides health care services as needed, using radiographic, computed axial tomography, magnetic resonance, interventional radiology, mammography, ultrasound and or nuclear medicine and PET to assist in diagnosis and treatment. Performs procedures, computer processing and related techniques, producing images for interpretation by, or at the request of, a licensed practitioner. Exercises professional judgment in performance of service and maintains a demeanor complementary to medical ethics. Provides patient care and recognizes essential critical thinking skills needed for successful completion of procedure. Participates in on-call duty as needed 

Uses and discloses patient protected health information: 1) Only as it applies to job function, 2) in amounts minimally necessary for intended purposes, and 3) in a confidential manner.

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Proper assessment of the patient and their abilities to participate in ordered procedure. Provides a clear explanation of the procedure including; duration, process, and what to expect following completion. Verifies informed consent for and assists physician with interventional procedures; needle localization, aspiration, biopsies, and other invasive procedures. Practices aseptic and sterile techniques as necessary and observes universal precautions. Provides patient education as appropriate. 
2. Selection of the proper equipment, setting correct technical factors, procedure protocols and gathers proper supplies prior to performance of the procedure. Recognizes all radiation safety standards including “Image Gently” and “Image Wisely” and MR safety standards. Understands and follows all rules around radiation protection including wearing of lead protection when utilizing fluoroscopy or when there is a possibility of exposure i.e. CT room, performing portable exams etc. 
3. Obtains clear and complete history from the patient and or patient record and records that data into patient record to assist in image interpretation and future patient encounters. 
4. Is able to perform quality assessment of images obtained and is able to evaluate equipment issues and reports assessment to supervisor, manager or director. 
5. Ensures all equipment is in working order at the beginning of the day and prior to starting of a procedure. Performs any performance and quality tests on equipment as required including ACR quality requirements. Checks all supplies for outdates prior to use and reports any shortages, variations or failures of equipment to supervisor, manager or director for follow-up. Uses CHI incident reporting system to report any patient injuries or concerns, equipment or supply failures or malfunctions, medication reaction or errors, and visitor or personal injury or exposure. 
6. Is responsible to participate in and have a good understanding of all department, campus and system quality improvement projects, the ACR accreditation process, Radiation Safety, ALARA, MQSA, and State Regulations as they apply to staffs license or certifications. Be familiar with the requirements of CMS and Joint Commission and be able to speak to all department processes around quality and environment of care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience 

• Currently enrolled in, or graduate of, a Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiology Technology program or graduate of a post-secondary allied health profession program and on-the-job training with registered sonographer.

Required Licensure and Certifications 

• BLS required upon hire. Please refer to policy “Licensed, Certified, and Registered Employees” for acceptable Life Support cards. 
• ARDMS board certification within 6 months of hire