Sonographer

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

Are you a highly skilled and compassionate Sonographer seeking an opportunity to make a profound impact on patient lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your expertise is valued and your commitment to excellence shines? St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma invites you to join our dedicated team as a Per Diem Sonographer!

At St. Joseph, we believe in providing exceptional care, and that starts with exceptional people. As a Per Diem Sonographer, you'll play a vital role in our Diagnostic Imaging department, performing a diverse range of ultrasound examinations that guide critical medical decisions and bring clarity to complex diagnoses.

Why Choose St. Joseph Medical Center?

• Impactful Work: Your skills will directly contribute to physician diagnoses, patient treatment plans, and ultimately, improved health outcomes for our community.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Operate and maintain a variety of advanced diagnostic ultrasound equipment, ensuring the highest quality images for accurate assessments.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a supportive team of healthcare professionals, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared purpose.
• Professional Growth: We encourage continuous learning and provide pathways for you to stay at the forefront of sonography, including department, local, and national professional meetings, and individualized learning opportunities.
• Flexibility: As a Per Diem team member, you'll enjoy the flexibility to balance your work with your personal life.

What You'll Bring to Our Team:

As a Per Diem Sonographer, you will be responsible for performing ultrasound examinations in accordance with department protocols and regulatory requirements, ensuring the safe, efficient, and proper operation of ultrasound equipment. This role encompasses a broad spectrum of specialty and sub-specialty areas, contributing to a holistic approach to patient care.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Expert Image Acquisition: Prepare and operate a variety of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, adhering to American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) standards and department protocols. You'll master techniques to produce and record high-quality images of blood flow, organ structures, and various bodily masses.
• Quality Assurance & Maintenance: Perform meticulous quality control checks, troubleshoot equipment breakdowns, and maintain supplies. You'll also conduct preventive maintenance and assist with minor repairs to ensure optimal machine performance.
• Patient-Centered Care: Deliver compassionate care to patients of all age groups, explaining procedures clearly, ensuring their comfort, and positioning them for the best possible image acquisition. Obtain accurate patient histories and relay emergent exam results promptly to the appropriate physician.
• Diagnostic Facilitation: Evaluate and assess ultrasound images and related data, collaborating with supervising Radiologists to contribute to provisional and final exam diagnoses. You'll also identify suitable areas for needle aspirations and/or tissue biopsies.
• Operational Excellence: Contribute to general office duties, including answering phones, scheduling, filing, patient record maintenance, and inventorying supplies. You'll ensure accurate patient data entry and appropriate billing.
• Team Collaboration: Advise nursing staff of any significant changes in a patient's condition and actively participate in quality assurance/improvement audits and activities.
• Mentorship (if applicable): Participate in the formal training of ultrasound interns, sharing your knowledge and expertise with the next generation of sonographers.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrate proper use of communication tools and materials to ensure effective communication, understanding how diverse patient cultures can affect collaboration and care provision.

We're Looking For:

• Education: Associate's Degree in Ultrasound
• Certification: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) 
• Life Support: Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR) certification.
• Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in general diagnostic sonography.
• Adaptability: Willingness to grow and adapt to new procedures, equipment, and information.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, physicians, and colleagues.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to image acquisition, equipment maintenance, and record-keeping.