Diagnostic Medical Sonographer I, San Diego (On-call, Variable Shift)

Job Summary:

Under indirect supervision, performs a variety of diagnostic medical sonograms (such as abdominal and OB/Gynecology ultrasound examinations) utilizing complex ultrasound equipment and transducers.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Diagnostic Imaging 2008 Department Goals:
• Quality:
• Improve complete to sign Diagnostic Imaging Report Turnaround Time for outpatients. The Vandever Files Targeted Unit-Based Team (T-UBT) will be developing the metrics for this goal.
• Suggested areas of focus: Workflow/Processes, Inter-departmental Communication Resources,and Staffing.
• Service/Care Experience:
• Improve telephone response time to meet the established regional TSF (telephone service factor) standard of 80% of incoming calls answered within 2 minutes.
• Suggested areas of focus: Service, Staffing, Workflow/Processes, and Staff Education.
• Efficiency/Affordability:
• Support the Bend-the-Trend program by reducing NPR expenses by greater than 5%. The department Non-payroll Action Team will be developing the metrics for this goal.
• All managers and staff responsible for ordering have received NPR formulary with recommendations for using Corporate Express brand items in lieu of name brands.
• Access:
• Improve ultrasound access.
• Customer Service:
• Is responsive to the needs of others by maintaining a professional behavior toward members and coworkers and creating a positive image for the department, as demonstrated by: Willingness to take the initiative to resolve member issues. Handling a high number of member contacts. Dealing with customer complaints in a positive way. Providing compassionate service. Treating coworkers with respect and appreciation. Fostering teamwork and thinking positively.
• Models and reinforces ethical behavior in self and others in accordance to the Principles of Responsibility; adheres to organizational policies and guidelines; supports compliance initiatives; maintains confidences; admits mistakes; conducts business with honesty; shows consistency in words and actions; follows through on commitments.
• Identifies the impact of cultural diversity and lifestyle choices on patient condition and makes accommodations for such differences.
• Demonstrates competency and understands the overall operational functions of the department to include all reception duties and cashier functions. Observes regional radiation and department safety policies.
• Age Specific Criteria Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional and chronological maturation process in delivery of services to patients of the age group served. Able to assess data reflective of the patients status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed in accordance with department policy. Neonatal Pediatric Adolescent Adult Geriatric. Adjusts technical factors relative to the requirements of the study and the physical maturation of the patient. Modifies patient positioning techniques relative to the patients physical and cognitive abilities. Always takes special care in handling, positioning and/or restraining infants and geriatric patients to avoid injury or excessive radiation exposure.
• Demonstrates competence and understands the overall operational function of the department to include scheduling of patient appointments by telephone, mail, or in person utilizing RIS.
• Demonstrates competence in the operation of diagnostic ultrasound equipment, realtime and mobile, to obtain quality diagnostic images. Consistently selects correct technical factors relative to the requirements of the study and the patients age and body habitus. Consistently selects equipment settings and appropriate transducers in accordance with department protocols and patient body habitus. Consistently processes hard copy images properly, utilizing automated equipment. Properly and consistently follows specific infection control techniques relative to ultrasound imaging (e.g., cold sterilization of probes, use of condoms on endocavity probes, etc.). Routinely manipulates transducer appropriately to obtain the desired images.
• Exercises good clinical judgment. Consults with the radiologist or other clinician for purposes of clarifying orders. Selects alternate or additional views appropriately relative to the patients condition. Does not attempt to perform an exam in any case in which it cannot be performed safely and/or properly. Consistently demonstrates the ability to differentiate between normal and abnormal anatomy.
• Documents clinical activities in a timely, comprehensive and accurate manner. Completes and initials the standard consultation form and the Radiology Processing Record accurately and immediately following each procedure. Routinely documents patient history relative to previous surgery, childbirth and other conditions which could affect the ultrasonic image of internal organs.
• Organizational Rules, Policies, and Procedures:
• Observes all applicable regional, medical center, and department policies and procedures.
• Quality of Service:
• Maintains standards of professional behavior established to enhance quality of service. Greets members promptly and courteously with eye contract and a pleasant expression and tone of voice. Informs members of reason for any delays or anticipated delays in their care. Treats all patients in accordance with the Patients Bill of Rights. Conducts only work related conversations when members are waiting for service.
• Communication:
• Demonstrates good communication skills. Communicates verbally in a clear and concise manner. Demonstrates courteous and appropriate telephone skills. Speaks English in the presence of patients except as required to interpret for non English speaking patients. In writing, communicates accurately, completely, and legibly, and routes such communication appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Professional Maturity:
• Demonstrates professional maturity in all interactions with patient and staff. Strives to maintain good working relationships and rapport with patients, other members of the department and the health care team. Is flexible and cooperative about schedule changes made to maximize productivity and efficiency. Responds appropriately to constructive criticism from supervisors and peers. Functions independently within defined scope of position.
• Productivity:
• Meets productivity norms achieved by peers within the department or the Region.
• Equipment, Supplies, and Work Area:
• Maintains equipment, supplies and work area in accordance with department guidelines. Keeps equipment and work area clean at all times. Routinely handles equipment with care to avoid damage. Reports equipment malfunctions to supervisory staff promptly.