Sonographer

Primary duties and responsibilities in Ultrasound include:

• Organize and perform ultra-sonographic examinations in accordance with accepted protocols as directed by the supervising Radiologist. Document high quality images and practice good patient care.

• Check patients identity and examinations required ensuring all examinations are justified.

• Prepare exam room and select appropriate ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures.

• Obtain and record patient history including prior test results. Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information. Enter test data and patient information into computer of ultrasound equipment to maintain record of test results.

• Use proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety, and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer. Maneuver patients into appropriate position for procedure to obtain the best images.

• Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images.

• Review examination images, synthesize examination results, prepare the preliminary findings and relay findings to Radiologist or Physician.

• Ensure that the sonography examination results meet the facility standards for Quality Assurance before findings are released for interpretation. Follow the guidelines provided by the supervising Radiologist for a particular sonographic examination.

• Maintain ultrasound equipment and supplies. Perform quality control procedures to ensure that the ultrasound equipment operates at optimal levels. Exercise responsibility to ensure that the ultrasound equipment is functioning accurately. Assist the Radiology Manager in maintaining accurate QC logs, service records etc.

• Understand and practice proper use of all equipment; never operates equipment inconsistent with manufacturer’s instruction.

• Ensure the safety and comfort of the patient throughout the examination and provide care appropriate to condition and age of the patient, including neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric and general population.

Other responsibilities of this post include,

• Undertake and perform General Radiography, Bone Mineral Densitometry, Mammography, and Fluoroscopy requested to a high level of Radiographic skill as and when required. Due consideration is to be given to the clinical indication, needs and abilities of the patient when tailoring the examination.

• Check patients identity and examinations required ensuring all examinations are justified and optimized.

• Assess, in consultation with the Radiologist where necessary, the justification for ionizing radiation exposure given in referrals for ionizing radiation examinations, using the ALARA principle as the standard. Where required, resolve insufficiently justified requests for ionizing radiation examinations with the referring clinician and / or the Radiologist. Supervise and assist more junior radiographers in the process when required.

• Assess patients and their clinical requirements to determine appropriate scanning / radiographic techniques.

• Get pregnancy questionnaire consent from female patients of reproductive age and file it for future reference.

• Give instructions to the patients for the examinations to be performed whenever required and ensure that the patient has received the appropriate preparation before starting the procedure. Modify communication / listening technique according to the patient’s abilities and needs, to maximize compliance and obtain a satisfactory imaging outcome. Explain delays, if any.

• Ensure adequate information is available in hand to enable optimum application of procedures.

• Observe and maintain contact with patients during their waiting, examination and post-examination stay in the department.

• Aware of emergency procedures. Assist in any emergency treatment of patients, if necessary, i.e. allergic reaction. Obtain and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) at all times during the employment in the hospital.

• Perform duties efficiently, effectively and economically in line with best practice and / or as directed by the Management in the provision of a quality service at all times.

• Assist in more complex radiological examinations under the supervision of a Radiologist and senior staff.

• Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team to ensure that an efficient service is provided to patients, for example by sharing specialist knowledge and expertise.

• Prioritize workload in accordance with hospital procedures and guidelines, the severity of a patient condition, clinical urgency and the direct impact on their management. Manage an unpredictable work load effectively, while interacting successfully with fellow health care professionals.

• Liaise with other staff / departments to ensure proper care of patients. Relate to and communicate with all other staff and customers in a courteous and helpful manner at all times.

• Record image identification and patient documentation quickly and accurately and observe protocols to ensure patient confidentiality.

• Assist in monitoring stock and supplies in the department.

• Ensure examination rooms and equipment are prepared for whatever examinations are booked.

• Take part in routine daily inspection of equipment and quality control checks on Ultrasound, X-rays and associated equipment contributing to quality assurance and audit initiatives.

• Maintain a high level of expertise in the safe operation of the equipment and ensure that equipment is regularly checked for malfunctions. Record and report faults in a timely manner either directly to the Radiology Manager or Clinical Specialist within the radiographer’s area of clinical proficiency.

• Be familiar with, and abide by, all Health and Safety Rules and recommendations. Report incidents of injury to yourself or others according to departmental procedures.

• Be familiar with the Hospital’s Major Emergency Plan and Fire Plan. Cooperate fully and participate with/in all health and safety training programs.

• Identify hazards, assess risks and report same as per hospital policy to relevant personnel and in accordance with individual responsibilities under all Health and Safety legislation and regulations.

• Be aware of, and comply with, national / local radiation safety rules.

• Familiarize yourself with current infection control procedures and adhere to Hospital Infection Control policy.

• Maintain a safe working environment for yourself, your colleagues and members of the public. Inform the Radiology Manager of all untoward occurrences. Required to bring to the attention of the immediate supervisor / Radiology Manager / Head of Department any difficulties or problems encountered in the performance of your work.

• Demonstrate commitment to the Institution by ensuring regular attendance at work and efficient completion of duties.

• Take responsibility for the general cleanliness, tidiness and safety of the Department, with specific responsibility for your own area of work.

• Adhere to the hospital dress code. Wear uniform and identification badge while on duty. Promote a pleasant and caring attitude within the department and hospital.

• Partake in the on call service and have a flexible approach to work, this may mean working through break times or staying late at the end of a duty period

• Follow directions of Head of Department, Radiology Manager, Radiologists, Clinical Specialist, more experienced staff and departmental protocols where applicable. Strictly adhere to operational policies and procedures specific to designated area of duty.

• Accept and perform non-radiographic duties within the department, e.g., making appointments, answering phones, delivering reports / CDs of investigations and performing routine office duties. Utilize existing and any future I.T. system including during on-call hours.

• Participate in mandatory training and actively pursue Continuous Professional Development as well as maintain an up-to-date record. Maintain knowledge of technological and technical advances in methods of diagnostic imaging.

• Be actively involved in the training and assessment of junior and new staff radiographers, providing direct supervision and aid at all times.

• To behave in such a way as to present the Department and Radiographic Profession positively at all times.

• To represent the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community.

• Comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

• Maintain confidentiality of all matters pertaining to the Hospital, staff and patients. All information concerning patients and staff must not be divulged to any unauthorized person.

• To assist the Radiology Manager and Radiologists in ensuring the provision of effective radiography services to NMC Royal Hospital – Sharjah.