Advanced Practice Sonographer-WISH

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that's served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It's our passion.

Primary Purpose

Responsible for management of assigned Sonography staff in order to provide optimal Sonography oversight, image quality, and further the overall goals and objectives of the department. This position is in Parkland's Women's Healthcare Clinic ( the WISH Clinic) and the schedule for this role is four 10 hour weekdays.

Minimum Specifications

Education

Graduate of an ultrasound program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS)

OR

Graduate of an ultrasound program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

* Completed a minimum of 100 hours of training in obstetrical and gynecological imaging with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician, Radiologist, or OB/GYN Physician.

Experience

* Minimum of five years clinical and sonographic experience in high-risk obstetrics and gynecologic ultrasound under the direct supervision of a Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician, a Radiologist, or OB/Gyn Physician.

* Minimum of three years' experience preferred as a Senior or Lead Sonographer.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

Educational Activities:

* Completed an Advanced Practice Sonographer training program within two years of

accepting the Advanced Practice Sonographer position.

* Obtained Continuing Medical Education Credits (CME's) of 30 per triennium.

* Completed a minimum of 100 hours of training in high-risk obstetrical and gynecological

imaging with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician, Radiologist, or OB/GYN Physician.

Clinical Activities:

* Precept ultrasound students, resident physicians, fellowship physicians from Cardiology,

Genetics, or Maternal Fetal Medicine, and newly hired OB/Gyn sonographers.

* Participates in AIUM accreditation case review and process.

* Must have performed complex case review, image acquisition, and decision making.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

* Must have an active status as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the subspecialties of:

* Obstetrics and Gynecology - RDMS (OB/GYN) AND

* Fetal Echocardiography - RDMS (FE)

* Must have a current Healthcare Provider (BLS Level) CPR course completion card prior to hire from one of the following:

* American Heart Association

* American Red Cross Rescuer

* Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

* Must be able to operate various types of ultrasound and equipment used in performing

procedures.

* Must be able to communicate effectively; written and verbally with all levels of staff.

* Must be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of both normal and abnormal anatomy.

* Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.

* Must be able to utilize and navigate applicable computer systems in order to complete

workflows.

* Must be able to teach and develop various levels of staff, residents, and fellows.

Responsibilities

1. Operate ultrasound equipment to ensure optimal patient care on complex exams.

a. Produces quality diagnostic imaging studies.

b. Ability to perform complicated cases in complex situations.

c. Rescans specialty and complex cases for staff sonographers prior to faculty presentation as needed.

d. Teaches image optimization, diagnosis, accurate chart review, and compilation of

information.

2. Review preliminary reports for staff sonographers and acts as a departmental resource for all.

a. Reviews preliminary reports to verify all the necessary components for reporting of complex findings and documentation are present such as CPT and ICD-10 codes,indication, anatomy tables, calculations, and summary detail.

b. Reviews staff sonographer report summary for the attending physician for specialty and complex cases. Makes report modifications, provides feedback or direction to staff sonographer and providers, and offers suggestions of differential diagnosis for consideration.

3. Communicate findings and follows care plan determined by the physician or as outlined by protocol.

a. Identifies and distinguishes normal versus abnormal anatomy & pathology

b. Compiles significant patient information and application of pathophysiology.

c. Provides accurate and complete history and indication when reviewing images and discussing findings.

d. Completes physician directive for writing the preliminary report, additional imaging, & scheduling.

e. Communicates findings to the patient at discharge as instructed by the physician or as per protocol.

4. Ensure quality control by:

a. Always following hospital, departmental procedures, AIUM recommendations,

departmental protocols, & departmental guidelines.

b. Utilizes time efficiently and effectively to reduce patient dwell-times regardless of study complexity or complication.

c. Performs quality control to insure proper imaging and reporting by staff sonographers.

d. Communicates deficiencies with staff sonographers in a professional and timely manner.

e. Keeps the manager informed of any staff image or report quality concerns.

5. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate new and existing sonographers to ensure maximum development of individual skills and maintenance.

a. Serves as a resource to physicians and sonographers in new or advanced sonography methods incorporated in the examination.

b. Coaches individuals as needed to develop skill and understanding.

c. Provides presentations and educational resources to groups in staff meetings or other venues.

d. Continuously teaches resident physicians and fellowship physicians and staff

sonographers to improve skills and knowledge.

e. Develops future Advanced Practice Sonographers.

6. Review and critique specialty studies performed by staff Sonographers prior to presentation to Attending Physicians.

a. Educates staff sonographers to obtain additional imaging if necessary.

b. Over-scans to confirm diagnosis and obtain additional images as necessary.

c. Assists fellowship providers in image acquisition.

7. Identify ways to improve work processes or improve customer satisfaction. Make

recommendations to manager for implementation and helps monitor results as appropriate in support of the overall goals and mission of the department and Parkland.

8. Stay abreast of the latest developments, advancements, protocol changes, and trends in OB/GYN Sonography. Attend seminars, workshops, reads professional journals, participates in professional organizations, and maintains certification by the ARDMS. Integrates this knowledge into daily activities associated with Sonography. Routinely attend unit meetings, reads email or other means of communication.

9. Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact Sonography and the hospital. Understand and is compliant with internal controls that promote adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seek advice and guidance as necessary.

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes

recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.

2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.

3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees' wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.