Ultrasound Technologist

About the Organization

Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. Together, our six hospitals and other entities provide a full range of medical care from prevention, screenings & education; to the latest clinical services and surgeries available; to rehabilitation. We also offer wellness programs & public health services that ensure our communities are the healthiest they can be. Our caring, highly trained physicians and staff are committed to patient safety and patient satisfaction.

With more than 11,000 team members, Tower Health includes Reading Hospital, a teaching hospital based in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital, a teaching hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; and Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown. We also operate Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing & Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, & we have a comprehensive physician network.

Collaboration across Tower Health enables our hospitals, providers, leadership & staff to leverage best practices across the health system. Our hospitals have received national recognition for advanced care in areas such as neurosurgery and stroke, cardiac & vascular surgery, trauma, hematology & oncology. Reading HealthPlex, which opened at Reading Hospital in October 2016, combines state-of-the-art technology and world-class design to make the HealthPlex one of the most sophisticated surgical centers & inpatient facilities in the region.

At Tower Health, we have a rich history of providing high-quality, cost-effective care in the communities we serve. As the healthcare industry continues to change, one thing remains steadfast: Tower Health’s commitment to Advancing Health, Transforming Lives

Responsibilities

PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND CARE -

Assumes responsibility for planned, individualized patient care. Collects pertinent data about the patient and procedure. Analyzes the data obtained and develops an action plan for completing the procedure to enhance patient safety and diagnostic quality.

• (1) Examines requisition and verifies orders, patient identification using 2 identifiers, requesting physician, procedure and site according to the Joint Commission and Radiology guidelines.
• (2) Demonstrate social awareness by introducing self and providing patient and or family with complete age appropriate explanation of procedure.
• (3) Routinely questions the patient before the procedure to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment. Addresses the patient's questions and concerns regarding the procedure.
• (4) Properly documents via electronically and or hard copy information in the Radiology Information System and other electronic tracking/recording systems.
• (5) Respects patient modesty and ensures patient comfort. Demonstrates compassion by treating patients with care and empathy on a constant basis.
• (6) Changes priorities appropriately to meet the patient's needs regarding their age, medical condition, or cultural differences.
• (7) Recognizes and responds to an emergency situation at a level commensurate of one's training and competency including cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

TEAMWORK AND CQI -

Strives for Service Excellence and participates in the Hospital's Continuous Quality Improvement Evaluation Standards.

• (1) Exemplifies the Brandywine Experience by utilizing AIDET and HEART and by participating in the No Pass Zone.
• (2) Participates in departmental CQI.
• (3) Participates as an active member on a Hospital, Radiology or US Department Team.
• (4) Strives for service excellence by evaluating the needs of the customer to improve or exceed expectations.
• (5) Demonstrates commitment to CQI by following through with team responsibilities.
• (6) Participates in ACR quality assurance.

COMMUNICATION AND PATIENT EDUCATION -

Facilitates communication among health team members, patients, and families; and provides information about the procedure to establish positive communication necessary in promoting patient care and safety.

• (1) Functions as an effective liaison between patient, family and members of the healthcare team. Assists in solving problems to promote and ensure quality patient care.
• (2) Communicates with all healthcare team members in a courteous, respectful and professional manner. Effectively communicates with supervisor to keep apprised of current activities and situations.
• (3) Reports pertinent observations and reactions regarding patient to the appropriate person as they occur.
• (4) Collaborates with other personnel to improve communication and overall function of the department. Offers input and suggestions at staff meetings.
• (5) Records accurate, concise and pertinent information for all required documentation.
• (6) Practices courteous phone and e-mail communication.
• (7) Provides accurate explanations and instructions at an appropriate time and at a level the patients and their care providers can understand.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR -

Conducts self in a professional manner, responds to patient needs and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care.

• (1) Participates in orientation and evaluation of new personnel. Creates an environment conducive to questions while instructing and motivating students and new employees.
• (2) Maintains health and wellbeing in the work environment by attending mandatory educational sessions. Maintains CPR certification and current continuing education credits as necessary to comply with Hospital, ARRT, RDMS and ACR guidelines.
• (3) Demonstrates fiscal responsibility through the appropriate use of hospital resources and the sharing of knowledge with staff and students to provide quality exams and service to the customer.
• (4) Demonstrates integrity by maintaining confidentiality of patient information electronically and in public areas.
• (5) Strives for service excellence by performing responsibilities with a positive attitude and demonstrating tolerant and courteous behavior when interacting with others.
• (6) Evaluates own performance and recognizes opportunity for improvement. Takes accountability and responsibility for professional decisions and actions and acts in the best interest of the patient.
• (7) Practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient's right to quality imaging.

PROCEDURAL IMPLEMENTATION -

Demonstrates professional behavior and performs procedure accurately and completely. Provides services according to department protocols to ensure quality diagnostic images and patient care.

• (1) Selects appropriate transducer for the exam and size of the patient and prepares the room with appropriate equipment needed for the exam/procedure.
• (2) Properly positions patient according to department routine, while respecting patient ability and comfort. Follows established protocols and obtains additional images as required by the Radiologist.
• (3) Reviews previous images to evaluate anatomy and or pathology.
• (4) Effectively performs diverse US roles as needed.
• (5) Demonstrates justice by consistently following Hospital and Department Policies and Procedures.
• (6) Collects and labels diagnostic studies according to Hospital policy and procedure.
• (7) Demonstrates compliance in the practice of probe sterilization according to manufacture guidelines. Maintains competency with the use of high-level disinfectant.

PRODUCTIVITY -

Performs procedures efficiently and meets standards of productivity.

• (1) Completes procedures, while maintaining quality of work, within a reasonable amount of time.
• (2) Organizes daily activities to effectively accomplish assigned tasks.
• (3) Demonstrates the willingness to assist others.
• (4) Maintains the US department in a cleaned, stocked, and ready state.
• (5) Demonstrates the ability and willingness to troubleshoot equipment problems, place service calls and/or report problems to the appropriate supervisor.
• (6) Changes priorities to meet the needs of the patient, other departments and physicians.

SAFETY PRACTICES:

Utilizes principles of safety in all aspects of job performance.

• (1) Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
• (2) Uses equipment consistent with the purpose for which they are designed and employs procedures and techniques appropriately.
• (3) Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to Hospital and US Department Safety Policies and Procedures.
• (4) Demonstrates knowledge of biological effects of the interaction of Ultrasound with tissue to minimize patient exposure to acoustic energy.
• (5) Follows Standard Precautions and Infection Control Policies and Procedures.
• (6) Practices aseptic technique during invasive procedures.
• (7) Integrates scientific knowledge, technical competence and patient interaction skills to provide safe and accurate procedures with compassion.

Qualifications

• Post High School Diploma Program
• Relevant Experience

• ARDMS certification and registration or other acceptable Ultrasound credentialing body. Registry-eligible technologists must become registered by the ARDMS ( or other acceptable Ultrasound credentialing body) within 24 months of graduation as required by the American College of Radiology for Ultrasound accreditation.
• BLS Certification
• Breast ultrasound and breast biopsy experience