Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The BC Women’s Hospital Ultrasound Sonographer performs obstetrical examinations, including abdominal, pelvic, peripheral vascular, and small parts imaging, observing patient safety practices. The role performs duties that includes reviewing imaging requisitions, entering relevant data into the diagnostic imaging information system, preparing patients for specific procedures, and conducting examinations utilizing ultrasound and Doppler techniques. The role may participate on committees, teams and/or approved research projects as assigned.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Receives and prepares patients for an ultrasound exam, including reviewing the requisition, clinical indications, and relevant obstetrical documents as well as previous obstetrical ultrasound reports, Essential tasks include checking patient’s obstetrical case history, correlating history with the planned examination, entering of patient data into the diagnostic imaging information system, and PACs structured reporting system, explaining procedures to patients and answering any questions that may arise.
2.    Performs ultrasound exams primarily obstetrical but including non-obstetrical exams: abdominal, pelvic, peripheral vascular and small parts exams.  Utilize different scanning techniques and probes, apply ultrasound and Doppler methods as per established procedures and ensure proper labeling and archiving of images and data.  
3.    Provides ultrasound guidance for prenatal procedures including amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, as well as assists in guidance for specialized prenatal procedures such as intrauterine fetal transfusions,
4.    Review exam images for quality and accuracy, preparing a PACs electronic technical worksheet, review and discusses images with the reporting Sonologist to ensure examinations address clinical indications and designated requirements.
5.    Schedule inpatient examinations and collaborate with Medical Imaging clerks for the transportation of inpatients to and from the department.
6.    Monitor equipment performance and performs quality control duties and audits in accordance with recommended DAP standards and manufacturers' guidelines, including recording results as well as identifying malfunctioning equipment for repair; notifies supervisor of equipment malfunctions according to established procedures.
7.    Demonstrates procedures and usage of ultrasound equipment to staff including medical residents, fellows, sonographers, and students. Participates in orientation of new employees by monitoring scanning progress, awareness of departmental scanning protocols, ensuring policies and procedures are respected.
8.    Maintains effective communication with patients, reporting Sonologists and hospital staff.  
9.    Participates in maintaining patient and hospital records by entering data into the diagnostic imaging and hospital information systems as required.
10.    Reprocessing of departmental probes requiring high level disinfectant, knowledge, training of the reprocessing protocols and steps is mandatory for all departmental sonographers.  Annual competency and education for reprocessing mandatory.   
11.    Participates in approved research and special projects in collaboration with Supervisor and other health care professionals.
12.    Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements.  Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
13.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Graduate of a recognized diagnostic medical sonography training program. Certified with Sonography Canada and/or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or be certified with Sonography Canada and have passed the Sonography Canada Skills Assessment (CCSA).  

Skills and Abilities

•    Demonstrated knowledge of theory and practice for Sonography exams procedures,  including obstetrical, abdominal, pelvic, peripheral vascular and small parts.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of working within a sterile area during guidance of prenatal procedures
•    Demonstrated knowledge and practice of safe work procedures with diagnostic sonographic and medical imaging equipment.
•    Demonstrated ability to perform sonographic examinations in compliance with departmental standards.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) and deal effectively with clients and their families, co-workers, physicians, other health care staff, and staff of external agencies.
•    Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
•    Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.
•    Demonstrated ability in CPR techniques.
•    Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use a computerized client care information system.
•    Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.