Sonographer - job 2 of 3

As a Sonographer at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Tacoma, you will perform obstetrical and gynecologic ultrasound examinations, ensure the proper operation of ultrasound equipment, and maintain adherence to department protocols. You'll also act as a liaison among patients, interpreting physicians, and referring providers while ensuring emergent exam results are communicated promptly to the appropriate physician.

To qualify for the Sonographer position at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you need to have graduated from an accredited training program in Cardiac and/or General diagnostic radiology. You'll also need recent experience from a twelve-month internship in diagnostic ultrasound and current registration with ARDMS or ARRT, along with BLS certification.

As a Sonographer at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you will execute various obstetrical and gynecologic diagnostic ultrasound exams. These examinations are conducted according to AIUM standards and focus on obtaining high-quality images for accurate final diagnoses in collaboration with Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Absolutely! Virginia Mason Franciscan Health values continuous learning and development. As a Sonographer, you will have the opportunity to attend professional meetings, learn about new procedures and technologies, and participate in training programs for ultrasound interns, enhancing your skills and career growth.

The team environment at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is highly collaborative and supportive. As a Sonographer, you will work closely with a diverse team, including providers and support staff, focusing on patient care and effective communication, ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality of care.

To ensure optimal image quality during ultrasound exams, it's essential to select the correct transducer, adjust settings like gain and focus, and use proper patient positioning. Additionally, I make sure to maintain a calm environment, as patient movement can affect image clarity.

In case of emergency situations or abnormal findings, I promptly follow department protocols to communicate these findings to the supervising physician. Ensuring quick relay of information is critical to patient care and necessary follow-up actions.

Maintaining patient comfort is a priority for me. I communicate clearly with patients about the process, ensure their privacy and safety, and answer any questions they might have. I also take care to adjust the temperature and room conditions to suit their needs.

I have a strong understanding of the importance of regular maintenance for ultrasound equipment. I'm familiar with daily checks, troubleshooting minor issues, and coordinating with technical support for any major repairs, ensuring that the equipment is always ready for use.

I regularly attend local and national professional meetings, subscribe to relevant journals, and participate in training sessions. I actively seek learning opportunities to stay current with advancements in ultrasound technology and best practices.

In my previous roles, I've often collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. I believe in open communication and teamwork, as these are essential to providing efficient and comprehensive patient care, especially during complex cases.

I approach documentation with a detail-oriented mindset. I ensure that all patient records are complete, accurately reflecting the ultrasound findings and patient interactions. I understand its importance for ongoing patient management and legal records.

When educating patients, I utilize clear and simple language, visual aids if necessary, and ensure that I allow time for questions. My goal is to make patients feel comfortable and informed about what to expect during their ultrasound procedure.

I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. I listen attentively to feedback, reflect on it, and actively seek ways to improve my practice. I appreciate collaborations that drive quality care and personal development.

In a challenging case where initial findings were unclear, I communicated closely with the referring physician and reassessed the images with focused techniques to capture the necessary views. It emphasized the importance of teamwork and adaptability in the clinical setting.