Sonographer

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Individual responsibility in accepting to undertake any given ultrasound examination, working in accordance with professional body guidance and local ultrasound guidelines.

• Individual responsibilities for patient/client care, treatment and therapy where appropriate to the examination / area / specialty.

• To communicate scan findings to the referring clinician and patient (if appropriate).

• To record care/treatment/advice/tests accurately and in an agreed format.

• To provide information and advice to patients, relatives and other healthcare professionals about the limitations and the safe use of ultrasound.

• To work as a reflective practitioner with the responsibility to critically evaluate systems / processes / pathways involved with various areas covered by the ultrasound service. Ideas and information to be discussed with the Ultrasound Modality Manager and or Advanced Practitioner Sonographer in the relevant field of practice.

• To work within the ultrasound departmental guidelines.

• The post-holder would be expected to have an awareness of protocols and guidelines within the trust.

• To support the Ultrasound Modality Manager in the appropriate use of resources and consumables including the use of highly specialist equipment which requires careful use and attention to detail.

• To participate in the maintenance and testing of specialised ultrasound equipment, reporting and recording faults as appropriate and following department schemes of work.

• Have a shared responsibility for the security of patients and other staff working within the ultrasound department in the absence of the Ultrasound Modality Manager.

• Be responsible for reporting and if necessary, removal of any equipment or resource which has become faulty or which poses a risk to patients, staff or the Trust.

• • Manage personal patient and administrative workload effectively.

  • Individual responsibility for the accurate and appropriate use of information resources and information systems (both hardware and software (e.g. medical records) whilst undertaking ultrasound examinations.

  • Arrange and undertake mandatory training as per the Trust training policy and procedures and within the appropriate time frame.

  • Undertake annual self-audit of practice against department case review and disagreement audit programme.

  Patient Care

  • Be responsible for designated aspects of care for a defined group of patients of all genders and to assist them if required with mobility issues.

  • Demonstrate initiative and the ability to recognise/identify changes in a patients condition/treatment and seek advice and expertise from registered practitioners in accordance with Trust policy.

  • Actively participate in the handover process to ensure continuity of care and to accurately feedback to a registered practitioner, the care given, procedures performed guided with which scan, post procedure instructions and any significant changes in the patients condition.

  • Undertake patient transfer and escort duties between departments as appropriate following risk assessment and relevant policy.

  • Recognise when a patient is deteriorating and ensure escalation of care.

  • Recognise where a patient or family member/carer is becoming agitated, disorientated or appears non-compliant with care or treatment, support colleagues with such patients and report immediately to a senior member of the team.

  • Respond swiftly to individuals who require immediate assistance, are in pain, distressed or using their call bell, where required report to a senior member of the team.

  • Demonstrate awareness to the patients environment and aim to minimise challenges such as dimming bright lights, ensuring privacy to preserve dignity.

  • Ensure that prior to using any specific medical device you have been trained and deemed competent that is documented. Report any concerns immediately and any faults to the relevant department and ensure it is removed from service.

  • As required undertake equipment checks and update records and restock items as required.

  • Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given.

  • Demonstrate good understanding of principles of verbal consent and ensure valid verbal consent is obtained prior to undertaking scans.

  • Demonstrate good understanding of Safeguarding Children, the Mental Capacity Act/Deprivation of Liberties and apply principles to everyday practice seeking advice/ guidance from senior colleagues as required.

  • Communication

    • Build partnerships and therapeutic relationships through safe, effective and non-discriminatory communication taking account of differences, capability and needs of individuals through effective verbal and non-verbal communication.

    • Use clinical history and patient information to evaluate and communicate effectively with the patient, explaining the requirements of the procedural instructions such as positioning and the duration of the procedure.

    • Demonstrate effective communication skills including managing conflict when dealing with patients, relatives/carers and members of the multidisciplinary team utilising sensitivity, empathy and using a range of skills including interpersonal, oral, written and information technology.

    • Communicate information both formally and informally, recognising and managing any obstacles by using effective communication with Radiologists, Registrars, Nurses, Sonographers & clerical staff. Where there are barriers to understanding, as required arrange/ access to information, support and other services to aid effective ...