Job Objective:
Primary function is to perform ultrasound procedures, with a particular focus on complex and interventional work. The
Lead also acts as a resource for the Ultra sonographers as a group, suggesting changes in procedures, policies, and quality improvement, as well as coordinates training and development of the Imaging Specialists, keeping them advised of technological changes. The incumbent identifies cost savings and assures that technical operations stay within the targeted budget. In addition to departmental oversight, the Lead demonstrates mastery of all competencies. The
incumbent is responsible for coordinating patient scheduling and daily work assignments and serves as a resource for
Ultra-sonographers. The list of duties below is not exhaustive, the post holder is obliged to carry out any reasonable/
lawful instruction given by the Employer.
Key output and accountabilities
- Explaining sonographic procedures to patients, answering questions, preparing patients by applying the gel to the skin, and positioning the patients on the table. Check for informed consent for procedures.
- Ensuring clear images for diagnostic purposes and making adjustments to the sonographic equipment when necessary.
- Selecting the appropriate settings and adjusting the patients'' positions accordingly.
- Monitoring and caring for patients to ensure their safety and comfort during the procedures.
- Selecting and examining images, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas, and determining if the scope of the exam should be extended, based on preliminary findings.
- Presenting the sonograms and preliminary findings to the Physicians.
- Completing the appropriate documentation and maintaining patients'' histories and medical records.
- Maintaining and cleaning the sonographic equipment.
- Scan patients to obtain images using Real Time, Doppler and Colour Doppler Imaging
- Scan Abdomen (adults and children)
- Scan small parts such as thyroid glands, breast, parotid glands and testis
- Vascular ultrasound includes Carotid Artery Doppler, Doppler of upper and lower limb arteries, and veins.
- Perforator study of veins included, transplant patient
- Paediatric scan including cranial and hip ultrasound
- Perform portable studies.
- Assist Radiologists during invasive procedures such as liver, breast, kidney biopsies and ascitic and pleural tapping and interventional procedures
- Prepare slides & complete lab forms
- Obstetric ultrasound
- Muscular skeletal ultrasound
- Basic cardiac ultrasound
- Cleanliness of the ultrasound room, change linen, organize work list per day, prioritize urgent examinations
- Attend to problems with equipment and liaise with vendors
- Review exam orders/requisitions and corresponding protocol
- Liaise with Drs’, radiologist, reception staff, radiographers and ward staff with regards to patient preparation and examination and time of exam and hand over patient
- Explain procedure to patients, including patient preparation in order to obtain optimum results.
- Record images in proper format for radiologist and for archiving
- Print films, collect from printer and handover to radiologist
- Provide preliminary ultrasound report
- Participate in staff meetings, and in-service and /or continuous education
- Attend workshops to improve quality of ultrasound
- Assist in training and supervision of students and trainees and evaluate their performance
- Oversee regular machine maintenance
- Stock control
- Follow up post procedures forms and specimen handling
- Care of patient with special needs.
- Apply proper protocol in the safe disposal of biomedical waste
- Set up and monitor a quality assurance programme for all scans and procedure/s whilst ensuring Radiologist/referring doctor preferences are considered, ensure all venues/regions are adhering to the programme
- Develop and maintain a library of protocols, update as required
- Work in conjunction with the Clinical Tutor Lead and the Ultra sonographer managing rosters
- Follow protocol for needle-stick injuries
- Carry out evacuation drill
- Perform first aid
- Apply quality control
- Implement and use appropriate quality assurance protocol
- Analyse and interpret quality assurance findings
- Ensure quality control of student radiographers
- Comply with manufacturers standards
- Ensure suitable processing conditions
- Timeous presentation of imaging for reporting
- Formatting imaging as per practice requirements
Education and Experience Required
Essential
- National Diploma in Ultrasound.
- Registration with Health Professional Council and MPS
- Maintain requirements of professional body for CME/CPD points
- Minimum one year community service training
- Relief at venues as required, in emergencies and when colleagues are on leave
- Ability travel to cover shifts at other venues within KZN
Competency Library:
Technical Competencies:
- Excellent Operational skills
- Excellent conflict resolution skills
- Achieving personal work goals and objectives
- Adhering to principles and values
- Deciding and initiating action
- Delivering results
- Record keeping skills;
- Strong patient centric focus
- Maintain patient privacy
- Maintain confidentiality
- Label films correctly
- Express opinions appropriately
- Observe protocol
- Respect human life
Generic Competencies:
- Inter and Intrapersonal Skills
- Communication Skills – written + verbal
- Problem solving skills
- Accountability
- Accuracy + Attention to detail
- Time Management Skills
- Co-ordination Skills
- Team Working Skills
- Professionalism
- Honesty + Integrity
- Innovative
- Patience + empathetic
- Dependable
- People-oriented
- Adaptable/flexible
- Autonomous/Independent
