Sonologist at Beaconhealth Diagnostics

Job Responsibilities

• We expect our sonologist to treat our patients with utmost professionalism, attend to patients promptly, and relate with them with respect and kindness.

The day to day routine of a BeaconHealth sonologist includes five key responsibilities which are:

• Treat all patients with absolute care and courtesy irrespective of their age, sex or income.
• Carry out the required and appropriate test procedures for every patient with care and optimum concentration.
• Document clinical findings in a clear, concise and professional manner.
• Ensure safety and sanitary procedures are performed after each test on the patient and equipment.
• Coordinate consultations with physicians and supervisors/manager.

Below are the guidelines to the job expectations and responsibilities associated with these key tasks:

• Treat all patients with courtesy
• Getting diagnostics done can be a stressful and anxious experience for our patients. It is important for you to project a comfortable and reassuring presence for them.
• Welcome each patient into the examination room with a warm smile and greet them,  make them feel comfortable and relaxed as they settle down
• Read the referring doctor notes and ask investigative questions about the patient’s symptoms.
• Explain the procedures in lame-man terms to patients before proceeding
• Observe and care for patients throughout the examination period to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Even if the test result is not positive for the patient, do not make the patient feel scared or sad about it.

Carry out all tests with optimum concentration:

• The well-being of our patients is highly dependent on giving them accurate results from any test carried out from our clinic. Wrong diagnosis leads to wrong treatment which can cause even more harm to the patient, therefore all procedures should be carried out carefully and thoroughly.
• Try as much as possible to maintain a good state of mind before work starts -- all personal concerns that can cause distractions should be laid on hold.
• Select appropriate equipment setting and adjust patient position to obtain the best sites and angles.
• Calculations and measurements of images and the test result should be re-checked for verification before being handed over to the patient or forwarded to the physician for diagnosis and treatment.
• Provide a picture of the sonogram and written report of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
• Process and code film from procedures and compute appropriate documentation.
• Record and store suitable images using the camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
• Perform legal and ethical duties including preparing safety and accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, and reporting symptoms of abuse and neglect.

Ensure safety and sanitary procedures on patients and equipment:

• High standards of professional cleanliness such as good hand hygiene before and after every patient contact are essential.
• Thorough decontamination of ultrasound transducers and any equipment in direct patient contact before and after every patient, to the level required for specific procedures and in compliance with manufacturer specifications to avoid transducer surface damage, should be carried out. This includes regular decontamination of the ultrasound keyboard/console and any cables.
• Where possible, single use disposable equipment is preferable (biopsy needles, needle guides, etc.), eliminating the risk of inadequate cleaning and disinfection/sterilisation.
• Damaged ultrasound transducers should not be used as the risk of inadequate decontamination increases.
• Regular deep cleaning of the entire ultrasound equipment and the surrounding environment should be carried out.
• Use protective transducer covers dependent on the type of procedure. The use of transducer covers does not replace thorough decontamination, but merely reduces the contamination load.
• Adequate use of personal protective equipment as required by the procedure (non-invasive versus invasive) is mandatory.
• Use sterile ultrasound gel depending on procedure and patient’s risk of acquiring infections.
• Appropriate waste disposal is compulsory.

Make necessary consultations with consultant physicians and center lead:

• If there is any issue of concern, call the manager’s attention to it.
• If unclear about the referring doctor’s recommendation, put a call through to him through the assistant sonographer and verify the right procedure to be carried out.

Requirements

• Bachelor's of Medicine and Surgery Degree.
• 2-3 years of experience with certification as a Sonologist
• Valid and active medical license in Nigeria.
• Proficient in general sonology techniques
• Ability to perform basic sonology guided interventional techniques.
• Must have completed the mandatory NYSC

Other Requirements:

• Outstanding thinking and reasoning skills
• Proficiency in the use of computers and the most popular software packages
• Ability to work independently, but also as a part of a healthcare team
• Sensitivity and understanding towards patients during procedures
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform well under pressure
• Physical strength to assist with the lifting or moving of patients to ensure their positioning is correct for the specific procedure.