Sonographer

Role Overview

Sonographer at NMC Healthcare. Independently or under supervision of a senior Sonographer or Radiologist, perform all Sonography imagery procedures, analyse output for diagnostic evaluation, and report to supervisor as needed. Functions performed consistent with education, training, facility protocols, policies, procedures, and applicable professional standards.

Role Purpose

To acquire, evaluate, and report high-quality diagnostic ultrasound images. Ensure accurate capture of anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions. Provide preliminary reports to interpreting physicians and optimize scan protocols in collaboration with radiologists.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Imaging

• Perform all Sonography imagery procedures in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Apply detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology to produce images of high diagnostic quality.
• Acquire additional images as necessary to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.
• Apply independent, professional, and ethical judgment in sonography examination to ensure accurate capture of anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions.
• Recognize anatomy and pathology in cross-sectional imaging to optimize scan protocols.
• Provide preliminary report of sonography examination for use by the interpreting physician.
• Perform advanced sonography services or other tasks delegated by the supervising physician, consistent with education, training, and facility protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Operate advanced software on specialist Ultrasound equipment, including Doppler scan.

Quality Assurance

• Evaluate and assess Sonography images produced for acceptable quality, appropriateness, and completeness.
• Advise other staff when required on image quality.
• Forward images to Radiologist for review and reporting.
• Promote and maintain quality in all services and ensure continuous quality improvement measures are in place.
• Conduct method evaluation and development as per standard policies and procedures.
• Comply with all safety and quality control programs and procedures.
• Ensure that safety procedures and quality assurance tests are maintained within all sections.
• Comply with and support clinical audit processes within the service and report on these as agreed.

Equipment Management

• Maintain responsible, safe, and competent use of all Ultrasound equipment, patient appliances, and aids used in the department.
• Report any incidents and equipment faults to senior staff in a timely manner.
• Maintain a clean and tidy working environment.
• Restock supplies for subsequent use and equipment cleaning.

Infection Control and Safety

• Comply with all Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and infection control policies, standards, and procedures.
• Cooperate with hospital management to comply with OSH requirements.
• Notify OSH Hazards, incidents, Near misses, and issues.
• Assist with preparation of risk assessments and incident reports.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems.
• Be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Not wilfully or recklessly endanger anyone's health and safety.
• Comply with Waste management procedures and policies; reduce, reuse, and recycle waste as much as possible.
• Comply with applicable precautions for environmental safety and infection control using a series of interventions that minimize or prevent cross infections.
• Practice the strictest hand hygiene, including 5 moments of hand hygiene, bare below the elbows, and environmental care at all times.
• Implement NMC Prevention and Control of Infection (PCI) Policy and Strategy to maintain the highest possible standards of cleanliness.
• Participate in OSHMS audits and inspections, ensuring standards are maintained.

Stakeholder Communication

• Deal with patients and clinical staff initial enquiries and relay to clinical staff where necessary.
• Communicate in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family, and other medical personnel to obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, clarify orders, and communicate status.
• Provide advice to medical and technical staff on appropriate techniques and imagery interventions.
• Liaise with radiologist to arrange further imaging or tests.

Documentation and Systems

• Practice proper entries and records into Hospital Information System.
• Input of radiological images onto the Hospital PACS system.

Education and Professional Development

• Participate in education sessions for department staff, doctors, and nurses on the safe and secure handling of equipment.
• Participate in teaching, induction, peer review, case studies, and clinical presentations.
• Participate in department programs and committees, various hospital committees, and staff meetings when requested.
• Participate in orientation and training of new employees.
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending lectures, seminars, or online education sessions.
• Complete and maintain all regulatory requirements including licensure, certification, and other mandatory training within established time frames.
• Attend applicable OSH and infection control training programs, mock drills, and awareness programs.

Inventory Management

• Maintain sufficient inventory of material supplies and equipment for performance of duties.
• Report shortage of materials to supervisor at earliest convenience.
• Maintain records for ordering and replenishments.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Radiography OR graduate from an accredited Diploma Program with a curriculum of not less than 3 years.
• Graduate from an accredited Radiography program with a curriculum of not less than 2 years, such as The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
• Current National License.

Desired Qualifications

• Dedicated courses in specialized Sonography Imaging.

Required Experience

• Not less than 2 years post-graduate experience in ultrasound in an acute care hospital.
• Experience including Doppler, obstetric/gynecology, and abdominal sonography.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical skills with demonstrable knowledge of and interest in sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and physics.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Spoken Arabic advantageous but not essential.
• Self-motivation and ability to work under pressure.
• Supportive and caring disposition.
• Adaptability and good time management skills.
• Confidence in dealing with stressful situations.
• IT competencies.

Additional Information

• Comply with all reasonable OSH instructions, policies, and safe working procedures.
• Responsible for independent performance of duties or work under supervision as assigned.