Chapter 4: Professional Environment in Sonography

Chapter 4: Professional Environment, Leadership, and Career Establishment

• This chapter focuses on the professional environment of sonographers, leadership in the field, and career establishment.
• Objectives include exploring the sonographer's professional environment (including accreditation, certifications, and professional societies), determining the value of leadership, assessing job opportunities, and working towards career goals.
• The introduction emphasizes the opportunities in the sonography profession, the need to leave a legacy, and the continuous need for knowledge enhancement due to the ever-evolving healthcare field.
• The professional environment after graduation includes various professional organizations, maintaining competence, and adjusting to the ever-changing healthcare environment.
• The professional environment entails academic accreditation, national certifications, and laboratory accreditations.

Academic Accreditation

• Academic accreditation assesses institution, program, and service quality.
• Accreditation demonstrates a program's commitment to high standards and producing exceptional entry-level sonographers.
• National accreditation is granted by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• The review process is rigorous and includes material reviews and on-site visits to institutions.
• Students may be questioned during accreditation site visits.
• Accreditation is obtainable for either 5 or 10 years.

Professional Organizations

• Professional organizations provide up-to-date information about the occupation.
• They offer opportunities to impact the profession (through state, regional, or national societies).
• The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) is a nationwide organization for members at all levels with benefits including national meetings and CME credits.
• Other national organizations include the Society of Vascular Ultrasound and the American Society of Echocardiography.

National Certification

• The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers certifications for all sonography specialties, such as registered diagnostic medical sonographer, registered vascular technologist, and registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer.
• Certification applies across state borders.
• Candidates must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination, and any specialty examinations.
• Testing can be done while in school, but graduation is needed for credentials.
• There are different certification paths (RDCS and RDMS) based on different specializations.

National Certification (Continued)

• Cardiac and vascular specialists can obtain credentials from Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
• The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also offers credentialing exams.
• States may require licensure in addition to national certification.

Maintaining Certification

• Maintaining ARDMS certification requires 30 continuing medical education (CME) credits within a 3-year period.
• CME credits can be earned through attending meetings, successfully passing additional certification exams, and publishing original academic papers.
• Credentials are valid for 10 years.

Laboratory Accreditation

• Vascular testing accreditation is through the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories.
• Echocardiography accreditation is via the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission of Echocardiography.
• The American College of Radiology accredits ultrasound practices.
• Accreditation processes are rigorous, ensuring standardized practice for patient care.

Leadership Roles in Sonography

• Leadership is influencing another's thinking, behavior, or development.
• In healthcare, leaders recognize patient satisfaction as critical, as healthcare delivery and reimbursements are linked to patient satisfaction surveys.
• Leadership involves influencing others for specific goals.
• Ethical and appropriate patient care demonstrates leadership.
• Patient servants are foundational in healthcare.
• Ensuring patient dignity, responding to needs, valuing patient uniqueness, advocating for rights, avoiding disrespect, and thanking patients are essential parts of servant leadership.

Leadership Roles in Sonography (Continued)

• Leadership styles to evaluate include autocratic (giving orders), transactional (rewards/punishments), transformational (inspiring).
• Servant leadership involves working collaboratively with employees to meet the needs of others before one's own, fostering autonomy, and supporting individual growth.
• Great leaders are in touch with own and others' emotions, and recognize emotional needs.
• Trust is essential for effective leadership.
• Leaders benefit from 360-degree feedback (employee evaluations).

Satterlee's Rules for Followership

• Rules for following leadership: support leaders, only argue in private; utilize initiative; be honest; be open to conflict; share good ideas, don't dwell on problems outside one's control; fix problems; do best effort.
• Followership involves the various styles of reacting to leadership (resourceful, individualistic, implementer, partner).

Staff Sonographer

• Staff sonographers are the first role for many graduates, working on front lines performing daily diagnostic tasks.
• They may be required to work in various settings (hospitals, offices, clinics), and can take night and weekend calls.
• They can be involved in research.

Professional Development

• Continuing development is essential.
• Expanding expertise and certifications in different areas are beneficial.
• Publishing journal articles or lecturing demonstrates expertise.
• Networking with sonographers and managers and participating in professional societies aids career growth.
• Obtaining advanced degrees enhances professional opportunities.

Advanced Practice Sonographer

• Advanced practice sonographers are mid-level professionals specializing in ultrasound procedures in various settings.
• Advanced cardiovascular sonographers are a related specialty.
• They can act as support between physicians and sonographers.

Management in Sonography

• Sonography managers plan, control, direct, and organize department functions, including scheduling and procedures.
• They work with upper management and clinical staff to streamline processes.
• Management and leadership are distinct roles, but effective managers are often strong leaders.

Sonography Educators

• Educators train new generations of sonographers in classroom and clinical settings.
• Prior clinical experience and certification in the area of teaching are usually required.

Other Opportunities

• Travel sonographers work through temporary agencies.
• Ultrasound consultants help with accreditation and training.
• Sales and application specialists work with manufacturers and provide training.
• Sonographers can start their own businesses related to training or sales.

Career Establishment

• Seeking employment may involve job searches through various online and physical sources.
• Personal networks and references enhance job hunt success.
• Effective resumes and social networking are vital.
• Being cautious about internet profile is recommended.

Career Establishment (Continued)

• Interview tips include knowing the resume, preparing for common interview questions (Tell me about yourself), using chronological organization in answers, identifying and mentioning strengths and possible weaknesses, and following up after the interview.

Summary

• Develop strong clinical skills and professional relationships with peers and managers.
• The sonography field has diverse opportunities and organizations that enhance career progression.
• Expanding expertise and gaining further education are crucial for career advancement.