3 answers
Aryanna
Student
Hopewell, Virginia
14
Questions
Asked
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what strengths or experiences might I need for an ultrasound tech and why might I need them ?
#needtoknow #thanku
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2 answers
Jesse Beltran
Special Operations Medic
11
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
Hello.
Not a US tech but as a flight paramedic and prior special operations medic, I have experience utilizing point of care ultra sound (POCUS) to identify internal bleeds with extended focus assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST) pneumothoraces (collapsed lungs), central line insertions and much more….which I know is the surface of ultrasounding overall.
But one thing I’ve learned:
1) Courage and integrity to admit if you can’t get an image properly or do not know if you’re scanning the right area. You’ll be surprised how many people do not want to admit they don’t know something as to appear more competent. It’s patients life’s for gods sake.
2) Drive to learn and continue learning. There are always new research, better techniques etc. Dont be complacent. I know everyone puts down the text books once school is done but learning and training is always prevalent.
3) Shadow. Prepare a cover letter (online examples) and be ready to hand it to radiology clinics, obstetrics, an echocardiogram tech etc to get approval to come and shadow maybe even get little hands exposure.
4) Quality upmost customer service skills. Many patients getting scanned means something is wrong with them and you need to understand they may be frustrated, tired, scared or all the above and more. Dont get irritated back.
5) Communicate effectively and confidently. Although mainly your job is not to interpret the image unless you are a privileged provider, you SHOULD be able to accurately and thoroughly describe the science, reasoning of why might the condition is necessary for US etc and what you’re doing like why you need so much messy medical lubricant. Nothing says “you don’t know what you’re doing” if you can’t even relay to the patient what you’re doing and why.
6) Ability to advocate and not be afraid to speak up on behalf of a patient. Doctors/PAs/Nurse Practs specialize in assessing and treating their patients but they don’t know EVERY nuance and techniques behind US. If you feel as if the exam is inappropriate, too specific, unspecific, then advise the ordering provider that “I see you are ordering this view, but may I also suggest ordering it this way. It gets a better image…” So many people are scarred to clash with providers but they’re not perfect. You’re the expert anyways.
Hope that helps!
Ultrasound is very exciting and I always enjoy when I can bust out the device and use it. You can be pretty mobile perhaps more than xray techs since the unit itself is not as bulky and can be as small as a tablet/phone like companies such as EchoNous, Butterfly, Lumify by Phillips.
In fact, you can read EchoNous article on how Artificial Intelligence is impacting image integration. You are at the pioneering forefront of biomedical technology and software enhancements making your job easier.
Good luck!
Not a US tech but as a flight paramedic and prior special operations medic, I have experience utilizing point of care ultra sound (POCUS) to identify internal bleeds with extended focus assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST) pneumothoraces (collapsed lungs), central line insertions and much more….which I know is the surface of ultrasounding overall.
But one thing I’ve learned:
1) Courage and integrity to admit if you can’t get an image properly or do not know if you’re scanning the right area. You’ll be surprised how many people do not want to admit they don’t know something as to appear more competent. It’s patients life’s for gods sake.
2) Drive to learn and continue learning. There are always new research, better techniques etc. Dont be complacent. I know everyone puts down the text books once school is done but learning and training is always prevalent.
3) Shadow. Prepare a cover letter (online examples) and be ready to hand it to radiology clinics, obstetrics, an echocardiogram tech etc to get approval to come and shadow maybe even get little hands exposure.
4) Quality upmost customer service skills. Many patients getting scanned means something is wrong with them and you need to understand they may be frustrated, tired, scared or all the above and more. Dont get irritated back.
5) Communicate effectively and confidently. Although mainly your job is not to interpret the image unless you are a privileged provider, you SHOULD be able to accurately and thoroughly describe the science, reasoning of why might the condition is necessary for US etc and what you’re doing like why you need so much messy medical lubricant. Nothing says “you don’t know what you’re doing” if you can’t even relay to the patient what you’re doing and why.
6) Ability to advocate and not be afraid to speak up on behalf of a patient. Doctors/PAs/Nurse Practs specialize in assessing and treating their patients but they don’t know EVERY nuance and techniques behind US. If you feel as if the exam is inappropriate, too specific, unspecific, then advise the ordering provider that “I see you are ordering this view, but may I also suggest ordering it this way. It gets a better image…” So many people are scarred to clash with providers but they’re not perfect. You’re the expert anyways.
Hope that helps!
Ultrasound is very exciting and I always enjoy when I can bust out the device and use it. You can be pretty mobile perhaps more than xray techs since the unit itself is not as bulky and can be as small as a tablet/phone like companies such as EchoNous, Butterfly, Lumify by Phillips.
In fact, you can read EchoNous article on how Artificial Intelligence is impacting image integration. You are at the pioneering forefront of biomedical technology and software enhancements making your job easier.
Good luck!
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
299
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Ultrasound Technology is a professional that requires: details, numbers, analytical skills among others.
Physics, biology or life science, computer science or computing are required. Light, particle and sound physics are applied in combination with geometry, trigonometry and calculus with applications of topology and image processing in anatomy, anylysis of changes growths or changes and movements within organs and systems the body as applied in analysing tumors, growth of organs, development of foetus or pregnancy, internal injuries and stages of diseases.
Radiology, medical technology and radiography are some majors that can practice ultrasound.
Physics, biology or life science, computer science or computing are required. Light, particle and sound physics are applied in combination with geometry, trigonometry and calculus with applications of topology and image processing in anatomy, anylysis of changes growths or changes and movements within organs and systems the body as applied in analysing tumors, growth of organs, development of foetus or pregnancy, internal injuries and stages of diseases.
Radiology, medical technology and radiography are some majors that can practice ultrasound.