Archive for February 2010
So, a sonographer and an ultrasound technician are the same thing in case you were wondering. You probably already knew that, but just don’t understand why they had to go changing things on us. Send me questions and comments about anything you would like to know about becoming an ultrasound technician. Here is an explanation for the interchangeable names for this worthwhile profession. Many people still refer to sonographer professionals as ultrasound technicians, ultrasound techs, or even ultrasound technologists. Over the past ten years, there has been a trend to begin using a different more formal title of “sonographer” as opposed to ultrasound technician. The terms are still interchangeable and both are used frequently, but apparently “sonographer” is the more respectful/preferred term. Once a student has completed his/her school and passed the certification process, the official title is “Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.”
What kind of images do sonographers take you might ask?
The actual scan or image a medical sonographer takes is called a sonogram or an ultrasound. The scan or image can be referred to as an “ultrasound” or a “sonogram” depending on what body part is being scanned.
How many images are taken/needed?
Some sonographers prefer to take more scans than others; really it is up to the operator’s discretion. The most important thing is that the job is done completely. One ultrasound procedure may involve taking anywhere from 30-125 scans. One field that usually requires more is obstetrics. Obstetrics has to do with expecting mothers and typically this field involves a high number of scans, anywhere from 75-110 images. A thyroid ultrasound, on the other hand, probably only requires a few.
How many patients does a sonographer see per day?
The number of patients a sonographer may see on any given day depends largely on what type of ultrasounds are needed. Typically one ultrasound is booked to take an average of 45 minutes to an hour. So in an eight hour day a medical sonograph can have the potential to help up to 8-10 patients.
Parenting roles and family relationships are influenced by social, cultural, and historical factors. Parents share many of the same goals across cultures but differ in how they approach meeting them. Some cultures place a strong emphasis on family and group identity. Others value individuality and independence. Childrearing attitudes and recommendations hae changed over the years, as have the roles of men and women. Mothers and fathers often are challenged with balancing multiple roles while promoting the optimal development of their children. Articles and books containing conflicting information and advice that can be confusing for both parents and children. Parents who are in nuclear families have lost the modeling and influence of the extended family in their learning and practicing for the parental role. Any number of family configurations can be found, from the traditional married man and woman with the man as the major breadwinner to blended families through divorce and remarriage, to single mothers with children. Families living in poverty face significant parenting challenges and barriers. As hospital stays shorten, families are geographically spread out, and economic factors force women into employement after short maternity leaves, educational needs for new parents have burgeoned. The lactation consultant is in a unique position to both assist with breastfeeding and to offer valuable support to new families.
Since we are learning about the sonography degree, we thought it might be interesting to also look at a related job field; Lactation consultant. Lots of the job of a sonographer consists of ultrasounds for expecting mothers. A student studying to become an ultrasound technician may be interested in learning about becoming a lactation consultant as well; especially if they have a particular interest in babies and expectant mothers.
First lets look at what a lactation consultant does. Effective counseling skills and communicaton techniques are essential tools of the lactation consultant. Use of these skills provides mothers with the support and teaching that will help them develop confidence in their mothering and breastfeeding. The degree to which mothers are helped by support and advice from a lactation consultant is determined in large part by the lactation consultant’s attitude and approach. Adult learners need to percieve themselves as having control over their outcomes. Therefore, an approach that establishes a pertnership between the mother and lactation consultant will foster the mother’s learning and growth. This approach also increases the liklihood of the mother complying with her lactation consultant’s advice. New mothers and those who are breastfeeding for the first time are vulnerable to messages and impressions that compromise their self-confidence. An awareness of effective body language and voice tone will assist the lactation consultant in creating an atmosphere in which the mother feels empowered and self-confident. Choice of positive words and phrases also contributes to an effective learning climate. If you are interested in learning more about the degree of a lactation consultant stay tuned all this week.
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SDMS: Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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If you plan to geting an education to become certified in Sonography, joining a well repsected organization may be one of the best investments you can make. May we reccomend the SDMS? SDMS stands for the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Let us provide a little background information. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography was founded in 1970 with the purpose, in mind, to support its members in many ways related to their field. Some may wonder about what diagnostic medical sonography is, and how it is used in the medical community. The society functions with a couple of purposes in mind. Some of the stated purposes are initiating and overseeing educational programs having to do with diagnostic medical sonography, collecting and communicating information to its members, writing publications to reach out to members of the organization, seeking cooperation from likeminded organizations, and reviewing and establishing policies relating to new legislation, and technology that applies to members. The core purpose of the SDMS is stated as, “to enhance the art and science of medicine by advancing medical sonography”.
The SDMS has a code of ethics which they adhere to. It was established in December of 2006 and still applies to this day. Their code of ethics promises to promote excellence in patient care by fostering responsibility and accountability among diagnostic medical sonographers. In so doing, the integrity of the profession can be maintained. Learn more about the SDMS, and how to join.
