• I want to be able to realize/ identify pathology when scanning in clinicals

• Learning how to describe pathology on a report

• Getting into a routine during clinicals, for example how I ask patient history or how I complete the exam

Long term goals:

• I want to learn new tips and tricks when scanning that will stick with me throughout my career

• Gaining a lot of information/ experience to be able to pass the RVT exam

• Being able to complete a full protocol on my own/ without the help of the tech.

Examples:

• Patient's may not speak the same language as us, we will accommodate to them by getting a translator to help explain the exam and ask questions, this will also allow the patient to ask question and make them feel less anxious

• Patient's may go by different pronouns so we will use the preferred pronouns

• Being aware of a patient's modesty concerns during the exam, we will try to keep them covered up and protected as much as possible

• Creating a welcoming environment for everyone where they feel comfortable

How I would deal with a medical emergency:

1- Call for an emergency response team

2- Start CPR if needed

3- Remain as clam as possible

4- Stay with patient until the emergency team arrives

When a medical emergency occurs, we want to do a patient assessment. First, we will assess the scene. Then we want to do a primary assessment of the patient, this is where we will detect the level of responsiveness of the patient. Then we will do a secondary assessment where we will see if any injury has occurred to the patient. Doing these assessments when a patient is in need of medical attention will help the emergency team get an understanding of what might be happening to the patient and will help them give the patient the proper attention that they need.

To assess a Patient's neurological; and cognitive function we want to use the ACDU scale.

• Is the patient alert?

• Is the patient confused?

• Is the patient drowsy?

• Is the patient unresponsive?

  
  

Examples:

• Instead of asking " are you in pain" You can say " What has brought you in today

• Paying attention to a patient's body language when talking to them to see if they are nervous

• Using spoken communication and active listening to what the patient has to say

• Instead of asking a patient if they have " hypertension" you can ask if they have "high blood pressure"

• Speaking to other medical workers and patients with respect

In the clinical setting I plan to use what I learned about infection control every day. I will make sure the equipment is disinfected after each patient. I will make sure I am taking the necessary precautions to not spread infections. I will make sure I am following good personal hygiene. Lastly, I will make sure everything gets disposed in the correct place.

Examples:

• Cleaning the probe, transducer, and the bed with the proper disinfectant

• Wearing proper PPE when in contact with patients who are easily susceptible to infections

• Using hand sanitizer before every exam

• Wash hand with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled (CDC recommends)

• Wearing gloves during every exam

• Personal hygiene, like keeping fingernails short, wear minimal jewelry, keep hair back, wash scrubs with hot water and detergent

• Proper disposal of the examination items

Qualities and Behaviors at clinical:

• Professionalism

• Sympathetic

• Willingness to help

• Be Confident

• Good communication skills

• Passionate

• Respectful

Expectations from clinical sites and preceptors:

• Showing up on time

• In proper uniform

• Helping out the tech you are with

• Showing the clinical site and preceptors that you are learning and engaged at all times

• Asking to scan or saying yes when offered to scan

• No phones unless it is during the lunch break or when using Trajecsys

  
  

Kluwer, W. Cultural Awareness & Diversity [PowerPoint Slides]. Wolters Kluwer Health.

Kluwer, W. Medical Emergencies [PowerPoint Slides]. Wolters Kluwer Health.

Schottke, D. (2010). Emergency Medical Responder. (pp. 167-176). Jones & Bartlett Learning: 5th edition

Kluwer, W. Infection Control for the Sonographer [PowerPoint Slides]. Wolters Kluwer Health.

Kluwer, W. Communication & Empathy [ PowerPoint Slides]. Wolters Kluwer Health.