Sonography is the safest diagnostic procedure a patient encounters in a hospital. It is non-invasive and non-radiological, posing almost no risk to the sonographer or the patient when the procedure is performed. However, each job comes with a certain amount of risk – especially healthcare. Sonographers are not completely safe from the transfer of potentially infectious microorganisms from the patient and the environment, or from work-related injuries. There are more than 200 colleges that offer ultrasound technician degrees in the US in 2014.
Transmission of illness
Healthcare is by far one of the most dangerous places to work. Healthcare providers are constantly exposed to a myriad of diseases from patients going in and out of the area, creating a great risk for infection. Sometimes, even with proper infection control, providers can’t help but get sick – either from a simple cold to more dangerous strains of viruses and bacteria. This is because healthcare providers interact with patients and other providers every day, exposing them to the potential diseases a patient may carry.
Shifts and stress
Healthcare workers don’t have the normal 8 to 5 workday. Shifts are eight hours long, but the times are different. The typical shifts start from 6 AM to 2 PM, the afternoon shift from 2 PM to 10 PM, and the night shift from 10 PM to 6 AM. These can vary in length but this is the most common found in most clinical areas. In a single 8-hour shift, a sonographer deals with patients every 30 minutes to an hour.
Troubleshooting can be stressful, on top of the constant influx of patients. Sonographers also have to keep updating themselves on the latest techniques in sonography. With each year brining more discoveries to the field of healthcare, it pays to take continuing education programs and seminars to keep your skills and knowledge updated. One of the most popular CMEs is the GE ultrasound CME (more information through the link).
Troubleshooting can be stressful, on top of the constant influx of patients. Sonographers also have to keep updating themselves on the latest techniques in sonography. With each year brining more discoveries to the field of healthcare, it pays to take continuing education programs and seminars to keep your skills and knowledge updated. One of the most popular CMEs is the GE ultrasound CME (more information through the link).
Musculoskeletal injury
Musculoskeletal injuries are quite common not because of heavy lifting, but from repetitive movements and staying in a position for too long. A study by Horkey and King (2004) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee showed that the incidence of this kind of injury was at 80% among sonographers. MS problems are defined as “conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures of the body”.
Causes of MS injuries
Sonographers who have worked for at least 5 years typically report these kinds of symptoms, whether actively or from previous experience. Research literature also suggests that 20% of these sonographers will end their career due to MS injuries. Injuries like this can occur from:
- Repetitive movements and prolonged positioning from only performing the procedure
- Lengthy procedures (due to new techniques and skills) that are physically demanding
- Smaller but more sensitive equipment taking more time to complete the procedure
- Lack of variety when performing procedures
The value of helping others
Despite all of these possible injuries, you have to remember that all jobs come with their respective risks. There is a certain amount of uncertainty in every occupation, not just for sonographers and healthcare. The value of helping or improving the quality of life of a patient is usually the driving force behind every case that sonographer works on. Healthcare is one of the most emotionally rewarding occupations you will find.