Sonography Career Pros and Cons (the Cons)

[@hawaiiantimes7702]

Been at this for 15 years and I understand how you can lose empathy at times. Doing contract work (traveling) would help with burnout. I’d work 12 months straight and take 2 months off. One way I deal with MSK problems is by lifting weights. For me, I noticed when my wrist and elbows started to hurt, it was because I stopped resistance training. I totally get that this is a business of making money FIRST and pt care comes next… I get it. I’ve seen many faith based hospitals go under because they put the pts first. Sad but true. One con that I didn’t think you mentioned that could be a reason of burnout would be taking call for sonographers working at smaller hospitals that don’t have a 3rd shift. Bad co-workers are gonna be at every job. They’re damn near impossible to get rid of lol. Like the content man!!!

[@SonographicTendencies]

All this was very true, thank you for your insights. The only reason I haven’t done travel work is I have kids and like stability in one place but they’re getting older so maybe in the future.

[@justinalawrence8547]

I was just about to ask about working out. Seems if you workout on the regular and get messages then MSK wouldn't be as bad?

[@hawaiiantimes7702]

@@justinalawrence8547 yes working out with weights helps tremendously. I don’t get massages a lot but it wouldn’t hurt to get them.

[@donnaburke3464]

I went through burnout last year. I was at the same facility for almost 30 years. The leadership had become complacent, the radiologist was difficult and played favorites and the entire dept was toxic and it was physically affecting me and I did not like who I was becoming so I retired. I was so burnt out, I didn't know if I was going to go back to doing Ultrasound. I have gone back as a PRN tech at another facility and I am enjoying it again.

[@Mindy-s-channel]

Yeah night shift is rough on us. My msk issues are all gone ever since I stopped pushing. I focused on finding better windows and patient position. But when the wrist flairs I where a brace at night. I love doing ultrasound. I feel so lucky to enjoy my job. But burnout does happen periodically.

[@SonographicTendencies]

Thanks for your comment!

[@morningstarproduction3734]

Is the school worth it ultrasound

[@Mindy-s-channel]

@@morningstarproduction3734 I went to a junior college for x-ray than a year-long training certificate program for ultrasound. And absolutely it is worth it. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. But I have always been interested in physics and anatomy so it’s the perfect job for me. I’m sure other people would say otherwise but it’s an amazing career working in healthcare.

[@JChannel14]

I used to be a pharmacy technician as a first career. But being young and had an outrageous amount of expectation on myself led to burnout. I tried a couple more times but I eventually left the whole industry itself. Here I am starting a new beginning in DMS (cardiac specialty). Thank you for your video!

[@SonographicTendencies]

You’re welcome!! Congrats on your new journey

[@christianbuonpastore5189]

Hi james, are you going to school for specific Cardiac or just general sonography? I am looking to go back to school but I am only seeing General at my local county college. I definitely am more interested in Cardiac and Vascular.

[@JChannel14]

@@christianbuonpastore5189 hello Christian. The college that I’m in offers both general and cardiac. The general program was longer so I picked cardiac. I’m excited for you!

[@tajiYdarg]

I’m a cardiac sonographer and I love doing the ultrasound part but I honestly dislike going to work almost everyday, I realized I didn’t want this career anymore once I was in my last semester and I felt it was too late. I don’t wanna be “On- Call” . Im not a mandatory OT kinda person. I love to spend time with my family and I feel like once your in healthcare, it’s your life😭 I want to quit almost everyday. But I’m scared. It’s only been 4 months in and I know I can’t see myself doing this barely a year seriously . I need help!

[@SonographicTendencies]

Wow that’s tough if you feel like this now it’s likely not going to get better. I’ve been doing this for 17 years and I like it ive had my moments where I feel like that but they’re usually fleeting and don’t last too long. Have you considered teaching or maybe being a rep for one of the ultrasound companies like Ge or Phillips

[@tajiYdarg]

@@SonographicTendencies hey thanks for replying and yes I have. I don’t want to travel so GE or Phillips reps/sales has me conflicted. Definity reps too have to travel. And teaching was a thought but then I have to get my masters degree in order to do that and I honestly don’t wanna have anything to do with the medical field. I honestly went for this career for the money and not for what I loved to do and I’ve hated it being in school and even now that I’m out working I don’t hate it per-say but I strongly dislike it. I really try to force myself to like it everyday, some days I want to walk out or just quit and never show up again. This career don’t fit my personality that really what it is

[@SonographicTendencies]

@@tajiYdarg yeah then you’re going to have to consider changing careers there’s no reason to keep doing something you don’t love. You only get one life might as well do something you like

[@tajiYdarg]

@@SonographicTendencies thank you so much . I’m looking into transitioning into something else now. I do everyday . 👍🏼

[@julial3758]

@@tajiYdarg Why don't you try out office type jobs.. like a start up company? Guessing you are the opposite of me. I got bored of office environment, office politics.. I like medical & DMS, but realize office politics still exists, & major turn off for me is the msk issues & covid exposures. I just feel like my body won't last with the msk damages..& the pains im suffering without even being too long in the field. welp found out too late.. should've done research.. but loving the job keeps me going back so I Think what you're going through is terrible. I was going for passion because it keeps me happy and willing to wake for work. I'd take a pay cut doing something im happy doing everyday. I wish employers are more aware of our MSK issues.. if ya cram tons of people in it just makes it worse. no time to be mindful about ergonomics.. :(

[@pms7776]

I had developed shoulder pain and a ganglion at wrist at seperate times during my early working years. I started doing scans with me standing while scanning. Now there is absolutely no pain or msk issue. It works well.

[@pms7776]

Another con..is when I come to know I have missed a finding...it is very stressful and make me think if the work that I do is really worth the efforts

[@js_guyman]

That makes sense. I have tons of MSK issues, and am thinking of becoming a sonography tech. I know a lot about how to position my body. Do most sonographers do a lot of their scanning in a seated position? If that's the case, then that likely accounts for more than half of the MSK issues in the field.

[@semaa305]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. Ive only been a sonographer for 5 years and am really feeling the burnout & MSK injuries. Good job summarizing everything...and in a comical way. P. S youre hottt :)

[@melindakozo8885]

Hi! I love your videos. I’m 47 years old and want to change career by becoming a sonographer. But I’m nervous that it is too late since I’m too old. Do you think it is still worth for me getting into this program? Thank you!

[@stephaniephillips4450]

Thank you for your honesty. It’s very helpful

[@lemonstar1261]

I am a registered behavior technician and I am actually moving into sonography because I have experienced long-term burnout in my job. People in my position do not get paid fairly and the working conditions can be terrible. At least I will be compensated well as a sonographer.

[@justinalawrence8547]

Same here. I love being a Behavior health Tech but it pays horribly, thinking about switching myself

[@morningstarproduction3734]

I’ve been looking about getting into ultrasound. I got myself a bachelors degree but I haven’t found any good work so I’m looking into the medical field now. I talk to a couple of my friends for nurses and went to two classes to see how they are first, but I’m still Indecisive because I have a lot of my female nurse friends telling me. It’s not worth it. It’s too hard. don’t waste your time, but then I hear it’s a good career to get into. I just wonder for some feedback.

[@Bostongreenm3.]

I left my career as an ophthalmic tech last July after 5 years due to severe burnout.. i worked at a busy neuro clinic in a hospital. I became a carpenter for 7 months. Being a carpenter working 15 hours a day 6 days a week helped me realize i miss the medical field. I want to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, but i am having trouble deciding where to start. I understand every career has burnouts… but after working in a construction site working 14-23 hour day lifting heavy equipment, I want to stick to the medical field because it allows me to have a better schedule and safer working conditions.

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

Don’t do it. It’s a shitty job. Go work at McDonald’s. honest to god it’s more rewarding work.

[@tita8202]

@@PHOTOCONVENTION damn, is it that bad??? I'm at the airport (Tsa) and I was thinking to go into cardiology sonography. I wanna purchase a home for me and my children (single mom). Tsa is ok but I need better pay... Is it that bad??? Com' mon motivate me somewhere.....

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

@@tita8202 I used to do TSA too. I would have rather stuck to that. Ultrasound pays pretty good but destroys your body.

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

@@tita8202 oh and also I’ve worked at McDonald’s too so I can compare the three.

[@thetruthsayer8347]

@@PHOTOCONVENTION how does ultrasound destroy your body?

[@megadeltsmarcy]

im scared since ive only been working for a year and already have burnout, it might be because i have depression unrelated but i also hate the monotony of the outpatient center im at... im scared of trying to find something at a hospital because i have limited experience in vascular

[@mercedessoto7263]

I really like your sonography platform. You are very inciteful and I can relate with it this particular video also as I have worked with toxic coworkers. It's not easy. We just got the logiq e10 latest version at my job and I enjoy the tips about scanning on that machine. Thank you!!!

[@veanne]

thank you for all the honesty!! :)

[@SonographicTendencies]

You’re welcome!!! 😌

[@katyavig9223]

I had been in this field about the same time as you and I agree with your list, only to add that depending on where you work they will be asking to know more of the specialties. In some places they want a combo sonographer that have RDMS, RVT and echo credentials, beside doing pediatrics and and MSK. Having said that, the school is the easiest part if you are young, the hardest years are the firsts ones after graduation ( because you still need to learn a lot while you scan). Somebody else mentioned the calls, those can be very draining if the hospital does not have a third shift and/or are short staffed.

[@princessofcentralasia1244]

That’s the reason I don’t want to do dental treatment sales anymore , too much pressure on selling treatments to patients where most of the time they don’t need it.

[@bajolalupa3657]

i want to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography so but i don't know enough english for start, do you any advice for me ?

[@marinajimenez2195]

Aprende inglés, la revalida de sonografia es en inglés. Y sin eso no consigues trabajo

[@ps3vsosman]

Does being a male effect hiring processes & make some people book there appointments with women

[@jacksonchris8503]

Did you chose to work the night shift? How does one get to a point where they make their own schedule?

[@SonographicTendencies]

I worked like 11 years day shift. They asked me to cover nights and I liked it, it seemed to fit my schedule better and I only work three days a week. I don’t k is if I’ll do it for ever. Been 5 years now

[@tita8202]

@@SonographicTendencies is that 3 days 12 hr per days a week???

[@HairWeaveKillerrr]

This was so good and you're very handsome lol

[@tommydub7785]

You’re a good ol’ 🛌 wench, Brie 👍

[@jamiea2331]

Can you learn to scan and switch arms?

[@SonographicTendencies]

Of course you have to practice but yeah it can be done

[@SC-gp7kt]

Doesn't school teach you proper body mechanics?

[@courtneyn4157]

My school does, can’t say the same for other ultrasound school

[@js_guyman]

​@@courtneyn4157 are a lot of techs scanning while sitting? Without a straight spine, I could see a lot of problems occurring.

[@michaelgeorge6094]

Hello I am 32 years old male Thinking to change my career to be sonography Do you think still i can do it or it just late for that Thanks man

[@SonographicTendencies]

Yeah it’s never too late!!

[@owaiskhattak8653]

That MSK fatigue especially trapezius one is real and is so irritating and painful in the end of day

[@ab5680]

Yeah the neck pain going down to the scapular area. I’m having that right now with less than two year into my career.

[@rick7401]

Hey man. I’m a male thinking about getting into DMS. Any suggestions?

[@SonographicTendencies]

Just do it, there’s a lot of guys in the field. Research’s schools near you, preferably community college and accredited

[@hisdesciples]

Find a job teaching this stuff. You're great dude!

[@SonographicTendencies]

That’s the goal 🙌

[@VioletRogueYT]

I'm a new graduate and this scares me. I was applying for Per diem at the hospital but they offered me FT and another PT at another hospital because of DMS shortage. I'm wondering if it's better to just do part time (work alone) or just per diem? Advice? I also don't want to feel that burnout you spoke about.

[@SonographicTendencies]

Your new you won’t feel burnout for a very long time! I worked alone when I started and it was fine. It’s always nicer to have people around in case you need help when you start. I just want people to be aware of the potential of burnout I honestly didn’t even believe in it before until I experienced it.

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

Better not doing this job at all.

[@Smokerich99]

Any advice for Males wanting to joint this career? I love the idea of sonography and my ultimate goal is to become a PA so I believe this is a great starting career for this plan but ik its female dominate , How was your experience as a male going into this field and what would you do differently?

[@SonographicTendencies]

Just do it. There’s a decent amount of . My experience has been great

[@johnsantiago8781]

i was a or still a clinical lab scientist totally payscale hasnt grown plus im totally burnout with it... about to start my diagnostic medical classes at a local community college 5 years after i graduated from a a university and ive been watching your videos for just general outlook of this field and i believe that this is the choice for me...

[@drvenkateshsomu337]

I don't like politics between coworkers I chit chat with public health friend about medical field and others. It helps me to clear my burnout

[@thetruthsayer8347]

Is it a 3 day/week type of job? Is it a shift job?

[@kristanmontano21]

Burn out is real

[@patriciahogan7194]

Truth.

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

Sigh. I've working in ultrasound for 20 years. I enjoyed the first 10 days. That's about it. I've done this for half my life. I hate it. I go to bed at night hoping i'll get in a collision on the way to work. The department I work at is nice, the workload is light, the manager is understanding, the hours are good. I still totally hate it. If I don't get cancer soon I'll be pissed.

[@tita8202]

Noo don't say that...... Just leave and fine something you like ...

[@PHOTOCONVENTION]

@@tita8202 Easier said than done. I've been doing this 20 years. My wrists are totally ruined. Even if I were to start a new job, it wouldn't be long before my wrists are so terrible that I would need to go on disability. Doing that is hard enough for our profession. If I were to do another line of work that isn't known for arm injuries it'll be very difficult to get approved since that would have happened through ultrasound that I would no longer be doing by then.

[@katyavig9223]

So sad to hear that, if it can be of consolation think of others sonographers that do not have a good manager, schedules , workloads and salary. It is really difficult to keep doing a job when you do not feel happy about it.

[@lashandaturner1986]

Please quit.....anybody whom wishes they were in a car accident or the absolute WORST cancer, has to be a very unhappy individual in LIFE, it not your career it's your life. Find a happiness for life and you will see the joy return to your soul and trickle down to the rest of your life. Also try medication you sound depressed.

[@js_guyman]

​@@PHOTOCONVENTIONI'm wondering if most techs are sitting when scanning, or standing? Thinking of studying to be one. Already have MSK issues. If they're sitting, then that might account for a lot of the "90% of sonography techs" who develop such issues...