Cardiac Sonographer I

Major Responsibilities

• Demonstrates proficiency by performing routine and emergency echocardiograms, including but not limited to 2-dimensional, 3- dimensional, Doppler, Transesophageal, and Stress Echocardiogram, as requested by physician and in accordance with established protocols.
• Records quality information while performing echocardiographic imaging and following procedural guidelines and protocols
• Explains procedures and possible side effects to the patient or family members.
• Provides echocardiography service at all necessary locations, portables, working variable shifts, weekends, and providing emergent call coverage as scheduled.
• Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recording; utilize ancillary devices such as selected transducers, digital networking system, and off-line analysis systems.
• Maintain equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs.
• Performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.
• Analyze patient's medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; evaluate procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintain appropriate logs, files, and records.
• Review department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.
• Instruct students, fellows, nurses, or health personnel as requested.
• Communicates technical and patient care related information according to established processes and timelines.
• Attends Echo Lab Meetings, participates in Echo related conferences through attendance, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.
• Works weekends, holidays and on-call, as needed
• Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.
• Level 4 Cardiac Sonographers have the additional following expectations:
  • Participates in dedicated research protocols, as needed.
  • Performs portable and lab echocardiograms in an inpatient setting on weekends, holidays, and on an on-call basis (Level 4 cardiac sonographers must work in inpatient setting to qualify.)
  • Acts as a resource in the absence of the leadership team to provide coverage.
  • Actively participates in educational opportunities both internally and externally.
  • Is a role model for other cardiac sonographers.
  • Has the ability to troubleshoot Cardiac Ultrasound equipment issues and follows through until corrected.
• Troubleshoots issues with EMR and Cardiac PAC system.

Education

Certification / License

• Valid Sonography credential registration (ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS) through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

• Must be registered in appropriate cardiology specialties within one year of hire.

• Completion of CPR Course – BLS Certification Required.

Work Experience

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with physicians, staff, and other Medical Center personnel regarding patient care
• Ability to communicate with patients of varying age groups
• Ability to teach and provide instruction and assess quality of other sonographers' work
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a positive, effective working relationship with staff and leadership
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and maintain self-control
• Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases
• Potential exposure to risk of blood borne diseases
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• Exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents and chemicals
• Pressure due to multiple calls and inquires
• Subject to many interruptions

Education

• Associate's degree preferred.
• Completion of a cardiac ultrasound training program preferred.

Certification / License

ACS and/or RCS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) preferred.

Experience

One year experience with patients preferred.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities