Cardiac Sonographer I

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and emergency echocardiograms, including 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, including 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; utilizes ancillary devices such as selected transducers, digital networking system, and off-line analysis systems.
• Maintains equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs; performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and reports any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.
• Analyzes 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.
• Participates in quality improvement activities; evaluates procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintains appropriate logs, files, and records.
• Reviews department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.
• Maintains confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.
• Instructs 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 and participates in Echo related conferences to ensure continuing education and professional growth.
• Works weekends, holidays and on-call, as needed.
• Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.
• 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.
• Acts as a resource in the absence of the leadership team to provide coverage.
• Actively participates in educational opportunities both internally and externally.
• Serves as a role model for other cardiac sonographers.
• Troubleshoots Cardiac Ultrasound equipment issues and follows through until corrected.
• Troubleshoots issues with EMR and Cardiac PAC system.

Education

High school diploma or GED required.

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

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• 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 inquiries.
• Subject to many interruptions.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Associate's degree preferred.
• Completion of a cardiac ultrasound training program preferred.
• ACS and/or RCS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) preferred.
• One year experience with patients preferred.