Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist

Job Summary

Responsible for diagnostic cardiac or vascular ultrasound that results in providing the cardiologist with measurements and accurate images of cardiac structures in order for the physician to provide accurate diagnosis. Provides 'immediate feedback' with preliminary reports of critical results to the nurses and physicians in the health system, which is critical for life-saving treatment intervention. Assists the physician with studies and aids them in proceeding with complex procedures to decrease potential associated procedural risks including procedures in the operating room, hybrid lab, catheterization lab, and cardiac assist devices, such as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement), SAVR (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement), Tandem heart, Lariet procedures, and pseudoaneurysm compression.

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates correct technique, efficiency, and judgment in the performance of advanced cardiac and/or peripheral vascular procedures.
• Performs adequately adult and/or pediatric cardiac ultrasound procedures including TEE and stress echo and/or can perform either adult and/or pediatric cardiac procedures and perform peripheral vascular procedures including arterials, renals, and transcranial Doppler.
• Reviews pertinent patient data and reports before procedures.
• Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recording; utilizes ancillary devices such as selected transducers and digital networking system.
• Exercises appropriate judgment in notification of abnormal results to reading physician, as well as evaluating and reporting findings to the cardiologist.
• Aids the physician with studies and aids them in proceeding with complex procedures to decrease potential associated procedural risks.
• Maintains proper documentation of data according to lab, departmental, and hospital policy. Documents all procedures accurately in departmental tracking process.
• Processes charging and other necessary data efficiently and accurately.
• Collaborates in the maintenance of departmental efficiency.
• Anticipates needs in equipment and supplies.
• Uses resources wisely to assist in cost containment.
• Able to schedule patients in an efficient manner.
• Supports unit/hospital goals through QA and educational activities.
• Maintains current competency and registry (ARDMS or CCI) in the two specialty practices.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/professional development.
• Maintains compliance with mandatory unit/hospital education standards.
• Participates in departmental QA process and National Accreditation process.
• Modifies behavior/performance to meet changing hospital/departmental goals.
• Complies with departmental and hospital policies.
• Maintains a clean environment.
• Promotes patient, visitor, and personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, employee, physician, and corporate confidentiality.
• Collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team.

Required Skills & Experience

• Six months of related experience.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate excellently with surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare staff regarding cardiac ultrasound results.
• Ability to serve in on-call rotation after regular business hours.

Required Education

• High School diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

• Graduate of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound or Cardiac Ultrasound certification program.

Required Certification & Licensure

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
• OR Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
• BLS.