Cardiac Sonographer

JOB SUMMARY
The Cardiac Sonographer performs cardiac ultrasound services and procedures for adult patients such as transthoracic, transesophageal and stress, used to diagnose and assess cardiac abnormalities. General duties include preparing equipment, prepping patients and explaining procedures, reviewing the images, report findings, examining patient clinical history in order to identify the purpose of the examination, framing the clinical question that the examination is intended to answer, and expanding the examination as necessary to answer the clinical questions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE

• Performs basic to advanced cardiac ultrasound procedures utilizing a variety of equipment and techniques, and makes the necessary measurements required for the interpretation to obtain accurate, high quality results.
• Identifies and defines cardiac abnormalities and extends the scope of the examination appropriately, deviating from standard techniques when necessary and correlating invasive and noninvasive cardiac diagnostic test results with cardiac anatomy and function.
• May assist physicians in the procedure rooms and operating rooms by performing echocardiograph studies to aid them in proceeding with complex procedures to decrease risk factors.
• Assists in performing transesophageal studies with cardiologist, calculating appropriate measurements and sterilizes probe.
• Prepare patients for procedures and obtains clinical history from the patient including cardiac related physical findings and pertinent laboratory data in order to adjust the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiograms to alleviate the probability of erroneous clinical interpretation of the echocardiogram.
• Records statistics and performs daily maintenance of the Echocardiography Lab and its equipment, reporting all malfunctions as appropriate.
• Acts as a resource to other staff, physicians and students regarding equipment, techniques, procedures and studies to optimize patient care.
• Works closely with cardiac sonographer quality coordinator to ensure quality processes and protocols are adhered to, and assists with IAC accreditation activities as delegated.
• Implements protocols as new technology evolves, and ensures system echocardiography standards are implemented and adhered to.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

• Knowledge and ability to apply complex sonographic principles, instrumentation and techniques.
• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
• Ability explaining the purpose of the echocardiographic examination to the patient and answering patients' questions.
• Knowledge of approved clinical protocols for each type of cardiovascular ultrasound examinations.
• Knowledge of proper infection control, including precautionary procedures. Knowledge of relevant laws regarding patient confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with healthcare providers, including other sonographers, physicians, and nurses.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Skilled utilization of computers and medical equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program or 2 years of work experience above the minimum qualification

- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience

- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer

Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), Reg Diag Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS): Must have one of the following within 6 months of hire/transfer.

Required Citizenship / Work Permit / Visa Status
US Citizen / Green Card holder

Must-Haves
Graduate of an accredited program studying Cardiac Sonography
RCS or RDCS certification or the ability to get the RCS or RDCS Certification within 6 months of start date
Working knowledge of standard Cardiac Sonography procedures

Place of work