Cardiac Sonographer

Job Summary

The Cardiac Sonographer 2 performs basic to advanced cardiac ultrasound services. These include transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress tests for adults. These tests help diagnose and assess cardiac abnormalities. General duties include preparing equipment, prepping patients, and explaining procedures. They also review images, report findings, and evaluate patient history. This helps identify the purpose of the examination. They frame the clinical question the exam should answer and expand the exam as needed.

Essential Functions of the Role

Prepare patients for procedures and obtain their clinical history. Include cardiac-related physical findings and pertinent laboratory data. Adapt imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiograms. This helps reduce the chance of incorrect clinical interpretation.

Perform basic to advanced cardiac ultrasound procedures using various equipment and techniques. Make necessary measurements for accurate, high-quality results.

Identify and define cardiac abnormalities. Extend the examination scope as needed. Deviate from standard techniques when necessary. Correlate invasive and noninvasive cardiac test results with cardiac anatomy and function.

May assist physicians in procedure and operating rooms by performing echocardiograph studies. This aids them in proceeding with complex procedures to decrease risk factors.

Assist in performing transesophageal studies with cardiologist, calculating appropriate measurements and sterilizing probe.

Record statistics and perform daily maintenance of the Echocardiography Lab and its equipment, reporting all malfunctions as appropriate.

Act as a resource to other staff, physicians, and students regarding equipment, techniques, procedures, and studies to optimize patient care.

Work closely with the cardiac sonographer quality coordinator to ensure adherence to quality processes and protocols. Assist with ICAEL accreditation activities as delegated.

Implement protocols as new technology evolves, and ensure implementation and adherence to system echocardiography standards.

Key Success Factors

• Knowledge and ability to apply complex sonographic methods, instrumentation, and techniques.
• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
• Ability to explain the purpose of the echocardiographic examination to the patient and answer patients' questions.
• Knowledge of approved clinical protocols for each type of cardiovascular ultrasound examination.
• 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 in 30 days of hire or transfer.

Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS), Reg Diag Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS): Must have one of the following at time of hire/transfer:

RCS through Cardio Credentialing Intl. (CCI)

RDCS through American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).