Cardiac Sonographer

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for performing all Cardiac Ultrasound procedures including Color Flow and Doppler when indicated, exercise and non-exercise Nuclear stress tests, exercise stress tests, ambulatory (Holter) electrocardiograms and stress echoes including Dobutamine. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience.  Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Produces images of high diagnostic quality for all cardiac ultrasonography procedures by selecting proper transducer frequency for best resolution, imaging the heart from all views and measuring each parameter while maintaining proper axis. Sampling each regurgitant/stenotic jet properly in order to provide maximum flow velocity when performing color flow doppler.                   
2.  Produce high diagnostic quality ECG tracings for exercise stress tests and Nuclear stress tests. This includes proper skin preparation, electrode placement, as well as adequate patient education in regards to performing the procedure.
3.  Produce high diagnostic quality Ambulatory ECG recordings by using proper skin preparation, electrode placement, as well as adequate patient education in regards to proper care of the recorder and maintaining the diary.
4. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age specific needs of patients served in the work unit.
5. Provide safe and effective patient care by identifying the patient properly, completing patient history and reasons for the test, assessing the patient’s condition before, during and after the procedure and maintaining the patient’s dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
6. Participates in In-Service education and staff meetings as well as in the Quality Improvement program.
7. Performs routine preventative maintenance and cleaning of equipment used.
8. Demonstrates the skills and knowledge to perform Trans-Esophageal Echos when ordered.
9. Demonstrates the ability to perform 2D, M-mode CF and color flow Doppler examinations of the heart in outpatients and inpatients alike.
10. Informs the Manager of problems, conflicts and ideas for improvement.
11. Must attend mandatory BLS training and be able to perform CPR if necessary.
12. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports the hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of behaviors.
13. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Put together test reports after transcribed, send them out to the proper place, and file them away as necessary.
2. Other duties as assigned.
    

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. High school diploma or equivalent plus completion of Echocardiography program.
    

EXPERIENCE

1. Must have current BLS card.
2. Knowledge of cardiac ultrasound procedures and principles required.
3. ARDMS Registration preferred.
4. Philips IE33 Echo experience preferred.
5. Previous peripheral flow arterial Doppler experience is preferred.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work:  Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch.  On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend.  Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.  May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision:  Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.  Near acuity:  Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.  Midrange Acuity:  Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.  Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing:  Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipmentas used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Fine hand/eye coordination essential to perform echocardiograms and arterial pulse-volume recordings.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
    

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to hear for work-related purposes.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.