Cardiovascular Sonographer

WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Cardiovascular Sonographer

MAIN FUNCTION:

Produces, assesses and evaluates diagnostic ultrasound images and Doppler recordings of the heart and peripheral blood vessels. Performs other technically complex diagnostic procedures to assess cardiovascular pathology, function, and hemodynamic status. Follows WCH Nursing Philosophy and and appropriate Service Standards as outlined in Employee Handbook.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director Cardiovascular Services and Clinical Manager

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with a specialty in cardiac or vascular ultrasound or a graduate of a school of ultrasound / cardiovascular techniques accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• High School diploma or GED
• Clinical experience in a healthcare facility or health care related experience
• Maintain a current AHA (American Heart Association) Healthcare Provider BLS card while in this position.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Familiar with Meditech computer system
• Familiar with medical terminology

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Employees in this position may be:

• Exposed to blood, body fluids and/or airborne pathogens and are required to wear barriers
• Required to take "on call" status
• Subject to STHR according to policy

POSITION EXPECTATIONS: All expectations detailed below are considered ADA (American Disabilities Act) Essential.

Leadership

1. Embraces teamwork
2. Accepts and responds to change productively, while maintaining a positive attitude
3. Role models professional behavior and communication skills
4. Demonstrates basic conflict resolution skills

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Communication

1. Maintains awareness of verbal / non verbal communication in interactions with staff, other departments, physicians, patients and families
2. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all members of the health care team
3. Demonstrates basic ability to initiate and manage crucial conversations
4. Utilizes AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Expectations, Thank You) strategies to foster positive communication
5. Demonstrates acceptance of supervisory authority, guidance and instruction. Follows appropriate chain of command.
6. Participates in team collaboration
7. Reports patient observations and specific problems appropriately
8. Maintains patient confidentiality in all communication interactions: written, verbal, electronic and digital

Operations

1. Work habits are consistently adjusted to accommodate multiple responsibilities and are prioritized and completed in an independent and timely manner. Effectively utilizes time management and organizational skills.
2. Safely transports patients via wheelchair, beds, carts throughout facility

1. Identifies patient needs and safety issues

1. Maintain fall prevention strategies

1. Uses appropriate personal protective equipment

1. Accurately document care provided in a timely manner

1. Demonstrate reasonable and rational judgment in decision making

1. Assist with flow of unit:

• Obtains and returns supplies and equipment as directed
• Operates and cleans equipment safely and appropriately. Initiates work orders/ reports to appropriate person.
• Cleans and maintains labs, kitchen area and others as assigned
• Answers phone promptly and courteously. Relays pertinent information in timely manner.

Customer Service

1. Displays positive attitude. Treats others with honesty and respect. Speaks positively in all customer interactions internal and external.
2. Assess customer satisfaction when rounding on patients and use appropriate chain of command for unresolved issues or problems
3. Use AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) to:

• Optimize the patient’s experience by reducing the patient and family’s anxiety and increasing the patient’s compliance
• Develop positive relationships with other departments to foster patient satisfaction

1. Use face to face resolutions (crucial conversations) to intervene with patients or staff in situations where customer needs have not been met to determine a positive, mutually agreeable resolution

Staff Development

In conjunction with the Department Manager:

1. Function as a preceptor, seeking learning opportunities for technical students. Interacts with clinical site instructor to evaluate student’s progress towards goals, identifying additional needs.
2. Demonstrates professional growth by attending conferences, participating in committees/unit projects and ongoing educational activities
3. Demonstrate professional growth by maintaining awareness of changes in nursing practice/evidenced based nursing care
4. Accept feedback as opportunity for growth
5. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of new policies and procedures, practices, changes in practice, and initiatives. Obtains this knowledge via staff meeting attendance, reading of communication, required hospital education, discussion with departmental leadership and peers.
6. Demonstrates initiative and responsibility to develop personal, leadership and professional goals

Performance Improvement

1. Identify processes to be improved and communicate to management team. Assists in data collection as directed.
2. Participates on at least one team, project and/or committee: unit, departmental or hospital based
3. Develop and maintain awareness of TJC (The Joint Commission), CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and other required quality and safety measures

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCY

Dependent upon department and the population served:

Pediatrics (one year thru 11 years)

1. Allows choices when possible
2. Speaks directly using few, clear, simple terms and explanations
3. Limits number of strangers entering room
4. Provides consistent nursing assignments
5. Does not shame parents for lack of cooperation
6. Holds child for painful procedures

Adolescents (12 years thru 18 years)

1. Allows participation in care and choices as appropriate
2. Provides for patient's modesty
3. Tells patient exactly what will be expected
4. Allows patient control
5. Speaks directly to patient in simple medical terms

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

1. Identifies physical/social/emotional barriers and physical limitations at discharge
2. Teaches patient about one item at a time
3. Repeats instructions several times
4. Speaks slowly and distinctly when talking to the patient

Unit Specific Requirements:

Cardiac or Vascular Sonographer

Employee in this position may be requested work Saturday mornings or to take call for holidays and weekends.

• Obtains, reviews, and brings together pertinent patient history, physical examination, and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic results
• Performs diagnostic procedures by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data that is used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis
• Provides interpreting physicians with oral or written summary of technical findings
• Demonstrates thorough understanding of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, and pathophysiology, as well as physical principles of ultrasound and operation of diagnostic equipment
• Documents at least 30 hours of Category I or II related continuing education over a period of three years and keeps record on file
• Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly work environment
• Observes all hospital/unit policies and procedures

May also be assigned to:

• Assist with quality assurance program that includes quality control procedures, staff meetings and education
• Inventories and Lab supplies on a weekly basis
• Oversight of equipment maintenance and service
• Promotional and educational presentations, health fairs, and displays related to non-invasive cardiovascular technology and cardiovascular health
• Review and comparison of correlative studies with lab reports
• Code Cart including daily checks and quarterly report filing (Echo Lab only)
• Clinical instruction and training of students assigned to the Lab from preceptor programs such as the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Cuyahoga Community College