Cardiac Sonographer

POSITION PURPOSE

• Performs echocardiograms, stress echoes and TEES at the request of the ordering physician. Skilled in the interpretation of echocardiography for the purpose of creating a preliminary report read by the cardiologist.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Completion of accredited Echo school (CAAHEP accredited program) is preferred

• High School or Equivalent (GED)

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 1 to 3 years preferred

• New graduates from accredited Echo schools will be considered

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• RDCS or CCI registered or registry eligible as a cardiac sonographer within 1 year from date of hire

• Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrated proficiency in performing Echocardiograms preferred.

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and clerical function related to scheduling, order entry, record keeping and interaction with patients.

• Ability to read, write, hear, and speak the English language fluently.

• Must be able to demonstrate competence with all associated equipment used.

• Demonstrate knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of the heart.

• Ability to perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous situations, or situations in which work speed and sustained attention are a make or break aspect of the job.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Explains echocardiogram procedure including the details of the exam and duration of the test. Answers logistical questions without giving preliminary results and providing ambulatory and check-out assistant to patients, always keeps in mind patient safety.

• Positions patients, applies ultrasound gels and electrodes, connects and adjusts equipment and verifies accurate ECG.

• Produces high-quality echocardiographic images in adherence to facility protocol and IAC standards. Accurately positions transducer to get on-axis US images. Optimizes 2D images by adjusting depth, focus, TGCs, gain, frequency, etc. Optimizes color and spectral Doppler by adjusting color gain, PRF, color box, sweep speed, etc.

• Acquires 2-3 beat acquisitions of cardiac structures. Produces measurements of cardiac wall thickness, chamber size, ejection fraction, diastolic parameters and hemodynamics, including, but not limited to direction of flow, velocity and pressure gradients.

• Reviews old echocardiogram images and results to compare to most recent images and measurements for a comparative evaluation.

• Observes and adheres to facility policies and protocols.

• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by following established procedures to safeguard confidential information and advising others regarding possible breaches.

• Keeps job-related knowledge up to date by taking advantage of educational opportunities, networking, reading professional publications and participating in professional organizations.

• Participates in IAC meeting and quarterly QA requirements.

• Stays current with CME requirements and yearly license renewal.

• Performs basic maintenance checks on machine and reports if there are any problems, checks inventory of supplies, replenishing stock as needed, Reviews inpatient and outpatient physician orders and medical reasoning for the exam, prints and reviews old echoes of the patient. Reviews daily schedule of patients being performed and plans day accordingly.

• Assists cardiologists and anesthesiologists with transesophageal echocardiograms in the scheduled outpatient and inpatient settings as well as in the interventional lab and operating room.

• Proficient in stress echocardiography including dobutamine stress echoes and treadmill stress echocardiograms.

• Uses Definity contrast when appropriate, explains the need for its use to the patient.

• Performs bubble study (saline contrast) with the aid of a RN when appropriate.

• Positive communication skills, ability to successfully interact with staff, continually demonstrates courtesy to other and patients. Able to work well independently and a part of a team. #cb