Cardiac Sonographer

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care. It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do - in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community. Benefits Eligible Full-Time Benefit Eligible Work Shift Variable (United States of America) Department 7560 Noninvasive Cardiology The Cardiac Sonographer performs complete non-invasive transthoracic echocardiographic studies, including two-dimensional, M-Mode and Doppler and vascular ultrasound. Assists the physician with transesophageal and contrast echocardiography.The Cardiac Sonographer provides applicable data regarding cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics in order to assist the physician in the diagnosis of heart or vascular abnormalities. License /Certification Required: Registry from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). BLS Successful completion from a formal sonography program (minimum 18 month program). Sonographers who are cross-training in echocardiography must obtain an appropriate credential as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) within 24 months from the start date of training (per Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) guidelines). Failure to receive registry within this time frame may result in termination of employment. Preferred: Vascular ultrasound experience. Pediatric echocardiography experience. Minimum of one year experience in an acute care hospital setting performing adult echocardiography. Essential Performs adult and pediatric echocardiography examinations using modalities such as M-mode, two-dimensional, Doppler, color flow, transesophageal and stress echocardiograms. Performs vascular ultrasound examinations using modalities such as venous, arterial and cerebrovascular studies. Performs other non-invasive cardiac procedures which include Holter monitoring, treadmill stress testing, tilt table testing and transtelelphonic pacemaker analysis. Utilizes appropriate scan techniques and knobology to optimize examination. Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recordings: utilizes ancillary devices such as selected transducers, audio/video recorders, computer systems, etc. Selects correct images for acquisition and sends to appropriate PACS system. Is familiar with and able to assist physicians in viewing images on PACS system. Generates a preliminary echo report for reading physician containing basic descriptive and quantitative data in defined formats. Ensures that information is properly entered on all cardiac and vascular imaging worksheets prior to physician review. Obtains and records all pertinent clinical information prior to exam. Always ensures that an adequate clinical history is available to correlate with the ultrasound exam being performed. Regularly consults with others as necessary to obtain a complete clinical history. Preliminary sonographer's observation of significant pathology are called to interpreting cardiologist. Ensures proper documentation in patient charts, charts all procedures performed. Completes orders in Health Information System in a timely manner. Provides protection according to prescribed safety standards. Always inspects all equipment for physical, electrical and mechanical hazards and reports all hazards promptly. Prevents cross contamination, using appropriate means. Always keeps work area clean and in a sanitary condition, disinfects all exposed surfaces after use. Follows infection control procedures as set forth in manual. Attends departmental staff and technologist meetings routinely. Attends educational seminars as staffing allows and report education gained to manager. Develops and maintains good working relationships with all members of the hospital, medical staff, and community. Assists other members of the shift with patient assignments. Assists in administering first aid as necessary, current CPR. Addendum (essential for specific dept) Additional Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care. Performs other duties as assigned. Pay Range $36.00 - $54.00 If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.