Critical Staffing Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer

Category:RadiologyCity:JacksonState:TennesseeShift:Job Description Summary:The Diagnostic Sonographer utilizes high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Diagnostic Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to provide quality patient care. Diagnostic Sonographers acquire and evaluate data, while exercising discretion and judgment in performance of the clinical examination, and participate as an integral part of the cardiovascular team. Diagnostic Sonographers in this department are cross trained in Adult Echo, Pediatric Echo, Carotid Duplex Examinations, Stress Echo exams, and Transesophageal Echo. Supports the mission, vision, and values of The Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center and, under the direction of the Director of Cardiology, contributes to the accomplishment of the purpose of the Echocardiology department. Under the general direction of the chief cardiac sonographer and the Director of Cardiology, the registered cardiac sonographer is responsible for the assigned shift as scheduled including on call status. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:ADULT ECHOCARGIOGRAPHY EXAMINATIONS: Obtain optimal quality Echocardiographic data utilizing 2-D imaging, M-Mode, Continuous Wave and Pulsed Wave Doppler, Color Flow Doppler, Stress, and Transesophageal modalities. Have ability to recognize normal and abnormal Echocardiographic images and Doppler signals and to communicate those to the reading physician. CAROTID DUPLEX EXAMINATIONS: Obtain optimal quality Carotid Duplex exams. Have ability to recognize normal and abnormal findings and to communicate those to the reading physician.PEDIATRIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: Able to recognize, identify, and record a wide range of congenital cardiac abnormalities in the newborn and pediatric patient, and to communicate the findings to the attending physician. Responsible for contacting the on-call pediatric cardiologist at UTMG pediatrics in Memphis or Vanderbilt Pediatric cardiology department.STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: Competent in the use of the stress echo equipment. Able to instantaneously obtain diagnostic quality images following exercise, or during the administration of drugs which act upon the heart to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Has a firm knowledge of the physiologic and diagnostic aspects of the exam, Including drug side effects and interactions, and possible complications which may arise in relation to the examination, and the proper medical responses. Understands the coronary artery distribution and perfusion of the heart, EKG rhythms, and able to aid the physician in recognition of wall motion abnormalities. Able to explain testing to the patient, enter data in the computer systems, prepare reports for Physician interpretation. Assist in monitoring of patient during examination.TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: Coordinates exams with the TEE room, physicians, and nursing personnel. Set up equipment to perform procedure, and assist physician as necessary to obtain diagnostic quality images. Knowledgeable on cardiac anatomy and presentation. Able to perform all calculations on ultrasound equipment as requested by physician.Able to disinfect equipment upon completion of examination.Obtain and review pertinent patient history, physical examination, and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic reasoning for testing.Use oral and written communication skills to interact with the interpreting physician or other appropriate physicians.Maintain clinical and computer records, log-books, prepare charges in Power Chart and AS400.Comprehend and employ appropriate medical terminology, abbreviations, symbols, terms and phrases.Maintain infection control and use universal precautions.Identify a life-threatening situation and carry out emergency care. Participate in quality assurance program in order to insure safe and effective equipment operation.Know human gross and sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology, congenital defects, surgical repairs, acoustical physics, Doppler ultrasound principles, and ultrasound instrumentation.Recognize examination findings that may require immediate clinical response and notify the interpreting physician or other appropriate physician.Assist in the training and orientation of new personnel to the laboratory as required by Chief Sonographer.Provide patient and public education.Demonstrate ability to do mathematical calculations and use instrument controls, computer programs and internal analysis.Employ professional judgment and discretion in order to protect the patient's rights and privacy, perform within the scope of practice, and to adhere to the professional code of conduct.Maintain competency through continuing education.Contribute to a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department and hospital, perform other related responsibilities as required or directed and greet guest in accordance to our Guest Excellence principles.Create reports in X-celera database system for physician interpretation. Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.JOB SPECIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: As required by the ARDMS or CCI credentialing board. LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:Current active status of RDCS or RCS credentials as provided by the ARDMS or CCI, and maintained active during length of employment at JMCGH through attainment of continuing educational credits as delineated by the ARDMS or CCI.BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current while in this positionEXPERIENCE:Prior experience as required by the ARDMS or CCI credentialing boards prior to passing the ARDMS or CCI Registry Examination. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Good oral and written communication skillsBe able to work well with all departments and personnel related to echocardiography testing activities including additional technical and nursing staff, secretarial support, medical staff and vendors.Must be able to utilize inductive thinking for performance of many of the tests, along with the ability to evaluate patients well in a subjective manner.Must be able to work independently and be motivated to accomplish tasks that require self-directionMust be able to communicate effectively with physicians as well as nurses and other support staff in order to schedule tests effectively and report results accurately.Must be a responsible and flexible individual so that day to day activities will be accomplished in an effective and efficient manner.Knowledge of the importance of infection control and prevention of cross contamination and various methods of decontamination of equipment used.Ability to communicate with and motivate patients and their families consistently with a positive effect. Must also display active participation in keeping current in cardiovascular/echocardiology literature and related issues. NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENTWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.