Job Title: Cardiac Sonographer I
Profession: Cardiac Sonographer
Specialty: Echocardiography
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: Days
Hours per Shift: 8
Experience: Minimum Years of Experience not specified
License: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) or Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) credential with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) OR Registered Congenital Cardiovascular Sonographer (RCCS) credential with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Certifications: None specified
Must-Have:
Knowledge of ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation
Ability to interpret physician instructions and patient medical and clinical records
Ability to perform echocardiography on varied patient population
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and congenital/acquired cardiac pathology
Ability to apply judgement and make informed decisions
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse groups
Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Ability to work effectively as a team player
Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
Knowledge of principles of the PACS network and/or other electronic image processing systems
Knowledge of principles of ultrasound physics
Knowledge of safety principles and procedures related to ultrasound
Description:
Under the direction of the echocardiography laboratory leadership, the Cardiac Sonographer I is responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies.
The role involves assisting with complex congenital cardiac studies and working towards competency in complex congenital anatomy and physiology.
Demonstrates knowledge of normal cardiac anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics.
Works towards knowledge of congenital cardiac abnormalities, cardiac pathology, and palliative/corrective congenital heart procedures.
Collaborates with laboratory leadership to understand the diagnostic imaging necessary to address clinical questions.
Performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies on assigned patients of all ages and across various hospital environments.
Assists in gathering ultrasound and other medical data necessary for the physician to reach a medical diagnosis.
Shows high capacity for critical thinking, judgement, and skill throughout the role.
Engages leadership to ensure that equipment remains functional.
Participates in outreach clinics, weekend, holiday coverage, and on-call services as assigned.
Maintains records and reports on equipment, procedures performed, and documentation.
Reviews indications for exam and other pertinent medical information in preparation for the echocardiogram.
Responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies while assisting with complex congenital cardiac studies.
Performs appropriate infection prevention measures.
Identifies patients per policy, including an introduction and explanation of the examination process, while creating a warm environment for patients and families.
Instructs and assists patients throughout the procedure.
Utilizes ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images on patients, adhering to imaging protocols.
Presents and reviews echocardiographic studies with physicians and obtains additional images as requested.
Performs quantitative assessment of echocardiographic data in accordance with imaging protocols.
Completes studies efficiently and utilizes the cardiology PACS to document observations and quantifications made during the study for final review and interpretation by qualified medical professionals.
Ensures studies are archived on the cardiology PACS network and engages with leadership when technical issues arise.
Assists leadership in maintaining ultrasound equipment and accessories functionality.
Attends regular quality improvement meetings.