Sonographer II-Cardiac

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Qualified to survey and assess the anatomy and pathophysiology of the heart and great vessels by the use of cardiac ultrasound in the adult and/or pediatric patient. Must possess the technical knowledge and creative ability to manipulate and use ultrasound instruments to produce clinically useful diagnostic information. Must possess knowledge and background in ultrasound physics, instrumentation and clinical utility. Must possess knowledge of anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and pathology of the cardiovascular system. Performs adult and/or pediatric trans-thoracic echocardiograms, trans-esophageal echocardiograms, and stress echocardiograms.  Maintains required competencies. Participates in research projects, preliminary reporting to cardiologists.

Associates degree in allied health, applied science or completion of certificate program is required.

Bachelor’s degree in allied health or applied sciences is preferred.

High school diploma/GED AND 5 years working as a sonographer may be considered in lieu of associates degree.

2 years of cardiac sonography/ultrasound experience is required.

7 years of sonography/ultrasound experience (with 2 years in cardiac sonography/ultrasound) is required if meeting the education equivalency.

Certification as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) from the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonographers (ARDMS) OR a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) is required.

Specialty certification in adult echocardiography or pediatric echocardiography preferred.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.

Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills.

Demonstrates a high level of accuracy by being thorough, dependable, and organized .

Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information.

Maintains a high degree of professionalism and maintains composure under pressure.

Possesses a high degree of initiative, seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.

Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.

Is competent and assists physician in echocardiographic special procedures.

Participates in orientation, preceptorship and mentoring of students, physicians, volunteers and other staff as appropriate.

Uses knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology to provide the highest quality transthoracic echocardiographic exams.

Assesses the patient’s history and symptomology relative to the level of the study being performed.

Participates in patient/family education as appropriate to position responsibilities.

Selects equipment, transducers, machine settings and patient positioning appropriate to the exam being performed.

Obtains and records color flow, pulses and continuous wave Doppler signals to determine hemodynamics, if required by 2D information, clinical history or physician order and performs measurements and analysis required.

Obtains and records M-Mode and 2-Dimensional echocardiographic images to document cardiac anatomy and performs measurements and analysis required.

Communicates to the interpreting physician the patient history, clinical indications, measurements and analysis, and summary of findings.

Notifies physician of marked abnormality in exam and arranges for emergency interpretation in life threatening lesions.

Provides a comfortable and secure environment for the patient during the exam.

Maintains positive communication with patient, respects and assures privacy of the patient, and assures patient’s needs for comfort and safety are met.

Assists in record keeping functions.

Maintains equipment by routine cleaning and operations check.

Cleans and disinfects equipment after each use.

Uses computer system to perform patient ordering and account charging functions.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other