Radiology - Cardiac Sonographer
Profession: Cardiac Sonographer
Specialty: Cardiac Sonographer
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: PM
Hours per Shift: 8
Experience: Minimum of 3 years working experience; Must have Level I Trauma experience
License: Not specified
Certifications: BLS (AHA Only), RCS or RDCS
Must-Have:
Must be self-sufficient and able to work independently.
Description:
The Cardiac Sonographer 1 performs basic to intermediate cardiac ultrasound services and procedures for adult patients such as transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiograms, used to diagnose and assess cardiac abnormalities.
General duties include preparing equipment, prepping patients, and explaining procedures.
The sonographer will review images, report findings, and analyze patient clinical history to identify the purpose of the examination.
They will frame the clinical question that the examination is intended to answer and expand the examination as necessary to address the clinical questions.
Essential functions include performing basic to advanced cardiac ultrasound procedures utilizing a variety of equipment and techniques.
The sonographer makes the necessary measurements required for interpretation to obtain accurate, high-quality results.
They identify and define cardiac abnormalities and extend the scope of the examination appropriately, deviating from standard techniques when necessary.
They correlate invasive and non-invasive cardiac diagnostic test results with cardiac anatomy and function.
The sonographer may assist physicians in procedure rooms and operating rooms by performing echocardiograph studies.
They assist in performing transesophageal studies with a cardiologist by calculating appropriate measurements and sterilizing the probe.
They prepare patients for procedures and obtain clinical history from the patient, including cardiac-related physical findings and pertinent laboratory data.
This information helps adapt imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiograms.
The sonographer records statistics and performs daily maintenance of the Echocardiography Lab and its equipment, reporting all malfunctions as appropriate.
They act as a resource to other staff, physicians, and students regarding equipment, techniques, procedures, and studies to optimize patient care.
The sonographer works closely with the cardiac sonographer quality coordinator to ensure adherence to quality processes and protocols.
They assist with accreditation activities as delegated and implement protocols as new technology evolves.
Ideal candidates will have knowledge and ability to apply complex sonographic principles, instrumentation, and techniques.
They possess knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
Additionally, they can explain the purpose of the echocardiographic examination to the patient and answer questions.
Knowledge of approved clinical protocols for each type of cardiovascular ultrasound examination is essential.
Understanding proper infection control, including precautionary procedures and relevant laws about patient confidentiality, is necessary.
Candidates must be able to interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with healthcare providers.
Knowledge of medical terminology and skilled utilization of computers and medical equipment are required.
