Cardiac Sonographer - registry

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs echocardiograms

• Communicates with the cardiologist on echocardiographic studies discussing and questions in regard to each patient study as required.

• Correlates patient diagnosis to assist with scanning focus.

• Responsible for obtaining and recording accurate quality echocardiogrphic scans of the heart.

• Performs echocardiographic studies to include evaluating cardiac structures and identifying abnormalities as ordered by the physician for diagnosing heart ailments.

• Analyzes echocardographic studies by measuring cardiac chambers, was thickness and evaluating cardiac valve function.

• Processes echocardiographic studies in accordance with established departmental and ICAEL standards.

• Able to assist with patient preparation for other cardiodiagnostic procedures.

• Acceptance of call coverage assignments.

• Provides psychological support to patients by answering questions and explaining the testing process as needed.

• Responds to request for call-in duty for STAT testing within 30 minutes.

• Maintenance of department equipment, documentation, and exam rooms related to echocardiography.

• Completes necessary entries in Cerner to enable accurate ordering, processing, and charging of patient services.

• Cleans portable and stationary equipment between patients to maintain a clean patient work environment.

• Handles diagnostic TEE probes with care and follows proper protocol for cleaning and testing after each use.

• Maintains proper functioning of echo cardiography equipment and system workstations to ensure availability of material resources.

• Maintains documentation of echo studies performed and oversees retention of the data according to Advocate policy.

• Development of self and others

• Continually looks for educational opportunities to enhance own knowledge base.

• Is willing to coach and mentor peers, agency staff and students.

• Coordinates new echocardiographer associate orientation.

• Coordinates educational opportunities for staff by creating presentations or inviting vendors to present.

• Quality Improvement initiatives

• Assist medical director, director, manager and patient care coordinator in identifying process improvement indicators.

• Assists in monitoring PI indicators and developing PI plans. Participates in case peer review for quality purposes and compliance with ICAEL standards.

Education/Experience Required:

• Registered with American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography or The Cardiovascular Credentialing International Registered Cardiac Sonographer.

• Must have at least 5 years' experience doing echocardiograms.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Computer literacy. High proficiency in math skills.

• Must be able to perform adult echocardiograms, Tee's and stress echos.

• Experience with digital sonogram equipment

• Maintain registered status with American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography by keeping dues current.

• Obtain 30 hours of CME in a three year cycle.

• Current CPR certification is required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• On-Call duty is required on a rotational basis. Must be able to report to hospital within 30 minutes of call-in. Must be able to meet flexible staffing requirements.

• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.