Cardiac Sonographer

At Mahaska Health the primary role of the Cardiac Sonographer is to provide patient care and technical skill in the operation of echocardiograms for diagnostic and evaluation purposes. The Cardiac Sonographer plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular healthcare team, providing essential diagnostic services that aid in the assessment and management of heart conditions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform echocardiograms on patients as prescribed by physicians, according to established protocols and procedures.
• To provide high-quality images by appropriately utilizing 2D, color flow and spectral doppler imaging and imaging enhancers to demonstrate and evaluate cardiac structures within the scope of an echocardiogram.
• Evaluate the hemodynamic significance of various cardiac disease states using all imaging modalities available in accordance with the department’s protocols.
• Accurately obtain measurements of echocardiographic structures and Doppler signals, deriving the appropriate indices pertinent to each patient, an inputting those values into the Cardiac Reporting System.
• Collaborate with cardiologists and other healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Provide patient education and support, explaining procedures and addressing concerns to ensure comfort and safety during echocardiographic procedures.
• Maintain and operate ultrasound equipment, ensuring its proper functioning.
• Document and maintain patient records, including test results and any relevant observations.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of new team members in cardiac sonography techniques.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in cardiac-focused ultrasound and cardiology best practices.
• Be an integral part of our diagnostic imaging department.
• Assist and help in clinical education for Cardia-Focused Ultrasound students from various programs.
• Performing the following exams in an Outpatient/Inpatient/Emergency Room setting:
  • Adult Echocardiograms
  • Adult Exercise Stress Echocardiograms
  • Adult Pharmacological Stress Echocardiograms
  • Transesophageal Echocardiograms
  • Limited Pediatric Echocardiograms
  • Utilizing Saline Contrast and Ultrasound Enhancing Agents as needed
• Communicate pertinent patient information to physicians and appropriate team members, including critical abnormal findings.
• Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
• Conduct self in accordance with Mahaska Health’s confidentiality policy; ensuring to follow all MHP training guidelines in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with employees, visitors, medical staff, and patients, keeping in mind the person’s unique needs within their age category (refer to Mahaska Health’s Age Specific Standards of Care Policy).
• Ability to deal with confidential information.
• Must be able to perform the physical demands of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance. Attend meetings, as requested.
• All other duties as assigned or requested.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field or completion of an accredited echocardiography program.
• Certification from American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) in Adult Echocardiography (AE) OR Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) OR be registry eligible upon hire and become successfully registered by the ARDMS as an RDCS(AE) or by the CCI as an RCS within 12 months of hire.
• Demonstrated experience in performing echocardiograms in a clinical setting preferred but not required.
• Possess a strong understanding of cardiovascular anatomy and pathology, as well as the technical skills to operate ultrasound equipment.
• Work closely with cardiologists and other medical professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with patients compassionately.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
• Will be required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at the time of hire or attend within 6 months of the start date.
• Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards.