Cardiovascular Sonographer

 Cardiovascular Sonographer

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager and at the direction of the physicians, the cardiovascular sonographer independently performs professional assessments and a variety of non-invasive studies using ultrasound and related diagnostic technology, as appropriate, and records the results and clinical preliminary impressions, as indicated. The results of these exams are used to direct the course of patient care. The sonographer encounters difficult problems related to examination evaluations daily and must resolve them with limited supervision. There may be daily contact with both professionals, patients, and families.

The position is a full performance cardiovascular sonographer with advanced knowledge of cardiac and peripheral vascular anatomy, physiology, and disease. All examinations are performed within standard protocols on adults, and occasionally on adolescents. The sonographer performs examinations in a variety of settings using both stationary and portable equipment, predominately working in the operating room, Pre-op/PACU areas, as well as the inpatient area.

The sonographer assists with transthoracic echo, transesophageal, as well as peripheral non-invasive testing, carotid and transcranial duplex, aorta, and renal duplex scans. Performs diagnostic vascular examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate structures, while recognizing the limitations of equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Performs non-invasive arterial Doppler studies utilizing segmental pressures, volume pulse recordings and Doppler waveform patterns at various levels in the arms and legs with occasional treadmill testing to evaluate arterial circulation. Performs venous examinations of arms and legs with Doppler and color duplex scanning using compression maneuvers and imaging, for detection of deep vein thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis and/or valvular incompetence, which may include mapping of the superficial veins for size and depth. Performs carotid duplex examinations to evaluate blood flow and plaque characteristics in the carotid and vertebral arteries with both real time imaging and spectral analysis using color capabilities.

Reviews patient’s medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders. Obtains necessary clinical information from patients and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.  Communicates to patient and family members in a timely and thorough manner that enhances the patient’s experience and promotes learning to understand procedures, symptoms, and to support health care outcomes. Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians and appropriate team members including abnormal findings and changes in test results from previous examinations. Prepares written preliminary impressions of tests performed. Requests work orders for maintenance of equipment to provide optimal working conditions. Orders and replaces supplies used. Keeps exam area and procedure room stocked and clean. Accurately processes data needed to complete the report template in the electronic reporting tool.  Accurately completes billing for the procedures being completed. Identifies and assists in developing and reviewing patient education material. Assists with the training and orientation of other technologists as well as ultrasound students, medical students, residents, fellows, and nursing students, if needed.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy.  Reports, in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations or the SP Code of Conduct.  Fulfills annual Cornerstone continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance, direction, and assistance when needed.  Works under stress and in situations that demand patience, stamina, endurance, and tact while providing impeccable service.  Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested.  Sets priorities, responds timely to issues, which require a decision, and ensures desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through.

Patient Population: 

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention.

Physical Requirements: 

May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance.  May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance.  Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty.  Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required.

Optimal auditory acuity required.  Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties.  Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lit.  May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations, limited radiation, hazardous chemicals, or infectious diseases where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential.  Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team.  Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the job.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

 Job Category I.  Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply.  Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

1. Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
2. High School diploma or GED required, as well as being a graduate of an accredited ultrasonography program. Certification in echocardiography and vascular ultrasound (RCS, RDCS, RVT, or RVS) is required.
3. BLS required or obtained within 30 days of hire date.
4. 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area, particularly with transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs).
5. Ability to relate and work effectively with others.
6. Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
7. Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards.
8. Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
9. Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement.
10. Must be computer literate with fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job-related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

PEOPLE 

1. Adheres to staffing schedules, attendance policy, and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.
2. Demonstrates skills as a team player. Shows a willingness to assist others in retrieval of instruments and equipment for surgical cases.
3. Participates in orientation of new staff and peer evaluations, ensures facility morale exemplifies the mission and values of the center.
4. Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.
5. Willingness to teach others and participate in competency programs.
6. Completes education assignments in a timely manner.
7. Participates in all staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.

SERVICE 

1. Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members.
2. Establishes and maintains exceptional services to all customers including physicians, patients and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.
3. Participates in physician-oriented service teams as directed.
4. Gathers and assembles appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies for each procedure assigned to maintain a high level of service to physicians and patients. Special attention to details noted on the preference cards and prior experience with specific cases.
5. Participates in the turnover of cases to achieve a high level of service.
6. Models appropriate interaction with physicians, patients and staff to ensure a high level of service in all areas of responsibility.
7. Reviews daily schedule and prepares cases based upon preference cards and specific patient care needs.
8. Communicates changes as necessary to preference cards.

QUALITY 

1. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and disease.
2. Ability to perform examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized, differentiating artifacts from appropriate images, while recognizing the limitations of equipment and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
3. Ability to perform echo and vascular sonography studies including transesophageal echocardiography examinations.
4. Demonstrate flexibility performing tests/scans in a variety of clinical environments.
5. Ability to educate patients and families about safe and appropriate testing; thoroughly explaining procedures, answering questions and calming concerns.
6. Ability to make knowledgeable clinical assessments and judgments.
7. Ability to use and apply clinical research findings to identify various intervention techniques or procedures that may need modification.
8. Ability to maintain composure under stress, using tact and good judgment.
9. Demonstrate analytical decision-making skills and the ability to quickly assess and resolve technical and patient care problems.
10. Ability to select the proper transducer frequency tests performed.
11. Ability to place EKG leads in appropriate positions for cardiac monitoring during examinations.
12. Ability to use both color flow and spectral doppler to accurately evaluate cardiac stetnotic and regurgitant lesions, intracardiac shunts, and other hemodynamically significant lesions.
13. Evaluates the hemodynamic significance of various cardiac disease states using all imaging modalitities available in accordance with the department’s protocols.
14. Calculates measurements of echocardiographic structures and doppler signals, deriving the appropriate indices pertinent to each patient.
15. Informs interpreting physician if an abnormal finding and/or a hemodynamically significant change is present from previous examination.
16. Assures facility clinical policies and procedures are followed.
17. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly OR environment adheres to all patient care safety requirements.
18. Performs surgical counts consistent with policy and procedures.
19. Handles surgical specimens and biohazardous material according to policy and procedures.
20. Participates in quality improvement activities as requested.

FINANCE

1. Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.
2. Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.
3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expenses.
4. Helps keep appropriate staffing levels and overtime are below established benchmarks.

GROWTH 

1. Through competency and customer service, the employee will contribute to the growth of the facility.
2. Employee communicates service line development ideas with facility leadership.
3. Employee engages in customer service conversation conversations with physicians as adjunct to facility marketing initiatives.