Cardiovascular Sonographer

DEPARTMENT : CARDIAC ULTRASOUND

FACILITY : Tift Regional Medical Center

WORK TYPE : Full Time

SHIFT : Varied

HOURS : Varied

SUMMARY :

The Cardiac Sonographer utilizes various ultrasound imaging equipment, transducers, and other accessory equipment performing diagnostic cardiac and peripheral vascular ultrasound procedures. They obtain optimal visualization of internal cardiac structures and peripheral vascular anatomy as well as various cardiac measurements (cardiac valves, ventricles, atria and blood flow) through the heart. They assist physicians and nursing staff with complex ultrasound procedures such as Transesophageal Echocardiograms, bubble studies, stress echocardiography, and contract echo procedures as appropriate depending upon work setting. They perform arterial and venous diagnostic studies of the peripheral vascular systems, transcranial doppler studies, and carotid duplex imaging with measurements.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Interacts professionally with patient and patient family members.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal assurance as necessary.
• Assures timely assessment of patient and completes all documentation accurately.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of all age ranges for patients for treatment.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical / health care errors.
• Performs echocardiography and vascular ultrasound procedures per protocol.
• Performs complex procedures such as T.E.E., Stress Echo, bubble studies (depending upon work location).
• Positions and preps patients according to policy and carries out medical / surgical asepsis before, during and after procedures as required.
• Maintains a safe environment for co-workers and self per facility policies.
• Is able to expand scope of examination according to physician request.
• Selects appropriate transducer and settings for optimum study results.
• Positions patients to optimally visualize cardiac structures for optimal results.
• Interprets all data collected and assist physician with necessary documentation.
• Demonstrates the ability to handle emergency situations during high-risk procedures.
• Performs preventative maintenance as needed on equipment.
• Responsible for the operation of ultrasound equipment and maintains a high level of safety within the department.
• Is able to recognize basic ECG rhythms.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individualized judgments and actions.
• Correctly and accurately recognizes respiratory and cardiac arrest and immediately begins CPR and notifies appropriate staff.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Accepts responsibility to maintain conditions conducive to high quality cardiovascular care.
• Demonstrates efficient, effective and prompt responses to any patient crisis situation within the Cardiovascular Department.
• Demonstrates strict adherence to all hospital safety polices, infection control policies, fire reporting and drill activities, equipment storage and maintenance.
• Completes Occurrence Reports on any activity deviating from the norm.
• Acts to safeguard the patient and the public when health care and safety are affected by the incompetent, unethical or illegal practice of any person.
• Provides service with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the patient unrestricted by consideration of socioeconomic status, personal attribute or the nature of health problems.
• Protects patient's valuables as directed in hospital policies and procedures.
• Follows policies related to information release, confidentiality, patient rights, chart access, and advance directives.
• Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and facility regulations, laws and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Understands and adheres to compliance standards as they appear in the Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflicts of Interest Policy.
• Demonstrates age-specific skills as required by position.
• Offers suggestions on ways to improve operations of department and reduce costs.
• Attends all mandatory education programs.
• Improves self-knowledge through voluntarily attending continuing education / certification classes.
• Maintains required competency levels as identified in written exams, skills checklists, skills labs, annual safety and health requirements as well as service excellence education hours requirements.
• Willing to cross-train in order to better assist co-workers and to provide maximum efficiency in department.
• Volunteers / participates on hospital committees, functions, and department projects.
• Manages resources effectively.
• Reports equipment in need of repair in order to extend life of equipment.
• Makes good use of time so as to not create needless overtime.

EDUCATION :

• Associate's Degree in Sonography, Radiology, or Related Field

CREDENTIALS :

• Advanced Cardiac Sonographer
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
• Registered Vascular Specialist
• Registered Vascular Technologist

OTHER INFORMATION :

• Must have echo credential (Advanced Cardiac Sonographer or Registered Cardiac Sonographer or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer); or vascular credential (Registered Vascular Specialist or Registered Vascular Technologist)
• On call rotation required

Southwell / Tift Regional Health System, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.