What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cardiac Sonographer (Echo Tech), PRN Nights position at Wellstar Health System, Inc.?
Facility : Kennestone Hospital
Job Summary :
The Cardiac Sonographer functions under the direction of the Manager or Lead / Chief Sonographer and is responsible for performing all cardiac imaging; which includes, if performed at your designated facility, adult, pediatric, transesophageal (including structural heart) and stress echocardiograms. Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol, provides an oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting Physician, if requested, is responsible for the safety and well-being of all patients in the Echo department, must possess the ability to communicate effectively with the patient(s) and health care team.
The Cardiac Sonographer may also be asked to inject / administer Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA) as well as saline bubble studies. Performs other work-related duties as assigned. Must be available to take call, work weekends and Holidays on a rotating basis.
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions :
Patient Care
- Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
- Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
- Follows established procedures for the administration of UEAs, so that no patient condition deteriorates, and no patient suffers undue pain, due to error or poor technique.
- Ensures that all studies have proper patient identification.
- Reviews ultrasound images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
- Assists other team members in all modalities when needed.
- Observes patient condition and properly evaluates situations when physician intervention is necessary so that no patient condition deteriorates.
- Verifies correct identity of patient using 2 unique identifiers prior to performing a procedure per hospital policy and procedure.
- Ensures patient's privacy and comfort is accommodated. Maintains patients dignity throughout the exam / procedure.
- Demonstrates competence in the determination and application of appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on the age of patients.
- Organizes schedule, time and priorities so that required activities are accomplished within designated time frames.
- Follows physicians instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
- Uses critical thinking skills.
- Dialogs with patient / family
- Asks clarifying questions.
- Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders.
- Understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time Out process when appropriate.
- Demonstrates and understands pre-and-post procedural care.
- Preps the patient for the procedure.
Education and Communication
Quality Control
Operations
Equipment
Performs other duties as assigned
Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.
Required Minimum Education :
High School Diploma General or GED General
Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s) :
All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.
Additional License(s) and Certification(s) :
Required Minimum Experience :
Minimum 1 year experience in echocardiography Preferred or
Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program Preferred or
Graduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Technology program Preferred
Required Minimum Skills :
Must exhibit excellent communication skills because this position requires frequent verbal and written communications with : physicians, patients, visitors, departmental staff and nursing staff. High
The employee obtains, presents and discusses clinical information regarding job responsibilities on a routine basis. High
Candidate must be able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and obtain cooperation with all contacts. High
Must possess the ability to function independently and under pressure while still actively participating in a team environment. High
Position requires the employee to exhibit excellent customer service skills at all times. High
Must be able to perform effectively in a stressful and fast paced work environment. High
Must have the ability to prioritize appropriately. High
Must be detail oriented and have the capacity to effectively multitask throughout the work shift. High
Must have excellent communication skills and the capacity to interact professionally with a variety of customers, including but not limited to patients, families, co-workers, volunteers, and physicians throughout the work shift. High
Must possess the ability to