Cardiac Sonographer Per Diem

The Cardiac Sonographer works collaboratively with health care providers to provide direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures throughout the hospital. Responsibilities include but are not limited to performance of transthoracic echocardiograms stress echocardiograms and transesophageal echocardiograms. Evening and weekend call is mandatory.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performed majority of the time:

Performs transthoracic echocardiograms stress echocardiograms and transesophageal echocardiograms:

o Assesses and prepares patients for procedures

o Conducts testing under the indirect supervision of a cardiologist

o Positions patient to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort

o Adjusts equipment controls and modifies images during the exam to demonstrate anatomy physiology hemodynamics and/or pathology accurately

o Determines need for additional views based on patient variables or encountered pathology

o Records images for review by cardiologist

o Provides measurements estimates angles and guidance as needed during certain procedures including but not limited to pericardiocentesis transesophageal echocardiogram and alcohol septal ablation

o Selects appropriate scan based on functional and/or anatomical pathology

o Utilizes ultrasound and contrast agents to view cardiac structures and wall motion/perfusion

o Monitors patients and their response

o Reports pertinent findings to cardiologist

o Arranges images of exam findings for patients medical record

o Documents according to established policies and procedures

Demonstrates ongoing proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to specialty area

Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies/protocols/procedures

Protects patient privacy/maintains confidentiality

Inserts and manages intravenous lines

Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions clinical problems or emergent situations

Provides teaching to patient and family as necessary

Performs routine cleaning and reports mechanical failure of equipment

Ensures emergency equipment is maintained and working properly

Follows research protocols

Performs patient care in a timely manner

Productively utilizes unassigned time

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

Performs general office duties: maintains stock supplies assists administrators in determining quantities for purchase records procedure codes for billing purposes and scheduling patients.

Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.

Troubleshoot equipment and document errors or equipment malfunctions; escalate issues and concerns to engineer supervisor and/or cardiologist.

Participates in the assessment and development of department and hospital related projects

o Participates in orientation of new employees

o Serves as a resource for staff members students residents

o Serves on hospital and department committees as needed

o Develops and revises departmental policies protocols procedures and forms as needed

Plans prepares and presents training for departmental employees

Assists with other duties as assigned

Rotating holiday and weekend call schedule and rotating Saturday shifts.

Travel to offsite clinics may be necessary.

Education:

Associates degree in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology or Ultrasound from an approved and accredited program OR equivalent combination of education formal training and work experience.

Preferred

Bachelors degree in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology or Ultrasound from an approved and accredited program.

Experience:

N/A

Preferred

One (1) year or greater of experience with Adult Cardiac Echocardiography

Licenses Certifications and/or Registrations:

Board Certification or eligibility for certification through one (1) of the following organizations:

o American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).

Certification to be obtained within 6 months of hire.

o Or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS).

Certification to be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Sonographer license issued by Oregon Board of Medical Imaging. Must have license by start date.

American Heart Association BLS

Preferred

N/A

Job Related Skills Abilities and Behaviors:

Basic computer skills

Ability to document in EMR

Find push or pull studies within PACS viewing system

Excellent customer service skills.

Uses effective written and interpersonal communication skills.

Behavior and appearance support a professional image.

Demonstrates skills in caring for the adult and geriatric patient.

Preferred

Epic EMR experience

Bilingual skills a plus.