Cardiac Sonographer II

Overview Under general supervision, performs a variety of cardiac sonography procedures, ensures the proper functioning of sonography equipment, and assists the physician in related procedures. All applicants are required to submit proof of completion of an accredited Cardiac Sonography program and valid licenses and/or certificates. Applicants who do not attach proof to their application will be rejected. Typical Tasks Assists in training student technologists, interns/residents, and Cardiac Sonographers in sonography procedures. Performs cardiac ultrasounds, including transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), and bubble studies. Assists physician with the performance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedures. Performs contrast, dobutamine stress, and exercise stress echocardiography procedures. Consults with referring physician regarding patient’s medical history to determine the type of ultrasonic procedure required and to correlate the clinical history with the test to be performed. Selects ultrasound and ancillary equipment for use in ultrasound setup according to specifications/protocol of examination. Adjusts equipment controls according to protocol and physician’s orders for the area of the heart to be examined. Explains examination process to the patient and instructs and assists patient throughout the procedure. Operates diagnostic ultrasound equipment, observes sound wave pattern produced, produces and processes diagnostic images, and presents completed sonograms to physician. Prepares, instructs, and positions patient for ultrasound procedures. Documents observations made during the procedure for final interpretation by the Cardiologist or other qualified medical professional. Labels permanent records of scans or identifies images, manipulates images, and sends images via the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) network. Maintains records; tracks and bills each procedure and associated supplies. Performs calibrations to adjust and maintain ultrasonic and ancillary equipment. Submits work orders and reports equipment issues to Manager in a timely fashion to assure proper working order of all echocardiology equipment. Cleans and stocks procedure rooms and ancillary areas and maintains proper inventory levels. May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required. Performs other related duties, as required. Employment Standards Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities: Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities are attained through successful completion of an accredited Cardiac Sonography program. Two (2) years of full‑time experience performing cardiac sonography procedures. Special Requirements Possess and maintain one of the following certificates: Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Any Echocardiography related certification issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW‑related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered. Knowledge Of Cardiac Ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation in Adult Echocardiography. Cardiovascular principles, vascular physical principles, principles of ultrasound physics, and the propagation of ultrasound through tissues. Anatomy, physiology, and congenital/acquired pathology as they relate to the use and interpretation of ultrasound diagnostic procedures. Safety principles and procedures relating to ultrasound procedures and equipment. Quality assurance as it relates to ultrasound scanning/ultrasound equipment. Principles of electronic image processing and image development. Common computer systems and applications. Ability To Operate ultrasound emitters and ancillary equipment in the performance of ultrasound diagnostic procedures. Interpret physician instructions and patient medical and clinical records to determine type of ultrasonic procedure to be performed. Recognize significance of all structures displayed on the oscilloscope and recognize artifacts and electronic equipment limitations. Prepare, instruct, and position patient for ultrasound procedure. Provide safe and appropriate care to all patients, even in stressful situations. Perform calibrations to adjust and maintain ultrasonic and ancillary equipment. Use the PACS network to send images electronically. Accurately bill procedures and supplies in a timely manner. Troubleshoot, document, and communicate equipment problems. Adhere to all relevant regulatory, County, hospital, and clinical policies and procedures. Follow written and oral instructions. Work efficiently and independently with minimal supervision. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives from other agencies. Physical Requirements Willingly be placed on‑call, as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Santa Clara