Cardiac Sonographer - Atrium Health Cabarrus/University Cardiology/Adult PRN

Cardiac Sonographer

Demonstrates proficiency by performing routine and emergency echocardiograms, including but not limited to 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, Doppler, Transesophageal, and Stress Echocardiogram, as requested by physician and in accordance with established protocols.

Records quality information while performing echocardiographic imaging and following procedural guidelines and protocols

Explains procedures and possible side effects to the patient or family members.

Provides echocardiography service at all necessary locations, portables, working variable shifts, weekends, and providing emergent call coverage as scheduled.

Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recording; utilize ancillary devices such as selected transducers, digital networking system, and off-line analysis systems.

Maintain equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs.

Performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.

Analyze patient's medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures.

Prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist.

Participate in quality improvement activities; evaluate procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintain appropriate logs, files, and records.

Review department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.

Maintain confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.

Instruct students, fellows, nurses, or health personnel as requested.

Communicates technical and patient care related information according to established processes and timelines.

Attends Echo Lab Meetings, participates in Echo related conferences through attendance, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.

Works weekends, holidays and on-call, as needed

Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.

Level 4 Cardiac Sonographers have the additional following expectations:

Participates in dedicated research protocols, as needed.

Performs portable and lab echocardiograms in an inpatient setting on weekends, holidays, and on an on-call basis (Level 4 cardiac sonographers must work in inpatient setting to qualify.)

Acts as a resource in the absence of the leadership team to provide coverage.

Actively participates in educational opportunities both internally and externally.

Is a role model for other cardiac sonographers.

Has the ability to troubleshoot Cardiac Ultrasound equipment issues and follows through until corrected.

Troubleshoots issues with EMR and Cardiac PAC system.

Education

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education

Associate's degree preferred.

Completion of a cardiac ultrasound training program preferred.

Certification / License

Valid Sonography credential registration (ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS) through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Must be registered in appropriate cardiology specialties within one year of hire.

Completion of CPR Course – BLS Certification Required.

Preferred Certification / License

ACS and/or RCS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) preferred.

Work Experience

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with physicians, staff, and other Medical Center personnel regarding patient care
• Ability to communicate with patients of varying age groups
• Ability to teach and provide instruction and assess quality of other sonographers' work
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a positive, effective working relationship with staff and leadership
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and maintain self-control
• Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases
• Potential exposure to risk of blood borne diseases
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• Exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents and chemicals
• Pressure due to multiple calls and inquires
• Subject to many interruptions

Experience

One year experience with patients preferred.