Cardiac Sonographer

Cardiac SonographerHow would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.Work Shift: Day (United States of America)Job Summary:The Cardiac Sonographer functions under the direction of the Manager or Lead/Chief Sonographer and is responsible for performing all cardiac imaging, including adult, pediatric, transesophageal (including structural heart) and stress echocardiograms (as applicable to facility).Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol.Provides an oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting physician if requested.Responsible for the safety and well-being of all patients in the Echo department.Must possess the ability to communicate effectively with patients and the healthcare team.May 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:EquipmentReports problems regarding malfunctioning equipment to supervisor or service provider so that issues can be corrected in a timely manner.Cleans, disinfects and maintains equipment in accordance with infection control policy and department cleaning schedule.Patient CareVerifies 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.Verifies correct identity of patient using 2 unique identifiers per hospital policy and procedure.Ensures patient privacy and comfort is accommodated; maintains patient dignity throughout the exam/procedure.Demonstrates competence in selecting and applying 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 CommunicationPatiently and clearly explains purpose and nature of exam to patient prior to procedure using AIDET to minimize anxiety and facilitate cooperation.Ensures patient questions, concerns or contraindications are satisfactorily addressed; notifies physician when unresolved prior to procedure.Participates in the orientation and training of departmental employees.Provides patients with preparatory instruction and explanation of procedures.Required documentation is concise, legible and includes precise terminology.Reads email each day scheduled to work and follows through with assignment.Completes mandatory departmental and hospital-wide education without prompting.Quality ControlEnsures equipment is fully operational prior to each use by checking calibration and operating deficiencies.Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion; prints CDs as needed.Follows infection control policies.OperationsRestocks linens and supplies and maintains the department in clean and orderly condition.Transports patients, positions patients and assists them on and off the procedure table.Performs patient charging activities on the day the service is rendered.Willingly lends knowledge and assistance to others as needed and whenever time allows.Performs routine clerical and support duties when required to ensure continuity and quality of services.Keeps supervisor informed on all responsibilities and provides prompt notification of problems or potential issues.Maintains an individual productivity rate equal to other coworkers.Ability to operate all workstations associated with the ultrasound department.Ability to push/retrieve images from the ultrasound console to PACS.Maintains Joint Commission and other regulatory agency standards.Takes call when necessary.Performs other duties as assigned.Required Minimum Education:High school diploma or equivalent from accredited program — RequiredGraduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program — PreferredGraduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Technology program — PreferredRequired Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):(All required upon hire unless otherwise stated)Registered Medical Sonographer orRegistered Cardiac Sonographer – CCI orRegistered Diagnostic Cardiac SonographerBasic Life Support (BLS) or BLS InstructorRequired Minimum Experience:Minimum 1 year experience in echocardiography — PreferredGraduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program — PreferredGraduate of an accredited Cardiovascular Technology program — PreferredRequired Minimum Skills:Must exhibit excellent communication skills due to frequent verbal and written interactions with physicians, patients, visitors, departmental staff and nursing staff.Routinely obtains, presents and discusses clinical information regarding job responsibilities.Must be able to explain or give directions to maintain goodwill and obtain cooperation with all contacts.Must be able to function independently and under pressure while actively participating in a team environment.Must exhibit excellent customer service skills at all times.Must perform effectively in a stressful and fast-paced work environment.Must have the ability to prioritize appropriately.Must be detail oriented and able to multitask effectively throughout the work shift.Must interact professionally with a wide variety of customers including patients, families, coworkers, volunteers and physicians.Must be able to function independently yet productively as a cooperative team member.Must comply with all Hospital policies as well as applicable practices, protocols and professional standards.Must be flexible with work hours to meet department needs.Must be dependable, accountable and cooperative.Assists with providing safe, age-appropriate care by performing all exams per department procedures.Has the knowledge and ability to obtain a quality diagnostic study properly and safely.Responsible for performing a wide variety of technical procedures requiring independent judgment, ingenuity and initiative.Able to independently perform job functions.Sets up the equipment to provide imaging service and positions patient for the procedure.Competent in all aspects of Cardiac Ultrasound, patient positioning and exposure factors.Must understand anatomy and pathology and how they affect the quality of a procedure.Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work—and enjoy a more rewarding life. 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