UHC - Cardiac Sonographer (PT)

Cardiac Sonographer

Performs advanced Cardiac Ultrasound procedures in order to facilitate appropriate diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Graduate of a Medical Imaging program.

2. Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) OR Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 12 months of hire.

3. Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.

Core Duties and Responsibilities: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Performs advanced non-invasive imaging procedures for Cardiac Laboratories.

2. Performs proper billing of procedures and prioritize patient scheduling.

3. Coordinates and prioritizes patient scheduling in order to insure procedure completion in a timely fashion.

4. Prior to testing, obtains information for specific procedures to be performed, answer pertinent questions to patients concerning procedures and are courteous to patients and their families 100% of the time.

5. Performs all non-invasive imaging procedures within established guidelines and timeframes.

6. Notifies appropriate medical staff if there are significant abnormal findings.

7. Documents procedure performed within patient chart to inform the physician that the test has been completed.

8. Calculates and measures Cardiovascular structures from procedure data in order to aid the physician in interpreting results and achieving a diagnosis.

9. Maintains orderliness and cleanliness of the equipment, procedure rooms and work areas of the Cardiac Laboratories.

10. Completes accurate documentation through EPIC to ensure proper billing.

11. Maintains the confidentiality of the patient and unit information, without infraction, as monitored by supervision.

12. Supports the development of the Cardiac Sonographer I by providing ongoing feedback regarding their performance.

13. Participates in education and in-service opportunities in order to maintain and enhance knowledge.

14. Acts as a preceptor by on-boarding new sonographers with department orientation, in-service and education.

15. Provides preliminary report on study performed in a timely manner. Reviews preliminary report with physician.

16. Follows and implements Cardiac protocols and policies.

17. Participates in the training of Cardiac ultrasound techniques and procedures.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

2. Ability to lift, push, or pull a minimum of 40 pounds.

3. Hearing (aid permitted) must be able to function without use of lip reading.

4. Visual acuity (corrected) keen for both distant and near objects/individuals (i.e. ability to read small print).

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Clinical setting.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Possesses the interpersonal skills to positively and effectively communicate, negotiate, and resolve conflict.

2. Motivation and drive for continuous development of self.

3. Cooperatively interact with the health care team to support and contribute to the shared group goals.

The Cardiac Sonographer Clinical Ladder is a system-wide clinical advancement program to enhance professional development, provide a reward system for quality clinical performance, promote quality imaging care, and improve job satisfaction for cardiac sonographers.

To apply for the next level, the Cardiac Sonographer must meet the requirements of their current level. They must also meet the required years of experience, degree, and certification to apply for the next level.

Level 1

• No experience required.
• All Cardiac Sonographers with less than 12 months of experience enter at Level one.

Level 2

• Meets requirements for previous level.
• One year of registered experience (unregistered time not applicable).
• Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1, plus additional skill sets.

Level 3

• Meets requirements for previous levels.
• One continuing education pathway.
• Three years of registered experience (unregistered time not applicable).
• Compliant in 3 leadership/supervisory skills.
• Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1 and 2, plus 3 additional skill sets.

Level 4

• Meets requirements for previous levels.
• One continuing education pathway.
• Five years of registered experience (unregistered time not applicable).
• Compliant in 5 leadership/supervisory skills.
• Complete competency of Skill Set Tech 1, 2, and 3 plus 4 additional skill sets.