Echo Sonographer

Performs cardiac and vascular ultrasound imaging to evaluate anatomy and pathophysiology of the heart, great vessels, and vascular system. Conducts and analyzes echocardiograms (adult, pediatric, stress, TEE), specialty imaging (3D, contrast, strain), and assists in cardiac cath and vascular procedures. Processes images and reports using PACS, supports lab accreditation, quality assurance, education, and development, while upholding Memorial Health System standards of safety, courtesy, quality, and efficiency. SchedulenFull Time, Day Shiftn$20,000 Sign-on Bonus Education: Graduate of an accredited Ultrasound Program preferred. Licensure/Certification/Registry: Active Registry by the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) or Credentials by CCI (Cardiac Credentialing International) required. ARDMS specialty certification in Adult or Pediatric Echocardiography (RDCS) or CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) required within 6 months after hire/transfer date. CPR required within 90 days from hire date. Experience: 3+ years’ experience in diagnostic ultrasound after completing an accredited ultrasound program required. Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Ability to lift and move patients and heavy equipment to meet the clinical and operational needs of the area. Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Educational methodology, data organization, information handling skills and leadership abilities required.

1. Obtain, review and bring together pertinent patient history, physical examination and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic result.
2. Perform cardiac ultrasound diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures on patients of all ages by producing, assessing and evaluating ultrasound images and related data according to established standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.
3. Provide interpreting physicians with an oral or written summary of technical findings.
4. Maintain technical skills related to all ultrasound imaging factors; maintain knowledge of other testing modalities.
5. Demonstrate knowledge in human gross and sectional anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology to image and evaluate normal and abnormal tissue structure or function.
6. Understand biological effects of ultrasound.
7. Use independent professional judgment to assure exam will clinically evaluate the given diagnosis. Refer discrepancies to interpreting or ordering physician.
8. Adheres to behavioral standards.
9. Utilize proper infection control procedures according to department and hospital procedures.
10. Ensure proper recording, documentation, confidentiality and transmission of patient information. Develop and maintain skills in digital imaging and information practices.
11. Monitor the condition of equipment and supplies to ensure safe and efficient operation of the department.
12. Comply with departmental policies regarding employee/patient incident reports.
13. Participate in the department’s continuing education program, Laboratory accreditation and case review/quality review processes.
14. Keep current with clinical developments in the field of ultrasound imaging. Be responsible for continual learning.
15. Maintain ARDMS or CCI credential through documentation of continuing education requirements of the credentialing organization.
16. Organize and participate in daily activities that maintain operations: cleaning stocking, equipment evaluation, moving equipment to bedside studies, data entry and evaluation, emergency call rotation, imaging system electrical safety, equipment repair and diagnostics, Imaging and reporting system Dbase maintenance and Sys Admin functions.
17. Serve as liaison to other hospital departments for coordination of quality assurance and process improvement activities.
18. Serve as resource to technical staff, medical staff and visitors for clinical or educational information and activities.
19. Maintain and advance abilities to assimilate and report clinical information in complex patients.
20. Follow SMH policy directives and procedures the performance of duties and responsibilities.
21. Be an example to the laboratory staff of professionalism, teamwork and patient advocacy.
22. Demonstrate leadership in helping the team meet strategic goals of the department and the organization.
23. Keep current of clinical developments in the field of Ultrasound imaging and assist the Department Manager in the creation of new clinical imaging protocols and advanced ultrasound applications.
24. Transfers, maintains basic quality assurance issues and recalls images from PACS system.
25. Performs equipment quality checks and troubleshoots when appropriate.
26. Reports any need for service or repair to appropriate leadership.
27. Assists in providing a safe work environment and is dedicated to providing patient satisfaction.
28. Maintain continuing education credits in compliance with licensing agency.Maintains clinical competency.Adheres to all hospital and departmental policies and procedures including, but not limited to, those regarding infection control, hand hygiene, attendance, and appearance.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (CARDIAC): 1. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transthoracic echocardiography in the adult population. 2. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transesophageal echocardiography in the adult population in standard settings, the surgical suites and Cath Labs. 3. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of stress echocardiography procedures. 4. Maintain skills and expand knowledge of the application of echocardiography in pericardial centesis, myocardial biopsy, intracardiac echo, or other interventional procedures. 5. Maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transthoracic echocardiography in the pediatric, neonatal and fetal population. 6. Possess knowledge and understanding of other cardiac diagnostic testing: cardiac cath, EP, Holter, EKG and arrhythmias, radionuclide imaging. 7. Maintain skills and expand knowledge of ultrasound contrast agents and their applications. 8. Recognize and address critical pathology through modification of scan protocols, recommendation of ancillary testing and notification of interpreting physician. 9. Demonstrate leadership in clinical application of echocardiography. 10. Precept students, new graduates, fellows and residents. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. #J-18808-Ljbffr Memorial Health