Cardiac or Cardiovascular Sonographer

Cardiac or Cardiovascular Sonographer

Cardiovascular Sonographers provide professional, safe and compassionate ultrasound imaging care to all patient populations. They are uniquely trained in the advanced understanding of ultrasound physics and instrumentation allowing them to optimize the ultrasound controls for the highest quality image acquisition. The sonographer is able to identify and evaluate the appropriate anatomical and physiological consequences that would be consistent with disease processes. They need to be able to adapt the routine protocol to a wide range of patients and disease-state variability, making each exam individual and unique. The sonographer manages the initiation of critical value notification to expedite optimal patient outcomes.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Obtains a patient history and performs a pre ultrasound procedure assessment. The sonographer must utilize their professional knowledge to verify that the exam ordered is consistent with the patient history, indication and/or diagnosis and assessment findings. In the presence of any inconsistencies, they clarify the procedure with the ordering physician. They interact and communicate with patients; explaining the procedure, reassuring them and eliciting their cooperation as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of the patients while they are under their care. Interacts and communicates with patients, explaining the procedure, reassuring them and eliciting their cooperation as needed.
• Performs routine and complex cardiac ultrasound procedures including echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms including treadmill, Dobutamine echo and bicycle ergonometry. Vascular imaging includes carotid Duplex, upper/lower venous/arterial, abdominal aorta, renal, venous insufficiency, and vein mapping procedures.
• The sonographer must demonstrate an understanding of the imaging planes obtained during a TEE exam. Assists the physician in the accurate acquisition of images from the esophagus. At the KU location the sonographer completes appropriate TEE probe cleaning and disinfecting.
• Performs professional, clinical and technical competencies of assigned location, but not limited to assigned shifts and be readily available when scheduled to perform on-call echocardiographic services as assigned to provide emergent echocardiographic services under the direction of a cardiologist.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and evaluate the appropriate anatomical and physiological consequences that would be consistent with disease process. The sonographer needs to be able to adapt the routine protocol to accommodate a wide range of patients and disease-states, making each exam individual and unique. Any additional enhancements that would provide beneficial information are initiated with the sonographer unless otherwise noted by the ordering physician.
• Demonstrates both cognitive and psychomotor skill sets in the area of cardiovascular disease states. These skill sets are necessary to accurately and efficiently obtain the appropriate vascular and echocardiographic ultrasound images and hemodynamic information as appropriate.
• Organizes the acquired data in the appropriate sequence that will accurately represent the patient's condition to the interpreting physician. In the presence of critical values the sonographer must display competence in identifying, documenting and communicating this to the interpreting physician. Working closely with the interpreting physician in interpretive sessions, assisting in the evaluation of data and contributing relevant technical information.
• In accordance with the departmental QI program; the sonographer must provide quality, constructive feedback on peer to peer case study review as assigned; return QI studies to the technical director or their designee in a timely manner.
• Assists in maintaining efficient patient flow through the department, working as an active participant with the other members of the team.
• Responsible for completion of mandatory educational assignments as outlined by the department director.
• Participates in the education and training of sonographer students, residents, medical students and fellows, providing instruction in the area of cardiovascular ultrasound procedures.
• Assess the need for ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) and bubble studies during echocardiography studies; administer and properly document IV's, UEA and bubble studies when performed.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the imaging planes needed to assist with sonographer-guided thrombin injection procedures in performed in the cath lab under the direction of the cardiologist.
• Performs routine and complex peripheral vascular scans, including of the abdominal aorta, complete lower extremities, carotid arteries, renal arteries and transcranial arteries.
• Assists with the assessment and maintenance of the equipment log. Make service calls when needed in a timely manner, resolve the issue, and document in the appropriate log. The sonographer must notify director/manager of issue in a timely manner.
• Maintains cleanliness of supplies, stocks linen and empties laundry on a daily basis.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate
• 1 or more years of cardiovascular ultrasound clinical experience as a Registered Cardiac and Vascular Sonographer. Independently performing stress echo procedures, including treadmill and pharmacological.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Graduate of a CAAHEP; JRC-DMS program in cardiac ultrasound
• Graduate of programmatically accredited program in cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography
• Graduate of a Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate academic program in Health Science (including, but not limited to, cardiovascular technology, ultrasound, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, or nursing)
• Training or certification in IV and UEA contrast administration

Required Licensure and Certification

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) OR
• Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) OR
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Knowledge Requirements

• Basic computer skills
• Ability to train in area of competency
• Maintain CME requirements