Cardiac Sonographer - Atrium Health Union Sanger Heart & Vascular FT

Major Responsibilities

• 
  
  

  
  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.

Advocate Health