Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer I - Galveston

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school or equivalent

• Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited ultrasound program

• 3+ years of experience in Echo Sonography

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS

• American Heart Association (BLS)

• American Heart Association (ACLS)

Any one of the following:

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) - American Registry for Diagnostic

Sonography (ARDMS)

• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Addendum for Pediatric Sonographers:

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS-PE) - American Registry for Diagnostic

Sonography (ARDMS)

• Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International

(CCI)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer II position works independently to complete a variety of routine

diagnostic Echocardiography procedures. This position provides direct assistance to physicians with

routine diagnostic and advanced Echocardiography procedures. The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer II

position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to Echocardiography exam standards and

guidelines established by governing agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This

position serves as a mentor and trainer to students, new hires, and fellows.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for acquisition, analysis, presentation and charging of patient examinations, to

include transthoracic, stress, may also include interventional and echo stress.

o Inpatient sonographers responsible for knowledge of and assisting physicians with

transesophageal procedures, minor interventional procedures and maintaining proper

sterile techniques.

• Optimizes protocols to provide high quality patient care, images, and patient experience. This

includes positioning, physiology, procedure preparation and technical factors.

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include,

Hospital/Cardiology Information Systems and Office software.

• Proactive in responding to patient needs and utilizes critical thinking skills to observe and

address patient reactions (i.e., contrast media and medications) or potential outcomes, as

appropriate.

• Complies with job role, department and hospital safety standards of practice, policies, and

targets/initiatives for quality and safety.

• Reports near misses and inputs errors promptly into appropriate hospital patient safety

reporting system to improve processes and identify trends.

• Cares for and maintains Echocardiography equipment.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage

time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning with a focus on continual development.

• Serves as a mentor and trainer to students, new hires, and physicians.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job,

determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to

perform the essential functions of this job, especially regarding activities impacting patient or

employee safety or security.

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in

a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language

principles.

• Ability to work independently; capable of handling challenging/difficult diagnostic procedures

and patient care situations. Demonstrates sound judgment and executes above average clinical

skills.

• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and

assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities and actively participating in problem-solving.

Addendum for Pediatric Sonographers:

• Perform pediatric echocardiographic studies on patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting,

using multiple echocardiography system and accessories appropriate to the patient’s specific

diagnosis, age, height, and weight.

• Perform examinations, recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized always,

differentiating artifacts from appropriate images, recognizing the limitations of the equipment,

and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

• Perform pediatric congenital examinations, recognizing a variety of different types of cardiac

defects and demonstrate the ability to tailor the exam based on the type of defect and clinical

signs and symptoms present.