Description

This position is a non-licensed/certified staff member authorized to transport and/or stock medications to meet specified essential job duties.  This includes staff who do not have the authority to prescribe, dispense and/or administer medications.

The Cardiac Sonographer demonstrates a clear understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology. He/she must be well versed in defects and diseases of the heart and know how to clinically apply echocardiography to detect those diseases/defects. The Sonographer's scanning skills must be accurate and decisive in all testing environments. They must be willing to grow and help their peers grow professionally in the skills of cardiac sonography. Sonographers must possess excellent communication skills to effectively meet the needs of patients and families and provide quality studies for the healthcare team to determine clinical treatment. They are responsible for adhering to all established hospital policies and be a responsible steward of equipment and supplies.

Principle Accountabilities:

Performs full spectrum of cardiac echocardiogram testing

-- Operates ultrasound equipment to obtain and retrieve studies -

- Copies studies to CD for patient needs

-- Performs echos with appropriate presets to obtain specialty studies

-- Recognizes technically difficult studies, requests image enhancing agents

-- Retrieves and reviews previous reports for comparison to current studies

-- Verifies MD orders, documents testing as appropriate

-- Recognizes life-threatening situations and notifies MD

1. Conducts 2D/M-mode/Color Flow/Spectral Doppler echocardiogram examinations. 40% -- Captures all views required for visualization.

-- Obtains appropriate measurements for each modality

-- Capable of performing one echo/hour

2. Performs Stress Echocardiograms examinations. 20%

-- Captures all views required for visualization

-- Obtains appropriate measurements for each modality.

-- Capable of performing one stress echo/hour

3. Performs Dobutamine Stress Echo examinations. 10%

-- Captures all views required for visualization -- Obtains appropriate measurements for each modality.

-- Capable of performing one Dobutamine stress echo/hour

4. Assists Cardiologist and RN in performing Transesophageal Examinations

-- Assists with TEEs in Cardiology Services and O.R.10%

-- Operates ultrasound equipment to capture views as directed by MD

-- Capable of performing one TEE/hour -- Cleans TEE scope in accordance with Infection Prevention policies

5. Performs office tasks 5%

-- Performs office tasks as assigned

-- Ability to retrieve reports from computer

-- Ensures computer processing of test results and distribution.

-- Answers phones promptly and politely.

6. Maintains clean, safe environment 5%

-- Cleans and stocks procedure rooms daily

-- Assesses ultrasound equipment for functionality

-- Trouble shooting equipment malfunctions

-- Observes basic infection control practice with patients

-- Observes electrical and fire safety precautions

7. Performs 'on call' echocardiogram responsibilities during assigned call times. 5%

-- Saturday work required

-- Required to attend 7 monthly Echocardiography Lab Meetings during the year

8. Maintains CME requirements for registry 1%

9. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. 4%

Transport and/or stock medications

Education

1. High School graduate or equivalent.

2. Graduate of accredited Cardiac Sonographer program

3. Current and in good standing as Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Preferred (ARDMS) 4.BLS certification upon hire and renewed every 2 years

Experience

1.  2 years experience preferred

2.  Stress testing experience preferred

3.  Pediatric experience preferred Problem-solving skills

4.  Effective interpersonal skills

5.  Consider the specific age-related needs of the patient

6.  Successful completion of Safe Medication Handling competency

Working Conditions

Employee is required to sit occasionally, stand frequently and walk occasionally. Employee must lift/carry a light (1-20 lbs.) load frequently. Employee may be required to lift over 100 lbs. with assistance. Employee is frequently required to bend, squat, kneel, lift waist to overhead. Employee is occasionally required to reach forward and reach overhead. For repetitive action, employee is required to use both hands for simple grasping and pushing/pulling. Employee is frequently exposed to CRT terminal work. (Occasionally: 1-33%, Frequently: 34-66%, Continuously: 67-100%) The most significant of duties are included but this does not exclude occasional work assignments not mentioned or developmental duties.

Job Relationships: Member of a comprehensive healthcare team, including other healthcare providers, the patient, the patients family and significant others.

Takes direction from: Cardiologist, Manager. In-direct supervision from Supervisor of Nuclear Medicine on Clinical issues

Provides direction to: Patients and patient family members

Supervised by: Manager, Cardiology Services

Mission/Values

Mission

Faithful to our Episcopal-Presbyterian heritage and its ministry of healing, St. Luke's is dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve.Using talents and resources responsibly, we provide high quality, safe care with compassion, professional excellence and respect for each other and those we serve.

Vision

As an independent healthcare network, we create healthy communities in the region through our commitment to high quality, safe and personalized services.

Core Values

Human DignityWe accept and treat all persons as being created in the image of God.  CompassionWe respond with caring to the needs of others as if they were members of our family.  JusticeWe honor each person's rights and responsibilities in light of the common good.  ExcellenceWe set and strive to attain high standards of performance and continuous improvement.  StewardshipWe use our talents and resources wisely, with honesty and integrity.