Cardiac Sonographer; Columbia

Position: Cardiac Sonographer (Columbia County)

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)
Job Summary: The Cardiac Sonographer functions under the direction of the Manager or Lead/Chief Sonographer and is responsible for performing all cardiac imaging; which includes, if performed at your designated facility, adult, pediatric, transesophageal (including structural heart) and stress echocardiograms. Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol, provides an oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting Physician, if requested, is responsible for the safety and well-being of all patients in the Echo department, must possess the ability to communicate effectively with the patient(s) and health care team.

The Cardiac Sonographer may also be asked to inject/administer Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA) as well as saline bubble studies. Performs other work-related duties as assigned. Must be available to take call, work weekends and Holidays on a rotating basis.
Core Responsibilities and

Essential Functions:

Patient Care
* Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
* Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
* Follows established procedures for the administration of UEAs, so that no patient condition deteriorates, and no patient suffers undue pain, due to error or poor technique.
* Ensures that all studies have proper patient identification.
* Reviews ultrasound images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
* Assists other team members in all modalities when needed.
* Observes patient condition and properly evaluates situations when physician intervention is necessary so that no patient condition deteriorates.
* Verifies correct identity of patient using 2 unique identifiers prior to performing a procedure per hospital policy and procedure.
* Ensures patient's privacy and comfort is accommodated. Maintains patients dignity throughout the exam/procedure.
* Demonstrates competence in the determination and application of appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on the age of patients.
* Organizes schedule, time and priorities so that required activities are accomplished within designated time frames.
* Follows physicians instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
* Uses critical thinking skills.
* Dialogs with patient/family
* Asks clarifying questions.
* Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders.
* Understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time Out process when appropriate.
* Demonstrates and understands pre-and-post procedural care.
* Preps the patient for the procedure. Education and Communication
* Patiently and clearly explains purpose and nature of exam to patient prior to starting procedure, so as to minimize anxiety and facilitate cooperation using AIDET;
Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explain, and Thank you of all patients and family members.
* Ensures that patient's questions, concerns or contraindications are satisfactorily addressed, notifying physician when this cannot be accomplished, prior to the initiation of the procedure.
* Participates in the orientation and training of departmental employees.
* Provides patients with preparatory instruction and explanation of procedures.
* Required documentation is concise, legible and includes precise terminology.
* Reads email each day scheduled to work and follows through with assignment.
* Completes mandatory departmental and Hospital-wide education without prompting. Quality Control
* Ensures that equipment is fully operational prior to each use, by checking for proper calibration and operating deficiencies.
* Sends all studies to PACS…