Cardiac Sonographer - PRN

Overview

Position Title:

Cardiac Sonographer - PRN

Liberty Hospital

Cardiac sonographers provide professional, safe and compassionate ultrasound imaging care to all patient populations. They are trained in ultrasound physics and instrumentation to optimize image acquisition and identify and evaluate anatomical and physiological consequences related to different disease processes. They adapt routine protocols for a wide range of patients and disease states, making each exam individualized. The sonographer initiates critical value notification to expedite optimal patient outcomes.

• Obtains a patient history and performs a pre-ultrasound procedure assessment. Verifies that the exam ordered is consistent with the patient history, indication and/or diagnosis, and assessment findings; clarifies inconsistencies with the ordering physician as needed. Interacts with patients; explains the procedure, reassures them and elicits cooperation.
• Ensures patient safety and comfort while under care. Communicates with patients, explains the procedure, reassures them and elicits cooperation as needed.
• Performs routine and complex cardiac ultrasound procedures including echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms (treadmill, Dobutamine echo, bicycle ergometry).
• Demonstrates understanding of imaging planes obtained during a TEE exam. Assists the physician in accurate acquisition of images from the esophagus. At the KU location, completes appropriate TEE probe cleaning and disinfecting.
• Performs professional, clinical and technical competencies for assigned locations, and is available for on-call emergent echo cardiographic services under the direction of a cardiologist.
• Identifies and evaluates anatomical and physiological consequences consistent with disease processes. Adapts routine protocols for a wide range of patients and disease states; initiates additional enhancements unless noted by the ordering physician.
• Demonstrates cognitive and psychomotor skills in cardiovascular disease states to obtain echo cardiographic images and hemodynamic information.
• Organizes acquired data in the appropriate sequence to represent the patient’s condition to the interpreting physician. Identifies, documents and communicates critical values to the interpreting physician; collaborates with the physician during interpretive sessions.
• Participates in the departmental QI program by providing feedback on peer-to-peer case studies; returns QI studies to the technical director or designee in a timely manner.
• Assists in maintaining efficient patient flow and works as an active team member of the department.
• Completes mandatory educational assignments as outlined by the departmental director.
• Participates in the education and training of sonographer students, residents, medical students and fellows in cardiovascular ultrasound procedures.
• Assesses need for ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) and bubble studies during echocardiography; administers and documents IVs, UEA and bubble studies when performed.
• Assists with equipment log maintenance, coordinates service calls, resolves issues promptly, and notifies the director/manager as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness of supplies, stocks linen and handles laundry as part of daily duties.
• Perform the professional, clinical and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department as required.
• These statements describe essential functions and are not exhaustive; duties may vary by department or unit and other duties may be assigned as required.

• High School Graduate

• Graduate of a program accredited in cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography OR
• Graduate of a Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate program in Health Science (including cardiovascular technology, ultrasound, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, or nursing)
• Training or certification in IV and UEA contrast administration

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) – American Heart Association (AHA) upon Hire
• Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) – Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) must be completed or in…