Cardiac Sonographer II

JOB DESCRIPTION: Performs moderate to complex, safe operation of Ultrasound equipment to ensure high quality for diagnostic scans. Performs, analyzes, and documents results of 2-D, M-Mode, and Doppler echocardiograms as ordered by a physician to identify possible cardiac disorders. Schedules and prepares patients for exams, maintains supplies, and equipment. Operates other medical equipment as needed. Provides quality patient care to patients having procedures in the Echo Lab. May participate in complex procedures. Communicates and explains various procedures to the patient/family. Processes all required paper work and has working knowledge of all supplies and stock rooms. Assists in training of Cardiology staff and students. Performs and interprets the significance of various diagnostic tests. Measures heart wall thickness and chamber sizes and compares measurement to standard norms to identify abnormalities in the heart. Measures blood flow velocities and calculates data for evaluation of cardiac function by a physician. Prepares a report for review by a cardiologist and documents observation. Responsible for obtaining and filming optimum US scans. Produces Echocardiographs and Doppler flow analyses of the heart and related structures by using ultrasound equipment. Attaches electrodes to the patient's chest and to the ultrasound equipment to monitor the patient's heart rhythm. Adjusts equipment controls according to the physican's orders and the areas of the heart to be examined to ensure quality images. Explains procedures to patients to reduce their anxiery and to obtain patient cooperation. Assists with patient/family education. Provides quality care to all patients having US scans and Echo guided procedures. Effectively communicates withpatients, family and other health care team members. Keeps patient and families abreast of patient's progress. Participates in departmental in-services. Maintains professional growth by participating in educational programs and activities to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments. Renews appropriate Registry and updates certification to perform cardiopulmoonary resuscitation on a biannual basis. Completes procedures billing system to ensure billing of exams/ procedure. Prepares billing sheet and may be responsible for entering into billing system. Responsible for completing all aspects of patient care documentation following the established charting procedure. Participates in performance improvement data collection. Follows all safety requirements of the hospital and department. Provides clinical guidance to students and ancillary staff. May serve as perceptor for new staff and students. Knowledge of procedural supplies and location of supplies. Ensures that procedure rooms are stocked. Properly operates US scan equipment and other medical equipment as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma or equivalent. Registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Cardiac Credentialing International. Must have two years clinical experience and one year in area of concentration. BLS certifications required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks