Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Sr

Under direct and indirect supervision with technical direction from cardiologist, performs variety of technical, patient-attending, and clerical duties pertaining to echocardiography.

Essential Functions:
After proper preparation of patient and equipment, and according to physician's orders, obtains, measures, calculates, and records echocardiogram study. Through review of patient's medical history, clinical findings, and indication for test, positions patient in manner that will facilitate optimum diagnostic results
Surveys area being studied to obtain preliminary sonographic information with respect to acoustical properties of patient as well as anatomical and pathological relationships. Based on sonographic information, selects appropriate transducer angulation and gain setting that will best demonstrate anatomy and/or pathology being studied. Operates equipment in m-mode, 2d, and spectral doppler and color doppler techniques
Searches for cardiac pathology by moving transducer over heart at varying angles to record chamber dimensions, cardiac wall thickness and motion, ejection fractions and ratios. By way of real time imaging, visualizes various anatomical areas of heart. By way of doppler, evaluates direction and speed of intracardiac blood flow. Assesses cardiac valves for pathology. Makes permanent record of significant functional and/or anatomical and pathological data obtained
Reviews, screens, and measures echocardiography data notifying cardiologist of critical abnormalities when apparent. Compiles, records, and collates data for cardiologist to interpret and sign for patient's record
Performs echocardiography studies on outpatients and inpatients according to level of expertise/experience of sonographer; performs adult transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram (machine set up: operation), adult contract studies, pediatric transthoracic echocardiogram, adult stress echocardiogram (pharmacological and exercise), and intraoperative echo (machine operation)
Maintains cardio-pulmonary resuscitation certification and functions effectively as performer, recorder, or circulator in code 500 situations
Examines and regularly cleans and maintains ultrasound equipment to assure proper operation. Refers significant problems to biomedical department and alerts supervisor of equipment malfunction
Additional functions as listed in the complete job description

Basic Qualifications:
Two years of experience in adult or pediatric echocardiography, including experience or successful completion of training program (pre-hire, post-hire, or on-the-job) in area of specialty, if applicable
Successful completion of accredited (CAAHEP/CMA approved or equivalent) ultrasound/vascular technology education program specializing in echocardiography
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) in Adult Echocardiography by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
Current BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification
Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in customer service, interpersonal relations, oral communication, problem solving, teamwork, and written communication
Talking to co-workers, customers, outside vendors, and on the telephone.
Reading, writing, speaking and understanding English
Training/giving and receiving instructions
Mathematical ability, attention to detail (organization, prioritization, proofing), concentration, and alertness