Cardiac or Cardiovascular Sonographer

The University of Kansas Health System • Kansas City, KS

88d

About The Position

Cardiac sonographers provide professional, safe and compassionate ultrasound imaging care to all patient populations. They are uniquely trained in the advanced understanding of ultrasound physics and instrumentation allowing them to optimize the ultrasound controls for the highest quality image acquisition. The sonographer is able to identify and evaluate the appropriate anatomical and physiological consequences consistent with different disease processes. They need to be able to adapt the routine protocol to a wide range of patients and disease-state variability, making each exam individual and unique. The sonographer manages the initiation of critical value notification to expedite optimal patient outcomes.

Requirements

• High School Graduate
• Graduate of programmatically accredited program in cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography OR Graduate of a Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate academic program in Health Science.
• 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 the process of being completed and credentialed within 180 Days OR Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) must be completed or in the process of being completed and credentialed within 180 Days.
• Maintain CME requirements.
• Ability to train in area of competency.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Obtains a patient history and perform a pre ultrasound procedure assessment.
• Utilizes professional knowledge to verify that the exam ordered is consistent with the patient history, indication and/or diagnosis and assessment findings.
• Clarifies the procedure with the ordering physician in the presence of any inconsistencies.
• Interacts and communicates with patients; explaining the procedure, reassuring them and eliciting their cooperation as needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of the patients while they are under their care.
• Performs routine and complex cardiac ultrasound procedures including echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms including treadmill, Dobutamine echo and bicycle ergonometry.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the imaging planes obtained during a TEE exam.
• Assists the physician in the accurate acquisition of images from the esophagus.
• Completes appropriate TEE probe cleaning and disinfecting.
• Performs professional, clinical and technical competencies of assigned location.
• Available to perform on-call echocardiographic services as assigned.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and evaluate the appropriate anatomical and physiological consequences that would be consistent with disease processes.
• Organizes the acquired data in the appropriate sequence that will accurately represent the patient’s condition to the interpreting physician.
• Displays competence in identifying, documenting and communicating critical values to the interpreting physician.
• Works closely with the interpreting physician in interpretive sessions, assisting in the evaluation of data.
• Provides quality, constructive feedback on peer-to-peer case study review as assigned.
• Assists in maintaining efficient patient flow through 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.
• Assesses the need for ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) and bubble studies during echocardiography studies.
• Administers and properly documents IVs, UEA, and bubble studies when performed.
• Assists with the assessment and maintenance of the equipment log.
• Maintains cleanliness of supplies, stocks linen and empties laundry on a daily basis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED