Cardiac Sonographer II

The University of Kansas Health System•Olathe, KS

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Cardiac sonographers provide professional, safe, and compassionate ultrasound imaging care to patients across all populations. They apply advanced knowledge of ultrasound physics and instrumentation to optimize controls and acquire high-quality images, identify and evaluate anatomical and physiological consequences associated with disease processes, and adapt routine protocols to individual patients and disease states. The sonographer initiates critical-value notification to help expedite optimal patient outcomes. The role performs routine and complex cardiac ultrasound procedures, including echocardiograms and stress echocardiograms using treadmill, Dobutamine, and bicycle ergonometry. It includes supporting TEE image acquisition and, at the KU location, cleaning and disinfecting TEE probes. Sonographers may be assigned on-call echocardiographic services to provide emergent services under a cardiologist’s direction. They organize and communicate study data, collaborate with interpreting physicians, participate in quality improvement and peer case review, help maintain patient flow and equipment, and support education and training of learners. Duties may vary by department or unit, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Four years of cardiac ultrasound clinical experience as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer.
At least 4,000 echocardiograms performed.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) credential from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) credential from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Maintain continuing medical education (CME) requirements.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to train in the area of competency.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a programmatically accredited cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography program.
Graduate of a diploma, associate, or baccalaureate academic program in health science, including cardiovascular technology, ultrasound, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, or nursing.
Training or certification in IV and ultrasound-enhancing-agent (UEA) contrast administration.

Responsibilities

Obtain patient history and perform a pre-ultrasound procedure assessment; verify that the ordered exam is consistent with the history, indication or diagnosis, and assessment findings, and clarify inconsistencies with the ordering physician.
Explain procedures to patients, reassure them, elicit cooperation, and ensure their mental and physical comfort and safety.
Perform routine and complex cardiac ultrasound procedures, including echocardiograms and treadmill, Dobutamine, and bicycle ergonometry stress echocardiograms.
Demonstrate understanding of imaging planes obtained during TEE exams and assist the physician with accurate acquisition of esophageal images.
At the KU location, clean and disinfect TEE probes appropriately.
Perform assigned professional, clinical, and technical competencies and be available for scheduled on-call echocardiographic services to provide emergent services under a cardiologist’s direction.
Identify and evaluate anatomical and physiological consequences consistent with disease processes, adapt protocols to individual patients and disease states, and initiate beneficial enhancements unless otherwise directed by the ordering physician.
Use cognitive and psychomotor skills in cardiovascular disease to obtain appropriate echocardiographic images and hemodynamic information.
Organize acquired data in an appropriate sequence to represent the patient’s condition accurately to the interpreting physician.
Identify, document, and communicate critical values to the interpreting physician.
Work with interpreting physicians during interpretive sessions, assisting with data evaluation and contributing relevant technical information.
Provide constructive feedback on assigned peer-to-peer case study reviews and return quality-improvement studies to the technical director or designee in a timely manner.
Help maintain efficient patient flow as an active member of the department team.
Complete mandatory educational assignments outlined by the departmental director.
Educate and train sonographer students, residents, medical students, and fellows in cardiovascular ultrasound procedures.
Assess the need for LVO contrast and bubble studies and administer and properly document IVs, LVO contrast, and bubble studies when performed.
Assist with equipment-log assessment and maintenance; make timely service calls, resolve issues, document them in the appropriate log, and notify the director or manager promptly.
Maintain supply cleanliness, stock linen, and empty laundry daily.