Cardiac Sonographer (SLO)

Bakersfield Family Medical Group•San Luis Obispo, CA

4d•$43 - $51•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Specialty Medicine Operations, this technologist will produce two-dimensional cardiac ultrasonic recordings to evaluate the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels as prescribed by a physician for the purpose of disease diagnosis and study of malfunctioning organs. Working under the delegated authority of the supervising Cardiologist, the Echocardiographic Technologist (Echo Tech) performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasound examinations; obtains necessary images and prepares the study for interpretation by the cardiologist. Performs other related functions as required, which include but are not limited to maintenance of equipment, supplies, logs, and medical record documentation. The Echo Tech will deliver diagnostic medical sonography services within the Specialty Clinic and will perform all responsibilities in accordance with their education, training, established facility policies and procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Completion of a recognized sonography program (CAAHEP-accredited) American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS); ARDMS credential Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), certification through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) or Associate of Applied Science, Cardiac Sonographer.
One-year of post graduate experience in cardiac ultrasound and/or demonstrated high degree of proficiency, knowledge, and acuity in the field of diagnostics or ultrasound is required.
Current Basic Life Support Certification.

Nice To Haves

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Adult Echocardiology Certificate, preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with patient safety protocols, policies and procedures.
Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during examinations.
Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information.
Explain examination, test and medical procedures and purpose of it. Review, explain, and clarify physician orders with patient.
Review referrals and past echo if available and document per workflow.
Evaluate any contraindications, insufficient patient preparation, and the patient’s inability or unwillingness to tolerate examination and associated procedures.
Ability to capture high quality images of the heart and surrounding structures.
Adjusts and sets-up equipment, checks functionality of equipment, sterilizes probes.
Performs EKGs, EKG tracing with echocardiogram.
Evaluates direction and speed of intracardiac blood flow using doppler.
Assesses cardiac valves for pathology.
Utilize ultrasounds modalities of 2D, M-Mod, Strain, 3D Quantification, color flow, and doppler testing for visualization of all possible cardiac structures, prosthesis, and pertinent arterial and venous anatomy and flow of blood. Utilizes ultrasonic imaging devices (i.e., transducers, monitors) to produce optimized image quality.
Exercise stress Echocardiogram.
Imaging of complex congenital heart disease requiring surgical intervention (pre and post).
Capable of providing preliminary analysis and findings to physicians.
Responsible for accurately documenting procedure and clinical observations in the EMR.
Must work collaboratively with physicians and clinical staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
Possess strong critical thinking skills and attentive listening and demonstrates sound judgment in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm and composed.
Ability to anticipate, assist, and perform procedures ordered by the provider, within scope of practice.
As necessary, acquire additional imaging to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.
Ability to identify and document any limitations to the imaging study.
Responsible for communicating with patients in a manner appropriate to patients’ ability to understand.
Ability to apply independent, professional judgement during examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images.
Responsible for reporting incidents that occur within the Specialty Clinic following the chain of command.
Maintain patient safety, privacy, and confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA.