Cardiac Sonographer- Cardiac Lab Non-Invasive

Cayuga Medical Center

34d•$38 - $48

About The Position

Performs quality diagnostic ultrasound studies and provides support services at an expert level. The scope of practice includes all associated procedures and exams. The role reports to the Cardiac Services Manager or their designee and works closely with department cardiologists. The Cardiac Sonographer performs adult inpatient and outpatient echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms, and inpatient neonatal echocardiograms, following IAC guidelines and established AOMC protocols. The position includes documenting studies and charges in the electronic medical record, recording preliminary findings in PACS, communicating findings promptly to cardiologists, and immediately reporting urgent or critical findings. Sonographers also administer ultrasound enhancement agents and perform agitated saline studies according to protocol, scope of practice, and annual competency. The role emphasizes patient comfort, safety, and compassionate communication, as well as collaboration with the healthcare team. Responsibilities also include operating and maintaining ultrasound equipment, participating in training and orientation, attending required annual educational programs, and taking rotating on-call duty, including facility-established holidays.

Requirements

Active certification in Adult Echocardiography as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through ARDMS, Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI, or another approved equivalent.
Maintain the working knowledge and educational requirements necessary for active certification.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required within 30 days of hire.
Frequent standing and walking are required.
Ability to maintain prolonged, repetitive arm positions necessary for scanning.
Ability to exert considerable physical effort to move heavy equipment, assist patients, and push patients in wheelchairs or on stretchers.
Ability to frequently lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.
Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues (Category I).

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an approved program is preferred but not required.
At least one year of full-time clinical experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Perform high-quality inpatient and outpatient adult echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms in accordance with IAC guidelines and established AOMC protocols.
Perform inpatient neonatal echocardiograms.
Maintain working knowledge and understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
Administer ultrasound enhancement agents according to protocol, scope of practice, and annual competency.
Perform agitated saline studies according to protocol, scope of practice, and annual competency.
Document and appropriately charge all studies in the electronic medical record.
Document preliminary findings using the picture archiving and communication system (PACS).
Provide preliminary findings to the reading cardiologist in a timely manner; prioritize STAT and inpatient studies for reading.
Immediately report urgent and critical findings to the reading cardiologist.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to provide comprehensive patient care.
Prioritize patient comfort and safety and maintain a compassionate, reassuring bedside manner.
Operate and maintain ultrasound equipment to ensure accuracy and optimal performance.
Participate in rotating on-call duty, including facility-established holidays.
Share responsibility for training and orienting sonographers, students, and department staff.
Attend annual mandatory educational programs required for the position.
Interact with patients in a friendly and caring manner, attend to their psychological and physical needs, and maintain communication to provide a secure and pleasant experience.