Cardiac Sonographer

Stanford Medicine Children's Health•Palo Alto, CA

10h•$81 - $91•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the echocardiography laboratory leadership, the cardiac sonographer I is responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies. Assists with complex congenital cardiac studies; works towards competency of complex congenital anatomy and physiology. Demonstrates knowledge of normal cardiac anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics. Works towards knowledge of congenital cardiac abnormalities, cardiac pathology, and palliative/corrective congenital heart procedures. Collaborates with laboratory leadership to understand the diagnostic imaging necessary to answer the clinical questions. Performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies on assigned patients of all ages and across all hospital environments. Assists in gathering ultrasound, and other medical data necessary to allow the physician to reach a medical diagnosis. Shows a high capacity for critical thinking, judgement, and skill throughout the role. Engages leadership to ensure that equipment remains functional. Participates in outreach clinics, weekend, holiday coverage, and on-call services as assigned. Maintains records and reports on equipment, procedures performed and billing.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited cardiac ultrasound program.
Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer by Cardiovascular Credentialing International or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Pediatric Sonography by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
Ability to apply judgement and make informed decisions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with widely diverse groups, including individuals at all levels both within and outside the organization and gain their cooperation.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to interpret physician instructions and patient medical and clinical records to determine type of ultrasound procedure to be performed.
Ability to perform echocardiography on varied patient population.
Ability to work effectively as a team player.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and congenital/acquired cardiac pathology as they relate to the use and interpretation of ultrasound diagnostic procedures.
Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
Knowledge of principles of the PACS network and/or other electronic image processing and image development systems.
Knowledge of principles of ultrasound physics. Knowledge of safety principles and procedures related to ultrasound procedures and equipment.
Knowledge of ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews indications for exam and other pertinent medical information in preparation for the echocardiogram.
Responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies. Assists with complex congenital cardiac studies.
Performs appropriate infection prevention.
Identifies patient per policy, including an introduction and explanation of the examination process to the patient, creates a warm environment for patients and family, instructs and assists patient throughout the procedure.
Utilizes ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images on patients with anatomy ranging from normal to complex in accordance with imaging protocols.
Presents and reviews echocardiographic studies with physician and obtains additional images as requested.
Performs quantitative assessment of echocardiographic data in accordance with imaging protocols.
Assists in gathering ultrasound, and other medical data necessary to allow the physician to reach a medical diagnosis
Completes studies in an efficient manner.
Utilizing the cardiology PACS, documents observations and quantifications made during the study for final review and interpretation by the reading physician or other qualified medical professional.
Ensures studies are archived on the cardiology PACS network. Engages with leadership when technical issues arise.
Assists leadership to ensure ultrasound equipment & accessories maintain functionality.
Attends regular quality improvement meetings.