Cardiac Sonographer

Tenet Healthcare•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Cardiac Sonographer performs non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic evaluations, including Stress Echo, Dobutamine, and 2-D Echo with Doppler and Color Flow, and assists with Transesophageal Echocardiograms under physician supervision. The role evaluates cardiovascular disease functionally and anatomically using procedural data and clinical impressions. The sonographer obtains patient histories, performs physical examinations and auscultation, analyzes and interprets test results, and determines whether additional testing is needed for diagnostic accuracy. The position includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of graphic and video recordings, selecting and performing appropriate procedures, and integrating clinical findings and test results into an overall diagnostic impression. The sonographer may assist subordinate technical personnel, contribute to postgraduate medical trainee instruction, discuss findings with medical staff, and occasionally communicate results to attending or referring physicians. The sonographer operates and maintains testing equipment and supplies, performs minor equipment maintenance and repair, enters preliminary report information into the hospital computer system after physician dictation, bills for appropriate inpatient and outpatient tests or procedures, and may schedule testing or help prioritize the service. The position also participates in Quality Improvement and maintains professional knowledge through conferences or professional organizations.

Requirements

Associate's degree in cardiovascular or applied sciences, or equivalent.
Registered or registry-eligible as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through ARDMS or a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI; registry-eligible candidates must obtain RDCS or RCS registration within 12 months of hire.
Analytical skills to conduct, evaluate, and interpret clinical examinations and non-invasive testing procedures.
Visual and aural acuity to analyze variations in clinical findings and monitor data and procedure results.
Mechanical skills to perform minor maintenance, repair, and calibration of test equipment.
Interpersonal skills to explain test procedures and allay patient fears.
Skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Knowledge of the effects of cardiovascular drugs and pathologies on procedure results.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience in Echocardiography, Phonocardiography, or equivalent related experience is preferred.
ARDMS registration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic evaluations, including Stress Echo, Dobutamine, and 2-D Echo with Doppler and Color Flow.
Assist with Transesophageal Echocardiograms under physician supervision.
Obtain patient histories and perform cardiovascular clinical evaluations, including physical examination and auscultation.
Analyze and interpret test results and graphic and video recordings; determine whether additional tests or procedures are needed.
Select and perform appropriate procedures and integrate clinical findings and test results into an overall diagnostic impression.
Assist subordinate technical personnel with clinical impressions and review of diagnostic findings as necessary.
Participate in instruction of postgraduate medical trainees in laboratory methods, procedures, analysis, and interpretive findings.
Discuss clinical and diagnostic findings with medical staff and, occasionally, attending or referring physicians.
Operate and maintain testing equipment, instruments, and supplies according to established standards; perform minor maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment.
Enter preliminary report information into the hospital computer system after physicians' initial dictation.
Bill inpatient and outpatient patients for appropriate tests or procedures.
Schedule inpatient testing procedures as needed and assist in prioritizing testing based on referred clinical information.
Participate in the Quality Improvement program.
Maintain professional knowledge through conference attendance and/or professional organizations.