Cardiac Vascular Sonographer Reg, FT Days (Outpatient)

Wellstar Health System•Marietta, GA

About The Position

The Cardiac-Vascular Sonographer works in a dual role performing cardiac and vascular ultrasound examinations under the direction of the Manager, Chief, or Lead Sonographer. Cardiac imaging may include adult, pediatric, transesophageal, and stress echocardiograms, depending on the facility. Vascular imaging includes carotid duplex studies, ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing with and without exercise, AAA screening, aorta imaging, and upper- and lower-extremity arterial and venous studies. Venous reflux experience is preferred but not required where applicable. The sonographer performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocols, provides preliminary findings to the interpreting physician, and ensures patient safety and well-being. The role may include administering ultrasound image-enhancing agents and saline bubble studies, and requires effective communication, dependability, accountability, cooperation, and flexibility to meet department needs. The sonographer must be available for rotating call, weekend, and holiday coverage where applicable. The position includes preparing and supporting patients throughout examinations, producing diagnostic-quality images, maintaining equipment and records, following infection-control and hospital procedures, and collaborating with physicians and other technologists. The sonographer also supports departmental education, quality control, accreditation, and operational needs, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited program.
At least 1 year of experience in echocardiography or vascular sonography.
Required Basic Life Support (BLS) credential; the posting also lists BLS Instructor and BLS Provisional as required credentials.
One of the listed required credentials: ARRT Vascular Sonography, Registered Vascular Specialist, Registered Vascular Technologist, Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer—Adult Echo.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with physicians, patients, visitors, departmental staff, and nursing staff.
Ability to explain procedures and directions, address questions, and obtain cooperation while maintaining goodwill.
Ability to work independently under pressure while contributing to a team.
Strong customer-service skills and ability to work effectively in a stressful, fast-paced environment.
Ability to prioritize, multitask, and maintain attention to detail.
Flexibility to meet department work-hour needs; dependability, accountability, and cooperation.
Ability to provide safe, age-appropriate patient care and obtain quality diagnostic studies properly and safely.
Ability to perform technical procedures requiring independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative in using equipment for diagnosis or treatment.
Proficiency in vascular ultrasound and competence in cardiac and vascular ultrasound, patient positioning, and exposure factors.
Ability to perform job functions independently, set up imaging equipment, and position patients.
Understanding of anatomy and pathology and how they affect examination quality.
Ability to operate department workstations and push or retrieve images between the ultrasound console and PACS.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography program or an accredited Cardiovascular Technology program.
Experience with venous reflux studies, where applicable.

Responsibilities

Perform cardiac imaging, including adult, pediatric, transesophageal, and stress echocardiograms when offered at the designated facility.
Perform vascular imaging, including carotid duplex, ABI testing with and without exercise, AAA screening, aorta imaging, and upper- and lower-extremity arterial and venous scans.
Perform all vascular ultrasound and echocardiography examinations and modalities within the department.
Obtain clinical history and examination data, verify orders and patient identity, assess contraindications, prepare patients, and explain procedures.
Perform measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocols and provide preliminary findings to the interpreting physician.
Administer contrast or ultrasound image-enhancing agents and saline bubble studies as needed, following established procedures.
Review images for clinically acceptable results, ensure correct patient identification and image markers, and release patients when appropriate.
Maintain patient safety, privacy, comfort, and dignity; observe patient condition and respond appropriately to emergencies or the need for physician intervention.
Operate ultrasound equipment and associated workstations; maintain equipment, perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance, and report malfunctions.
Ensure equipment is operational and properly calibrated before use; follow infection-control and department cleaning procedures.
Complete pre-procedure verification and Time Out processes when appropriate, and understand and provide pre- and post-procedural care and sterile technique.
Perform echocardiograms and treadmill, bicycle, or stress echocardiograms according to physician orders and established procedures.
Consult physicians regarding non-standard examinations and technical requirements.
Send completed studies to PACS, complete studies in RIS, and print or scan records and CDs as needed.
Maintain concise, legible documentation, patient charts, logs, echocardiograph tapes, charging records, credentials, and accreditation documentation.
Maintain clinical competency and registry certification through practice and continuing education; complete required departmental and hospital education.
Participate in orientation and training of departmental employees and assist other technologists in all modalities when needed.
Restock supplies and linens, keep the department clean and orderly, transport and position patients, and assist patients on and off the procedure table.
Perform patient charging activities on the day services are rendered and routine clerical or support duties as needed.
Maintain Joint Commission and other applicable regulatory standards, and keep the supervisor informed about responsibilities and problems.
Take call when necessary and work rotating weekends and holidays where applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with WellStar policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.