Cardiovascular Sonographer I

The University of Kansas Health System•Kansas City, KS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Cardiovascular Sonographers provide professional, safe and compassionate ultrasound imaging care to all patient populations. They are uniquely trained in the advanced understanding of ultrasound physics and instrumentation allowing them to optimize the ultrasound controls for the highest quality image acquisition. The sonographer is able to identify and evaluate the appropriate anatomical and physiological consequences that would be consistent with disease processes. They need to be able to adapt the routine protocol to a wide range of patients and disease-state variability, making each exam individual and unique. The sonographer manages the initiation of critical value notification to expedite optimal patient outcomes.

Requirements

High School Graduate
Graduate of a CAAHEP; JRC-DMS program in cardiac ultrasound. OR Graduate of programmatically accredited program in cardiac ultrasound/echocardiography OR Graduate of a Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate academic program in Health Science (including, but not limited to, cardiovascular technology, ultrasound, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, or nursing)
Training or certification in IV and UEA contrast administration
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
Maintain CME requirements
Basic Computer Skills
Ability to train in area of competency

Nice To Haves

Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) within 180 Days OR Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 180 Days
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) within 180 Days OR Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) - Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 180 Days

Responsibilities

Obtain a patient history and perform a pre ultrasound procedure assessment.
Utilize professional knowledge to verify that the exam ordered is consistent with the patient history, indication and/or diagnosis and assessment findings. Clarify the procedure with the ordering physician in the presence of any inconsistencies.
Assume responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of the patients while they are under their care.
Interact and communicate with patients, explaining the procedure, reassuring them and eliciting their cooperation as needed.
Perform routine and complex cardiovascular ultrasound procedures including echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms including treadmill, Dobutamine echo and bicycle ergonometry.
Perform vascular imaging including carotid Duplex, upper/lower venous/arterial, abdominal aorta, renal, venous insufficiency, and vein mapping procedures.
Demonstrate an understanding of the imaging planes obtained during a TEE exam.
Assist the physician in the accurate acquisition of images from the esophagus.
Complete appropriate TEE probe cleaning and disinfecting at the KU location.
Perform professional, clinical and technical competencies of assigned location, but not limited to assigned shifts and be readily available when scheduled to perform on-call echocardiographic services as assigned to provide emergent echocardiographic services under the direction of a cardiologist.
Demonstrate the ability to identify and evaluate the appropriate anatomical and physiological consequences that would be consistent with disease process.
Adapt the routine protocol to accommodate a wide range of patients and disease-states, making each exam individual and unique.
Initiate any additional enhancements that would provide beneficial information unless otherwise noted by the ordering physician.
Demonstrate both cognitive and psychomotor skill sets in the area of cardiovascular disease states necessary to accurately and efficiently obtain the appropriate vascular and echocardiographic ultrasound images and hemodynamic information as appropriate.
Organize the acquired data in the appropriate sequence that will accurately represent the patient's condition to the interpreting physician.
Identify, document, and communicate critical values to the interpreting physician.
Work closely with the interpreting physician in interpretive sessions, assisting in the evaluation of data and contributing relevant technical information.
Provide quality, constructive feedback on peer to peer case study review as assigned, in accordance with the departmental QI program.
Return QI studies to the technical director or their designee in a timely manner.
Assist in maintaining efficient patient flow through the department, working as an active participant with the other members of the team.
Complete mandatory educational assignments as outlined by the department director.
Participate in the education and training of sonographer students, residents, medical students and fellows, providing instruction in the area of cardiovascular ultrasound procedures.
Assess the need for LVO contrast and bubble studies during echocardiography studies; administer and properly document IV’s, LVO contrast and bubble studies when performed.
Demonstrate an understanding of the imaging planes needed to assist with sonographer-guided thrombin injection procedures in performed in the cath lab under the direction of the cardiologist.
Assist with the assessment and maintenance of the equipment log.
Make service calls when needed in a timely manner, resolve the issue, and document in the appropriate log.
Notify director/manager of issue in a timely manner.
Maintain cleanliness of supplies, stock linen and empty laundry on a daily basis.
Perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.