Echo Sonographer

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The adult cardiac sonographer works collaboratively with health care providers to provide direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures in the Cardiac Non Invasive Services Department and throughout the hospital. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performance of transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms. Evening and weekend call is mandatory Function/Duties of Position Provides direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures in the Cardiac Non Invasive Services Department and other areas in the hospital Performs transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms Assesses and prepares patients for procedures Conducts testing under the indirect supervision of a cardiologist Positions patient to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort Adjusts equipment controls and modifies images during the exam to demonstrate anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, and/or pathology accurately Determines need for additional views based on patient variables or encountered pathology Records images for review by cardiologist Provides measurements, estimates, angles, and guidance as needed during certain procedures including, but not limited to, pericardiocentisis, transesophageal echocardiogram, and alcohol septal ablation Selects appropriate scan based on functional and/or anatomical pathology Utilizes ultrasound and contrast agents to view cardiac structures and wall motion/perfusion Monitors patients and their response Reports pertinent findings to cardiologist Arranges images of exam findings for patient’s medical record xiii. Documents according to established policies and procedures Demonstrates ongoing proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to specialty area Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies/protocols/procedures Protects patient privacy/maintains confidentiality Inserts and manages intravenous lines Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions, clinical problems, or emergent situations Provides teaching to patient and family as necessary Performs routine cleaning and reports mechanical failure of equipment Ensures emergency equipment is maintained and working properly Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment Follows research protocols Performs patient care in a timely manner Productively utilizes unassigned time Prioritizes and coordinates patient care and/or services with team members

Requirements

Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology or Ultrasound from an approved and accredited program OR Equivalent combination of education, formal training and work experience.
Board Certification or eligibility for certification by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer.
Sonographer license issued by Oregon Board of Medical Imaging.
For positions on adult units, certification from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) will be accepted in lieu of ARDMS certification.
Active registration must be maintained with continuing medical education units (CME’s) on an ongoing basis.
BLS certification
Ability to perform a complete transthoracic echocardiogram including assessing systolic and diastolic function, and valvular anatomy
Knowledge of cardiovascular disease and treatment
Knowledge of cardiac noninvasive procedures
Effective utilization of oral and written communication skills with staff and the public
Fluency in oral and written English
Proficiency in computer skills including word processing and databases
Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks
Strong customer service skills
Proficiency in organizational skills, time management and creativity with scheduling patients
Ability to work independently and autonomously, self-motivated
Ability to report to work regularly, on time, and prepared

Nice To Haves

Bachelors degree
One year of recent experience as a cardiac sonographer.
Recent experience as a cardiac sonographer in a hospital based, cardiac non invasive services department
Proficiency in intravenous line insertion and management

Responsibilities

Provides direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures in the Cardiac Non Invasive Services Department and other areas in the hospital
Performs transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms
Assesses and prepares patients for procedures
Conducts testing under the indirect supervision of a cardiologist
Positions patient to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort
Adjusts equipment controls and modifies images during the exam to demonstrate anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, and/or pathology accurately
Determines need for additional views based on patient variables or encountered pathology
Records images for review by cardiologist
Provides measurements, estimates, angles, and guidance as needed during certain procedures including, but not limited to, pericardiocentisis, transesophageal echocardiogram, and alcohol septal ablation
Selects appropriate scan based on functional and/or anatomical pathology
Utilizes ultrasound and contrast agents to view cardiac structures and wall motion/perfusion
Monitors patients and their response
Reports pertinent findings to cardiologist
Arranges images of exam findings for patient’s medical record xiii.
Documents according to established policies and procedures
Demonstrates ongoing proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to specialty area
Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies/protocols/procedures
Protects patient privacy/maintains confidentiality
Inserts and manages intravenous lines
Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions, clinical problems, or emergent situations
Provides teaching to patient and family as necessary
Performs routine cleaning and reports mechanical failure of equipment
Ensures emergency equipment is maintained and working properly
Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment
Follows research protocols
Performs patient care in a timely manner
Productively utilizes unassigned time
Prioritizes and coordinates patient care and/or services with team members