Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer

West Tennessee Healthcare

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Sonographer utilizes high-frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Diagnostic Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to provide quality patient care. Diagnostic Sonographers acquire and evaluate data while exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of the clinical examination and participate as an integral part of the cardiovascular team. Diagnostic Sonographers in this department are cross-trained in Adult Echo, Pediatric Echo, Carotid Duplex Examinations, Stress Echo exams, and Transesophageal Echo. Supports the mission, vision, and values of The Tennessee Heart and Vascular Center and, under the direction of the Director of Cardiology, contributes to the accomplishment of the purpose of the Echocardiology department. Under the general direction of the chief cardiac sonographer and the Director of Cardiology, the registered cardiac sonographer is responsible for the assigned shift as scheduled including on-call status. The employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.

Requirements

As required by the ARDMS or CCI credentialing board.
Current active status of RDCS or RCS credentials as provided by the ARDMS or CCI, and maintained active during the length of employment at JMCGH through the attainment of continuing education credits as delineated by the ARDMS or CCI.
BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current while in this position.
Prior experience as required by the ARDMS or CCI credentialing boards prior to passing the ARDMS or CCI Registry Examination.

Responsibilities

Obtain optimal quality Echocardiographic data utilizing 2-D imaging, M-Mode, Continuous Wave and Pulsed Wave Doppler, Color Flow Doppler, Stress, and Transesophageal modalities.
Have the ability to recognize normal and abnormal Echocardiographic images and Doppler signals and to communicate those to the reading physician.
Obtain optimal quality Carotid Duplex exams.
Have the ability to recognize normal and abnormal findings and to communicate those to the reading physician.
Able to recognize, identify, and record a wide range of congenital cardiac abnormalities in the newborn and pediatric patient, and to communicate the findings to the attending physician.
Responsible for contacting the on-call pediatric cardiologist at UTMG pediatrics in Memphis or Vanderbilt Pediatric cardiology department.
Competent in the use of the stress echo equipment.
Able to instantaneously obtain diagnostic quality images following exercise, or during the administration of drugs that act upon the heart to increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Has a firm knowledge of the physiologic and diagnostic aspects of the exam, Including drug side effects and interactions, and possible complications that may arise in relation to the examination, and the proper medical responses.
Understands the coronary artery distribution and perfusion of the heart, EKG rhythms, and able to aid the physician in recognition of wall motion abnormalities.
Able to explain testing to the patient, enter data in the computer systems, prepare reports for Physician interpretation.
Assist in the monitoring of the patient during an examination.
Coordinates exams with the TEE room, physicians, and nursing personnel.
Set up equipment to perform procedures, and assist physician as necessary to obtain diagnostic-quality images.
Knowledgeable on cardiac anatomy and presentation.
Able to perform all calculations on ultrasound equipment as requested by the physician.
Able to disinfect equipment upon completion of the examination.
Obtain and review pertinent patient history, physical examination, and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic reasoning for testing.
Use oral and written communication skills to interact with the interpreting physician or other appropriate physicians.
Maintain clinical and computer records, log-books, prepare charges in Power Chart and AS400.
Comprehend and employ appropriate medical terminology, abbreviations, symbols, terms and phrases.
Maintain infection control and use universal precautions.
Identify a life-threatening situation and carry out emergency care.
Participate in quality assurance program in order to ensure safe and effective equipment operation.
Know human gross and sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology, congenital defects, surgical repairs, acoustical physics, Doppler ultrasound principles, and ultrasound instrumentation.
Recognize examination findings that may require an immediate clinical response and notify the interpreting physician or other appropriate physician.
Assist in the training and orientation of new personnel to the laboratory as required by Chief Sonographer.
Provide patient and public education.
Demonstrate ability to do mathematical calculations and use instrument controls, computer programs, and internal analysis.
Employ professional judgment and discretion in order to protect the patient’s rights and privacy, perform within the scope of practice, and adhere to the professional code of conduct.
Maintain competency through continuing education.
Contribute to a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department and hospital, perform other related responsibilities as required or directed, and greet guests in accordance with our Guest Excellence principles.
Create reports in the X-Celera database system for physician interpretation.
Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.