Non Registered Cardiac Sonographer

Job Description Summary

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 diagnostic 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• ADULT ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY EXAMINATIONS, CAROTID DUPLEX EXAMINATIONS, PEDIATRIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY : Have the ability to recognize normal and abnormal findings and to communicate those to the reading physician.
• Able to instantaneously obtain diagnostic quality images following exercise, or during the administration of drugs which 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 concerning 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.
• Able to disinfect equipment upon completion of the examination.
• Identify a life-threatening situation and carry out emergency care.
• Participate in a quality assurance program to ensure safe and effective equipment operation.
• Recognize examination findings that may require an immediate clinical response and notify the interpreting physician or other appropriate physicians.
• Assist in the training and orientation of new personnel to the laboratory as required by Chief Sonographer.
• Demonstrate the ability to do mathematical calculations and use instrument controls, computer programs, and internal analysis.
• Employ professional judgment and discretion to protect the patient’s rights and privacy, perform within the scope of practice, and to 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 by our Guest Excellence principles.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS : EDUCATION :

EDUCATION :

Must be registry eligible per standards of ARDMS or CCI pre-requisites for eligibility to sit the registry examination.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION :

• Obtain the current active status of RDCS or RCS credentials as provided by the ARDMS or CCI within one year of employment.
• 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.

EXPERIENCE :

Prior experience as required by the ARDMS or CCI credentialing boards prior to sitting the ARDMS or CCI Registry Examination.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.