Cardiac Sonographer - Hillsboro Medical Center

Position Summary – 

The Cardiac Sonographer works collaboratively with health care providers to provide direct and indirect care to patients undergoing procedures 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – 

Performed majority of the time:

·         Performs transthoracic echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, and transesophageal echocardiograms:

o   Assesses and prepares patients for procedures

o   Conducts testing under the indirect supervision of a cardiologist

o   Positions patient to maximize effectiveness of image and minimize patient discomfort

o    Adjusts equipment controls and modifies images during the exam to demonstrate anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, and/or pathology accurately

o    Determines need for additional views based on patient variables or encountered pathology

o   Records images for review by cardiologist

o   Provides measurements, estimates, angles, and guidance as needed during certain procedures including, but not limited to, pericardiocentesis, transesophageal echocardiogram, and alcohol septal ablation

o   Selects appropriate scan based on functional and/or anatomical pathology

o   Utilizes ultrasound and contrast agents to view cardiac structures and wall motion/perfusion

o   Monitors patients and their response

o   Reports pertinent findings to cardiologist

o   Arranges images of exam findings for patient’s medical record

o   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

·         Follows research protocols

·         Performs patient care in a timely manner

·         Productively utilizes unassigned time

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

·         Performs general office duties: maintains stock supplies, assists administrators in determining quantities for purchase, records procedure codes for billing purposes, and scheduling patients.

·         Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.

·         Troubleshoot equipment and document errors or equipment malfunctions; escalate issues and concerns to engineer, supervisor, and/or cardiologist.

·         Participates in the assessment and development of department and hospital related projects

o   Participates in orientation of new employees

o   Serves as a resource for staff members, students, residents

o   Serves on hospital and department committees as needed

o   Develops and revises departmental policies, protocols, procedures, and forms as needed

·         Plans, prepares, and presents training for departmental employees

·         Assists with other duties as assigned

·         Rotating holiday and weekend call schedule and rotating Saturday shifts.

·         Travel to offsite clinics may be necessary.

Decision making and budget responsibilities (e.g. impact limited to the employee, entire unit or organization-wide):

·         Decision making has impact on the employee and patient’s wellbeing.

·         No budget responsibilities but demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment.

Assigned direct reports (not limited to the ones listed):

·         N/A

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

·         Associate'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.

Preferred

·         Bachelor’s degree in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology or Ultrasound from an approved and accredited program.

Experience:

Required

·         N/A

Preferred

·         One (1) year or greater of experience with Adult Cardiac Echocardiography

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

Required

·         Board Certification or eligibility for certification through one (1) of the following organizations:

o   American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).

§  Certification to be obtained within 6 months of hire.

o   Or, Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) as a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS).

§  Certification to be obtained within 6 months of hire.

·         Sonographer license issued by Oregon Board of Medical Imaging. Must have license by start date.

·         American Heart Association BLS

Preferred

·         N/A

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

Required

·         Basic computer skills

·         Ability to document in EMR

·         Find, push, or pull studies within PACS viewing system

·         Excellent customer service skills.

·         Uses effective written and interpersonal communication skills.

·         Behavior and appearance support a professional image.

·         Demonstrates skills in caring for the adult and geriatric patient.

Preferred

·         Epic EMR experience

·         Bilingual skills a plus.