Cardiac Sonographer I, Full Time, Winston Salem

JOB SUMMARY : Performs quality Cardiac related ultrasound scans, provides observation summaries of scans, and assists radiologists and staff physicians with invasive procedures. Assists with patient scheduling, clerical and image processing function, and participates in the ultrasound call plan. Utilizes advanced clinical and process knowledge to provide guidance and support to sonographers as requested.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduate of an American Medical Association approved School of Radiologic Technology, AMA approved ultrasound course, or CMA accredited program in Diagnostic ultrasound. One year experience with patients preferred. Associate’s degree preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: Valid registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers preferred. Registered in appropriate specialties within two years of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Explains procedures and possible side effects to the patient or family members.
• Communicates technical and patient care related information according to established processes and timelines.
• Provides echocardiography service at all necessary locations, portables, working variable shifts, weekends, and providing emergent call coverage as scheduled.
• Records quality information while performing echocardiographic imaging and following procedural guidelines and protocols
• Attends Echo Lab Meetings, participates in Echo related conferences through attendance, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.
• Prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist.
• Demonstrates proficiency by performing routine and emergency echocardiograms, including but not limited to 2-dimensional, 3- dimensional, Doppler, Transesophageal, and Stress Echocardiogram, as requested by physician and in accordance with established protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.
• Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recording; utilize ancillary devices such as selected transducers, digital networking system, and off-line analysis systems.
• Review department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.
• Maintain equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs.
• Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; evaluate procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintain appropriate logs, files, and records.
• Analyze patient’s medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures.
• Performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.
• Instruct students, fellows, nurses, or health personnel as requested.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work in a stressful environment and maintain self-control
• Ability to teach and provide instruction and assess quality of other sonographers’ work
• Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making
• Ability to maintain a positive, effective working relationship with staff and leadership
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with physicians, staff, and other Medical Center personnel regarding patient care
• Ability to communicate with patients of varying age groups
• Strong organizational skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Pressure due to multiple calls and inquires
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements
• Exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents and chemicals
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• Possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases
• Potential exposure to risk of blood borne diseases
• Subject to many interruptions
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances