Cardiac Sonographer

The Cardiac Sonographer performs age-specific procedures to assess a patient's heart condition through the detailed images taken during an echocardiogram.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Receives, informs, and prepares patients for procedures.

• Performs and assists with procedures ordered by the physician.

• Perform 2D and 3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram according to protocol.

• Place EKG leads in appropriate positions for cardiac monitoring during exams.

• Uses both color flow and spectral Doppler to accurately evaluate cardiac stenotic and regurgitant lesions, and intracardiac shunt and other hemodynamically significant lesions.

• Evaluates the hemodynamic significance of various cardiac disease states using all imaging modalities available in accordance with the department's protocols.

• Calculates measurements of echocardiographic structures and Doppler signals, deriving the appropriate indices pertinent to each patient.

• Operates ultrasound system and assists cardiologist and/or APP during dobutamine and stress echocardiography.

• Performs contrast administration and agitated saline bubble studies and initiates IV placement when needed.

• Informs interpreting physician if an abnormal fining and/or a hemodynamically significant change is present from previous examination.

• Assumes responsibility for providing patients with physical and psychological needs during procedures.

• Maintains sterile equipment and fields.

• Performs vascular sonography exams as needed.

• Reviews patient's medical records to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders. Obtains necessary clinical information from patients and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.

• Communicates to patient and family members in a timely and thorough manner.

• Communicates pertinent patient information to physicians and appropriate team members.

• Prepares written preliminary impressions of test performed.

• Provides emergency care for patients using the basic support protocols until a CODE team response team arrives.

• Reports any maintenance or equipment issues to the lead sonographer.

• Transports patients between departments.

• Maintains necessary inventory of supplies and cleanliness for assigned work area.

• Assists with the training and orientation of other technologist as well as ultrasound students.

• Requires understanding and adherence to compliance and confidentiality policies and procedures.

• Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with co-workers.

• Participates in regular staff meetings.

Education:

Graduate from a Sonography and/or Radiologic Technology program.

Experience:

One year preferred

Licensure/Certification:

Current radiation operator certification issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky preferred.

Additional registry/registry eligible with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) preferred.

Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire