Cardiac Sonographer, PRN, Lexington Medical Center

Overview

Qualified Cardiac Sonographer needed on a PRN basis for Lexington Medical Center in Lexington, NC.

JOB SUMMARY:  

On an ad-hoc bases, 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 (Treated as a 2-year Program).  
• One year experience with patients preferred.  Associate’s degree preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: 

• Valid Sonography credential registration (ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS) through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), or RCS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) preferred. Must be registered in appropriate cardiology specialties within two years of hire. 
• Completion of CPR Course – BLS Certification Required.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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
• Ability to teach and provide instruction and assess quality of other sonographers’ work
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a positive, effective working relationship with staff and leadership
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and maintain self-control
• Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making
• Ability to multitask and prioritize

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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.
• Records quality information while performing echocardiographic imaging and following procedural guidelines and protocols
• Explains procedures and possible side effects to the patient or family members.
• Provides echocardiography service at all necessary locations, portables, working variable shifts, weekends, and providing emergent call coverage as scheduled.
• 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.
• Maintain equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs.
• Performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.
• Analyze patient’s medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; evaluate procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintain appropriate logs, files, and records.
• Review department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.
• Instruct students, fellows, nurses, or health personnel as requested.
• Communicates technical and patient care related information according to established processes and timelines.
• Attends Echo Lab Meetings, participates in Echo related conferences through attendance, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.
• Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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