PURPOSE OF POSITION
The primary purpose of this position is to obtain high quality images to assist in the diagnosis and or treatment of patients.
RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS
- Capable of working independently as well as cohesively as a team. Must represent self as a team member and a role model to other sonographers in the department.
- Coordinates work schedule with Unit Director to assure workload coverage.
- Coordinates with Lead Sonographer and/or Unit Director in organizing and presenting continuing medical education classes to sonographers and doctors.
- Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic cardiac laboratory examinations.
- Use cognitive sonographer skills to identify and record appropriate anatomical, pathological and diagnostic images.
- Responsible for the safety, mental and physical comfort of the patient while in the sonographer's care.
- Prepares patients for examinations and explains procedures to patients.
- Assess the patient and correlate the clinical history with the test to be performed.
- Consults with patient and/or patient chart regarding patient's history when necessary.
- Performs the following procedures: Adult and Pediatric echocardiography, Transesophageal (TEE), Stress Echo (exercise and pharmacological), structural heart testing and other tests as determined by the Unit Director and Medical Director of the Cardiac Lab.
- Operates complex ultrasound equipment and other patient assessment equipment pertinent to department needs. Selects appropriate equipment settings and transducer frequency/size for proper examination.
- Recognizes the significance of all structures visualized on the monitor and is able to differentiate normal from abnormal and recognize artifacts. Understands when to seek advice.
- Follows protocols and is able to deviate from normal techniques when clinically necessary.
- Notifies/communicates with cardiologist in presence of critical findings or other significant findings.
- Keeps up-to-date in the field of ultrasound and cardiac technology by reading and/or attending conferences or symposia.
- Assists in the evaluation of new products and equipment for the lab and in research, development, and formulation of new techniques for the cardiac laboratory.
- Stocks and cleans ultrasound equipment and work area.
- Assists in the orientation of new staff members and assists in the training of cardiac students and Fellows.
- Must be self-motivated, responsible, and capable of working with limited supervision within the guidelines set by the supervisor.
- Completes all required training.
- Adheres to hospital policies of time and attendance.
- Maintains confidentiality of information regarding patient, employees, hospital and physicians.
- Makes appropriate recommendations and/or participates in the implementation of change in order to improve overall quality of service.
- Uses Personal Protective Equipment and utilizes standard precautions when performing tasks presenting the possibility of exposure to blood or body fluids.
- Demonstrates an awareness of the continuing changes taking place in the role of this job.
- Performs other duties assigned.
- Creates and fosters a work environment that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Aultman Health Foundation.
- Supports strategic organizational goals.
- Abides by the Aultman Code of Conduct at all times.
Job Requirements
- Graduate from an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program. 1 full additional year of clinical experience in a cardiac lab desirable.
- Holds and maintains or is eligible to sit for current valid licensure related to cardiac ultrasound.
- RDCS (registered diagnostic cardiac technologist) by the ARDMS.
- CCI (registered cardiac sonographer) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
- Must have adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology and disease processes.
- Performs clinical and diagnostic assessments on all tests done by the department. Records all pertinent medical information relative to exam type and able to record thorough images capable of a diagnostic interpretation.
- Display tact and sympathy necessary in dealing with patients and fellow employees.
- Good attendance record with infrequent absentee and tardiness.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Varied shifts M-F, weekends, holidays and on call.
- Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the day.
- Sitting/standing/moving about during working hours.
- Coordinated lunch periods within the department to maintain adequate staffing.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM
PURPOSE: The position requires holding prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning all types of cardiac examinations. Involves some lifting of patients, moving of heavy equipment on wheels (up to approximately 500 lbs), and moving patients in wheel chairs and stretchers. Job requires good emotional and physical health sufficient for requirements and demands.
O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or 0- 32 repetitions.
F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200+ repetitions.
C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200+ repetitions.
N = Not essential job requirement.
C Standing
C Walking
O Lifting (70 pounds)
O Carrying (70 pounds)
F Pushing (70 pounds)
N Climbing with (70 pounds)
O Stooping/Bending
O Twisting/Turning
O Kneeling/Squatting
N Crawling
F Reaching Up/Reaching Forward
HAZARDOUS EXPOSURE CATEGORY
Hazardous exposure category - 1
