Position Summary:The Cardiac sonographer (Echocardiographer) functions as a healthcare provider who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising Cardiology physician, serves as a medical imaging professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the Cardiologist with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The Cardiac Sonographer role and responsibilities include providing diagnostic medical sonography images of the heart, cardiac chambers, valves, and vessels. The Cardiac Sonographer activities are performed consistent with their education and training, and in accordance with facility policies and procedures and applicable professional standards.Accountability:

Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies and procedures

Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information

Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination

Conduct patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional facility protocols

Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captures in the examination images

Except as authorized by written facility policies and procedures, refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis question to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional

Review examination images, synthesize examination results, and prepare the preliminary findings for use by the interpreting physician

Perform quality control procedures to ensure that the ultrasound equipment operates at optimal levels

Exercise responsibility to ensure that the ultrasound equipment is functioning accurately

Exercise responsibility for the maintenance and accuracy of facility reports, database records and logs

Ensure the sonography examination results meet the facility standards for Quality Assurance before findings are released for interpretation

Carry out Quality Assurance protocols and quality improvement measures within the facility

Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with co-workers, administrators and members of the healthcare team

PATIENT SAFETY 1 - Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols

PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes

PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk

PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner

PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"

Education Requirements:

Associate's Degree in related discipline

Allied Health and Accreditation program graduate or equivalent

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

Addendum - Pediatric Echocardiography Certification

NM Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Program Licensure (NMMIRT)

(ARDMS) American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Ultrasound Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) certification

CPR Certification for Healthcare/BLS Providers or for Professional Rescuers or must obtain within 30 calendar days of date of position

Physical Demands Requirements:

Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Testing Requirements:

Tuberculin Skin Test required annually

Working Conditions Requirements:

Med Haz: Mod exposure to chemicals, dangerous equipment and/or materials requiring basic safety precautions

May be required or is required to perform on-call duties