Details
Posted: 04-Sep-23
Location: Towson, Maryland
Salary: Open
Categories:
Allied Health
Internal Number: REF18027O
Job Description
Job Summary
The Cardiac Sonographer is responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients requiring diagnostic testing in an organized and systematic manner according to established department/hospital policies and standards.
General Summary
Under general supervision performs cardiac diagnostic ultrasound procedures at a technical level, providing identification of cardiac structures, recognition of abnormalities and documentation for later clinical interpretation. Fulfillment of the job duties requires the employee to have access to medication storage areas.
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being perfo7rmed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
* Performs non-invasive echocardiograms to assist the Anesthesiologist or Cardiologist to diagnose, analyze and monitor the disorder of the heart in accordance with departmental procedures.
* Greets and receives patients. Explains procedure to patient; informs patient or physician of required preparation for particular exam. Positions patients according to department procedure manual. Assists patients onto examining table, in accordance with department protocols. Communicates information regarding cardiac sonography procedures requiring patient preparation.
* Performs clinical echocardiogram procedures of the heart, comprising real time, ultrasound, and M-Mode imaging. Performs quantitative analysis of studies to note abnormalities in test results and alerts physician of such abnormalities.
* Reports all potential or actual patient/equipment problems to the supervisor and/or manufacturing company. Troubleshoots minor equipment problems.
* Recognizes and responds to emergency situations by utilizing CPR or contacting nursing or medical personnel.
A. Sets up and maintains a sterile field by using sterile techniques; opens sterile procedure trays where applicable.
B. Assists in transesophageal echocardiograms by operating cardiac ultrasound and echocardiograph equipment, preparing and disinfecting transesphageal scope as per standard operating and infection control standards/procedures.
* Sets up ultrasound equipment and assists Anesthesiologist or Cardiologist in preparing monitoring equipment and assists under physician's direction duties relating to patient's care and comfort.
* Cleans and disinfects ultrasound/cardiology equipment. Calibrates equipment for correct exposure and magnification parameters. Performs minor maintenance on equipment, as needed following protocols and guidelines.
A. Maintains supplies needed on a daily basis by restocking according to inventory list in each procedure room.
B. Documents all equipment problems on maintenance request forms.
* Enters patient history in the information system accurately and completely on a daily basis in accordance with departmental procedures. Maintains daily log and prepares necessary documentation for patient charge and report generation.
* Assists the receptionist and other support staff with routine office duties, as needed. Arranges in-patient requests for transthoracic echocardiograms in order to accommodate all patients.
* Assists in training, cardiac students and house staff. May prepare and present in-service training for cardiology conference.
Company Description
When you come to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, you're coming to more than simply a beautiful 37-acre, 218-bed suburban Baltimore, Maryland campus. You're embarking on a professional journey that encourages opportunities, values a team atmosphere, and makes convenience and flexibility a priority. Joining our team of healthcare professionals means you'll be contributing to a locally and nationally recognized institution. UM St. Joseph has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a grade 'A' hospital and by U.S. News & World Report as #3 in both the state and Baltimore Metro area, making UM St. Joseph the highest-ranking community hospital in Maryland. In addition, we've been consistently recognized as a top employer by Baltimore magazine.
Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma or GED (Required)
- Combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- Vocational / Technical Degree (Preferred)
Certification / Licensure / Registration
- BLS Certification (Required)
- ARDMS, RDCS, or RCS (Preferred)
Education and Experience
* Associate of Arts degree is preferred but at least 60 college level credits are required.
* Registered or eligible for registry as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or CCI credentialed/eligible through Cardiovascular Credentialing International is required.
* One year experience performing echocardiography testing/procedures, or equivalent, is preferred or a recent graduate of a CAAHEP accredited cardiac ultrasound program.
* CPR Certification Required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary to work with patients, medical and nursing personnel. Ability to communicate effectively with patients and all levels of staff.
* Proficient knowledge and understanding of anatomy, specific disease entities in the field of cardiology/echocardiology and pattern recognition.
* Proficient knowledge of ultrasound principles and practices, including differentiation of cross-sectional anatomy and setting-up and maintaining a sterile field is required.
* Ability to operate routine cardiology equipment, set -up various monitoring equipment and echocardiogram.
* Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
o Preferred: RDMS certification in good standing
o Other: RDMS certification or ARRT certification preferred, required within 1 year of hire date.
* Education/Knowledge
o Attained Level: Formal Education Training
o Completed Course Work/Program: Graduate from Joint Review Committee approved program for Sonography.
* Applicable Experience
o Required: 1 - 3 years
Physical Requirements and Physical Demands
- Adequate hearing to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.
- Hears alarms/telephone/tape recorder/normal speaking voice.
- Must be able to accurately document pertinent information either by writing or typing. Must be able to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone.
- Must be able to distinguish colors.
- Must be able to perform repetitive tasks/motion.
- Must have good eye-hand-foot coordination.
- Must have good manual dexterity.
- Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens. Balancing: Occasionally within shift (1-33%) Bending: Frequently within shift (34-66%)