Cardiac Sonographer

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work Shift Day (United States of America)

• The Cardiac Sonographer functions under the direction of the Manager or Lead/Chief Sonographer and is responsible for performing all cardiac imaging; which includes, if performed at your designated facility, adult, pediatric, transesophageal (including structural heart) and stress echocardiograms.
• Performs measurements and calculations according to laboratory protocol, provides an oral summary of preliminary findings to the interpreting Physician, if requested, is responsible for the safety and well-being of all patients in the Echo department, must possess the ability to communicate effectively with the patient(s) and health care team.
• The Cardiac Sonographer may also be asked to inject/administer Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA) as well as saline bubble studies.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.
• Must be available to take call, work weekends and Holidays on a rotating basis.

• Verifies proper clinician order for procedure.
• Obtains complete clinical history, gathers examination data and assesses for contraindicating conditions.
• Follows established procedures for the administration of UEAs, so that no patient condition deteriorates, and no patient suffers undue pain, due to error or poor technique.
• Ensures that all studies have proper patient identification.
• Reviews ultrasound images for clinically acceptable results and releases patients.
• Assists other team members in all modalities when needed.
• Observes patient condition and properly evaluates situations when physician intervention is necessary so that no patient condition deteriorates.
• Verifies correct identity of patient using 2 unique identifiers prior to performing a procedure per hospital policy and procedure.
• Ensures patient's privacy and comfort is accommodated. Maintains patients dignity throughout the exam/procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in the determination and application of appropriate procedures, equipment, supplies and techniques based on the age of patients.
• Organizes schedule, time and priorities so that required activities are accomplished within designated time frames.
• Follows physicians instructions when assisting with procedures and exams.
• Uses critical thinking skills.
• Dialogs with patient/family
• Asks clarifying questions.
• Seeks clarification on ambiguous orders.
• Understands, demonstrates and documents preprocedural verification and Time Out process when appropriate.
• Demonstrates and understands pre-and-post procedural care.
• Preps the patient for the procedure.

• Patiently and clearly explains purpose and nature of exam to patient prior to starting procedure, so as to minimize anxiety and facilitate cooperation using AIDET;
  Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explain, and Thank you of all patients and family members.
• Ensures that patient's questions, concerns or contraindications are satisfactorily addressed, notifying physician when this cannot be accomplished, prior to the initiation of the procedure.
• Participates in the orientation and training of departmental employees.
• Provides patients with preparatory instruction and explanation of procedures.
• Required documentation is concise, legible and includes precise terminology.
• Reads email each day scheduled to work and follows through with assignment.
• Completes mandatory departmental and Hospital-wide education without prompting.

• Ensures that equipment is fully operational prior to each use, by checking for proper calibration and operating deficiencies.
• Sends all studies to PACS immediately after completion, prints CDs as needed.
• Follows infection control policies.