Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer - Per Diem

SUMMARY

The Cardiac Sonographer has the task of capably and reliably evaluating a complex, intricately moving, three‑dimensional vital organ, the heart, using the two‑dimensional modality of ultrasound. It is crucial that the sonographer has a thorough comprehension of cardiac pathology in order to recognize and distinguish abnormal pathologies from normal, and a complete understanding and familiarity of the intricate, computer‑driven sonography system in order to capture the necessary digital images for the cardiologist to make the proper determination for the patient.

As it is the examination and evaluation of a moving dynamic organ, the echocardiogram is very "operator‑dependent" and a great responsibility is placed on the sonographer to present the physician with a thorough examination in order for the physician to properly treat the patient. The Cardiac Sonographer is responsible to participate in daily operations of the Echocardiography Laboratory, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA).

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
• RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic echocardiography examinations – M‑Mode, two‑dimensional, Doppler and Color Doppler Echocardiography, Exercise Stress Echocardiograms and Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Understands basic and complex hemodynamics. Possesses an understanding of wall motion abnormalities.
• Uses technical ability to properly position patients, correctly angulate the transducer and to optimally adjust machine controls, gain settings and frequency of different machine types to provide the best resolution and cardiac ultrasound images possible.
• Performs accurate and thorough measurements and calculations, including wall thickness, chamber size, valve orifice, blood velocity measurements and pressure gradients across valve orifices.
• Obtains an appropriate patient medical history and maintains a clear understanding of the patient's diagnosis and the goals and limits of each study. A thorough understanding of cardiac pathology is essential to assure that proper and complete data is recorded.
• Provides quality cardiac ultrasound examinations on a varied adult population – patients who are elderly, patients in critical care units and patients with complex congenital heart anomalies.
• Uses independent judgment during the cardiac ultrasound to accurately differentiate normal and pathologic findings.
• Explains the procedure to patients to allay anxiety and to elicit cooperation, always maintaining a professional and friendly attitude. Is responsive to any special needs that may arise and assists appropriately.
• The sonographer's daily workflow procedure is organized and efficient, which reduces waiting time and exam time for the patients, while still obtaining a complete and quality echocardiogram.
• Addresses problems of patient care as they arise and makes decisions to appropriately resolve the problems. Handles difficult patients and difficult situations appropriately and competently.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in the sonographer's care.
• Coordinates with other staff to assure appropriate patient care is provided and appropriately follows the departmental Echocardiogram Protocol.
• Recognizes when the use of a contrast agent (i.e. Optison, Definity) and Agitated Saline is needed and obtains optimal images.
• Coordinates work schedule with Departmental Director and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage.
• Assists with the daily…