Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist

Join to apply for the Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist role at Brown University Health
.

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).

• 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 abnormalities.
• 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 make 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.
• 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 operations of the Echocardiography laboratory.
• Maintains a daily log of patients seen.
• Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area and maintains adequate supplies.
• Evaluates equipment malfunctions and speaks with the appropriate equipment representative. Reports equipment failures to the appropriate supervisor or staff member.
• Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
• Establishes and maintains ethical working…