Cardiac Sonographer I

Advocate Health Care; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care in Park Ridge, IL seeks a Cardiac Sonographer to perform echocardiography using M-mode, 2-D, Doppler and Color Flow as part of a busy Echocardiography Lab.

You will obtain measurements, assist in Cath/EP labs, and communicate findings, while maintaining equipment and complying with age-specific care standards. The role requires attention to patient history, accurate data collection, and adherence to ARDMS/CCI certification plans.

Qualifications

• Advanced training beyond high school in sonography.
• Licensure options include RDCS-AE or RCS, with BLS within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Perform echocardiography using M-mode, 2-D, Doppler and Color Flow Doppler to obtain accurate measurements.
• Identify and define cardiac abnormalities and extend the examination as needed.
• Prepare patients, obtain history, and adapt imaging techniques for diagnostic studies.
• Assist in transesophageal studies and coordinate with physicians in cath labs.
• Maintain Echocardiography Lab and equipment; report malfunctions.
• Communicate findings to appropriate staff and ensure age-specific patient care.

Skills

Cardiac anatomy

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills

Sonography principles

Education

Sonography program

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

• Performs cardiac ultrasound procedures such as M-mode, 2-D, Doppler and Color Flow Doppler utilizing a variety of equipment and techniques and makes the necessary measurements required for the interpretation to obtain accurate, high quality results (for example, muscle wall thickness, diameter of chambers, volume of chambers, valve areas, blood flow velocity and direction). May assist physicians in the Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs by performing echocardiograph studies to aid them in proceeding with complex procedures to decrease risk factors.
• Identifies and defines cardiac abnormalities and extends the scope of the examination appropriately.
• Prepares patients for procedures and obtains clinical history from the patient including cardiac related physical findings and pertinent laboratory data in order to adapt the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiograms to alleviate the probability of erroneous clinical interpretation of the echocardiogram.
• Assists in performing transesophageal studies with cardiologist, calculating appropriate measurements and sterilizes probe.
• Communicates clinical findings to the appropriate staff.
• Records statistics and performs daily maintenance of the Echocardiography Lab and its equipment, reporting all malfunctions as appropriate.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Performs cardiac ultrasound procedures such as M-mode, 2-D, Doppler and Color Flow Doppler utilizing a variety of equipment and techniques and makes the necessary measurements required for the interpretation to obtain accurate, high quality results (for example, muscle wall thickness, diameter of chambers, volume of chambers, valve areas, blood flow velocity and direction). May assist physicians in the Catheterization and Electrophysiology Labs by performing echocardiograph studies to aid them in proceeding with complex procedures to decrease risk factors.
• Identifies and defines cardiac abnormalities and extends the scope of the examination appropriately.
• Prepares patients for procedures and obtains clinical history from the patient including cardiac related physical findings and pertinent laboratory data in order to adapt the imaging techniques to obtain comprehensive and diagnostic echocardiograms to alleviate the probability of erroneous clinical interpretation of the echocardiogram.
• Assists in performing transesophageal studies with cardiologist, calculating appropriate measurements and sterilizes probe.
• Communicates clinical findings to the appropriate staff.
• Records statistics and performs daily maintenance of the Echocardiography Lab and its equipment, reporting all malfunctions as appropriate.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS-AE) registration with Adult Echo issued by the ARDMS needs to be obtained within 1 year, or
• Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge and ability to apply complex sonographic principles, instrumentation and techniques.
• Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
• Excellent interpersonal and patient service skills.
• Intermediate computer skills.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Able to sit 50% and stand and walk 20% of the workday.
• Must be able to:
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Able to frequently push or pull over 100 lbs.
• Able to use hands and feet to operate equipment.
• Functional speech, vision and hearing.
• Will be required to wear protective clothing (i.e., lead aprons, isolation gowns, protective eyewear, etc.) as needed.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.