Cardiac Sonographer I

Aurora Health Care; Town of Grafton (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care is seeking a skilled Cardiac Sonographer to perform routine and complex echocardiograms across multiple settings. You will interpret findings for Cardiologists, maintain equipment, and participate in education and quality initiatives.

Responsibilities include patient instruction, report preparation, and collaboration within the Echo Lab. Candidates should have ARRT/ARDMS credentials and CPR/BLS certification, with Associate’s or cardiac ultrasound training preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid sonography credential registration (ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS) through ARRT/ARDMS.
• Must be registered in appropriate cardiology specialties within one year of hire.
• Completion of CPR Course – BLS Certification Required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates proficiency by performing routine and emergency echocardiograms, including 2D, 3D, Doppler, Transesophageal, and Stress Echocardiogram.
• Records quality information while performing imaging and follows procedural guidelines.
• Explains procedures and possible side effects to patients and families.
• Provides echocardiography service at multiple locations and during variable shifts.
• Operates equipment and ancillary devices to obtain optimal diagnostic recordings.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment and reports malfunctions.
• Analyzes medical records to obtain history for diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares preliminary reports for review by Cardiologist.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and maintains logs.

Skills

Echocardiography

Communication

Education & Training

Education

Associate's degree preferred

Cardiac ultrasound training program preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Cardiac PAC system

Job description

• Demonstrates proficiency by performing routine and emergency echocardiograms, including but not limited to 2-dimensional, 3- dimensional, Doppler, Transesophageal, and Stress Echocardiogram, as requested by physician and in accordance with established protocols.
• Records quality information while performing echocardiographic imaging and following procedural guidelines and protocols
• Explains procedures and possible side effects to the patient or family members.
• Provides echocardiography service at all necessary locations, portables, working variable shifts, weekends, and providing emergent call coverage as scheduled.
• Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recording; utilize ancillary devices such as selected transducers, digital networking system, and off-line analysis systems.
• Maintain equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs.
• Performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.
• Analyze patient's medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; evaluate procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintain appropriate logs, files, and records.
• Review department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.
• Instruct students, fellows, nurses, or health personnel as requested.
• Communicates technical and patient care related information according to established processes and timelines.
• Attends Echo Lab Meetings, participates in Echo related conferences through attendance, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.
• Works weekends, holidays and on-call, as needed
• Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.
• Level 4 Cardiac Sonographers have the additional following expectations:
• Participates in dedicated research protocols, as needed.
• Performs portable and lab echocardiograms in an inpatient setting on weekends, holidays, and on an on-call basis (Level 4 cardiac sonographers must work in inpatient setting to qualify.)
• Acts as a resource in the absence of the leadership team to provide coverage.
• Actively participates in educational opportunities both internally and externally.
• Is a role model for other cardiac sonographers.
• Has the ability to troubleshoot Cardiac Ultrasound equipment issues and follows through until corrected.

Major Responsibilities

• Demonstrates proficiency by performing routine and emergency echocardiograms, including but not limited to 2-dimensional, 3- dimensional, Doppler, Transesophageal, and Stress Echocardiogram, as requested by physician and in accordance with established protocols.
• Records quality information while performing echocardiographic imaging and following procedural guidelines and protocols
• Explains procedures and possible side effects to the patient or family members.
• Provides echocardiography service at all necessary locations, portables, working variable shifts, weekends, and providing emergent call coverage as scheduled.
• Operates equipment necessary to perform all required procedures and to obtain optimal diagnostic recording; utilize ancillary devices such as selected transducers, digital networking system, and off-line analysis systems.
• Maintain equipment in working order, making minor adjustments and repairs.
• Performs routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and report any equipment malfunction to echo lab manager.
• Analyze patient's medical record to obtain history of symptoms and necessary information for performance of diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares preliminary reports for review and interpretation by Cardiologist.
• Participate in quality improvement activities; evaluate procedure results for technical quality and accuracy; maintain appropriate logs, files, and records.
• Review department performance in relation to established goals, implementing changes to affect outcomes.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, employees and corporation-related activities.
• Instruct students, fellows, nurses, or health personnel as requested.
• Communicates technical and patient care related information according to established processes and timelines.
• Attends Echo Lab Meetings, participates in Echo related conferences through attendance, ensuring continuing education and professional growth.
• Works weekends, holidays and on-call, as needed
• Cultivates a collaborative and cooperative work environment within department.
• Level 4 Cardiac Sonographers have the additional following expectations:
• Participates in dedicated research protocols, as needed.
• Performs portable and lab echocardiograms in an inpatient setting on weekends, holidays, and on an on-call basis (Level 4 cardiac sonographers must work in inpatient setting to qualify.)
• Acts as a resource in the absence of the leadership team to provide coverage.
• Actively participates in educational opportunities both internally and externally.
• Is a role model for other cardiac sonographers.
• Has the ability to troubleshoot Cardiac Ultrasound equipment issues and follows through until corrected.
• Troubleshoots issues with EMR and Cardiac PAC system.
  

Education

High school diploma or GED required.

Certification / License

• Valid Sonography credential registration (ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS) through American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
• Must be registered in appropriate cardiology specialties within one year of hire.
• Completion of CPR Course – BLS Certification Required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with physicians, staff, and other Medical Center personnel regarding patient care
• Ability to communicate with patients of varying age groups
• Ability to teach and provide instruction and assess quality of other sonographers' work
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain a positive, effective working relationship with staff and leadership
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and maintain self-control
• Ability to use sound judgment in decision-making
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Possible exposure to infectious and contagious diseases
• Potential exposure to risk of blood borne diseases
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements
• Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances
• Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
• Exposure to housekeeping/cleaning agents and chemicals
• Pressure due to multiple calls and inquires
• Subject to many interruptions

Preferred Job Requirements

Education

• Associate's degree preferred.
• Completion of a cardiac ultrasound training program preferred.

Certification / License

ACS and/or RCS through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) preferred.

Experience

One year experience with patients preferred.