Cardiac Sonographer - Relief (Open)

County of San Mateo; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Mateo's San Mateo Medical Center seeks an experienced Cardiac Sonographer-Relief to perform routine and complex imaging within the Radiology Division. Two relief vacancies are currently available, with assignments to heart and major vessel imaging and support for Cardiologists.

Under supervision, the role covers 2-D and M-Mode echocardiograms with Doppler, EKG procedures, patient preparation, and data recording.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Cardiovascular Ultrasound Program and passing the RDCS exam.
• Two years' experience for Cardiac Sonographer II with demonstrated competence in cardiac sonography.

Responsibilities

• Select image types and modes to provide Cardiologist with necessary information.
• Adjust equipment controls according to protocol and orders.
• Obtain standardized cardiac sonographic images of patient.
• Recognize gross abnormalities and notify Cardiologist.
• Maintain and troubleshoot imaging equipment and supplies.
• Perform ECG procedures as needed.
• Explain examination steps to patients and provide prep guidance.
• May train Cardiac Sonography students.

Skills

Ultrasound physics

Echo equipment care

Cardiac anatomy

Echo principles

EKG electrodes

Monitoring equipment

Education

Cardiac Ultrasound Program graduate

RDCS/CCI certification knowledge

Tools

Ultrasound machines

Job description

At the San Mateo Medical Center, we are continuously seeking new ways to enhance the already impressive services we offer. This dedication to excellence is reflected in the exceptional care we provide and the extraordinary professionals who provide it. Here, you will have the chance to develop your talents with a skilled team of professionals who actively support and encourage each other's success. If you are ready to open new doors to your career, join us today!

We are seeking an experienced professional to perform routine and complex imaging procedures in Cardiac Sonography, while providing a safe environment for patients and fellow employees. As a Cardiac Sonographer-Relief, you will be assigned to the Radiology Division where you will perform various patient-related tasks in addition to image acquisition. Currently, we have two Relief vacancies.

Under general supervision, perform routine and/or complex cardiac sonography imaging procedures of the heart and major vessels in the diagnosis of disease and study of malfunction of the heart and major vessels.

Cardiac Sonographer I is the entry level class in this series, performing all standard and routine cardiac sonography imaging procedures and maybe trained in more complex procedures and specialized functions. This class is flexibly staffed with Cardiac Sonographer II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after receiving appropriate training and demonstrating proficiency for the higher-level class.

Cardiac Sonographer II is the journey level class of this series, performing more complex and specialized cardiac sonography imaging procedures.

This class is distinguished from the Ultrasonographer series by its specialized responsibility for performing 2-D and M-Mode echocardiograms with Doppler flow studies, Doppler color flow, and stress testing with cardiac ultrasound velocity mapping.

Note: The level and scope of the duties listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Select the proper type of image or mode to provide Cardiologist with necessary information through M-mode and two-dimensional images.
• Adjust equipment controls according to protocol and specific orders.
• Move transducer by hand and observe sound wave display screen to note ultrasonic pattern produced.
• Obtain standardized cardiac sonographic images of patient.
• Recognize gross abnormalities which can be critical and notify Cardiologist immediately.
• Maintain the equipment and supplies used in cardiac sonography, including recognizing common equipment malfunctions and making minor repairs or adjustments as required.
• Perform electrocardiograph (EKG) procedures within established guidelines as necessary.
• Maintain procedural competence in cardiac imaging; may participate in quality improvement efforts.
• Explain examination process to the patient; prepare and/or instruct patients in self-preparation for examination and throughout the procedure.
• Perform bedside examinations when required.
• Assist Cardiologist with ultrasonic guided procedures.
• Perform first aid as necessary.
• May assist in training Cardiac Sonography students in cardiac sonography procedures.
• Assume and maintain responsibility for accurate data collection and records for quality assurance procedures and as directed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Ultrasound physics and examination techniques.
• Operation and care of cardiac sonography equipment.
• Cross-sectional anatomy of the heart.
• Principles, methods, techniques, and equipment associated with cardiac sonography.
• Principles, methods, techniques, and equipment associated with three-lead EKG electrodes .
• Procedures and use of monitoring equipment, aseptic techniques.

Skill/Ability to:

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Deal tactfully, sympathetically and effectively with various types and conditions of patients with minimum supervision; deal tactfully and professionally with physicians.
• Operate and care for cardiac ultrasound equipment in the performance of cardiac ultrasound procedures.
• Place three-lead EKG electrodes for echocardiogram exam.
• Position patients and make sharp, clear images of designated areas.
• Write and communicate effectively.
• Assist in instructing and training others.
• Operate a variety of office equipment including computer equipment and computer databases and programs common to echocardiography activities.
• Recognize life threatening pathology.
• Provide safe and appropriate care to all patients in a variety of conditions even in stressful situations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR.
• Troubleshoot, document, and communicate equipment problems.
• Maintain clinical competency and pertinent continuing education; and adapt to changing technologies.
• Maintain accurate records.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

Cardiac Sonographer I: Proof of graduation from an accredited Cardiovascular Ultrasound Program and passing of the RDCS examination.

Cardiac Sonographer II: Training and two years’ experience that has resulted in demonstrated competence in cardiac sonographic examinations, including procedures.

Licensure/Certification:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid certificate as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; OR a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI); and
• Valid certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) issued by the American Red Cross or Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by the American Heart Association.