Evaluation of anatomy and pathophysiology of the Cardiac system by the use of Diagnostic Ultrasound.  Ability to learn skills and knowledge base required for successful completion of ARDMS Registry examination.  Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.

Education:

• Associates Degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound or in the medical field or graduate of a CAAHEP accredited Diploma program in Diagnostic Ultrasound required.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Work toward successful completion of the registry examination of the ARDMS is required. New sonographers will have 36 months from date of hire to obtain the proper credential.  (RDCS for cardiac, RVT for vascular).
• Current CPR certification.

Experience:

• Previous health care setting experience preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to lift and move patients and heavy equipment to meet the clinical and operational needs of the area.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Data organization and Information handling skills.

1. Obtain, review and bring together pertinent patient history, physical examination and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic result.

2. Perform cardiac or vascular ultrasound diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures on patients of all ages by producing, assessing and evaluating ultrasound images and related data according to established standards, policies, procedures and guidelines.

3. Provide interpreting physicians and supervising sonographer with an oral or written summary of technical findings.

4. Learn technical skills related to all ultrasound imaging factors; maintain knowledge of other testing modalities.

5. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.

• • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.

• • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.

• • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

6. Demonstrate knowledge in human gross and sectional anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology to image and evaluate normal and abnormal tissue structure or function.

7. Learn and understand biological effects of ultrasound.

8. Behavior in accordance with hospital behavioral standards, goals, mission and vision statement of values.

9. Maintain certification in CPR.

10. Utilize proper Infection Control procedures according to department and hospital procedures.

11. Ensure proper recording, documentation, confidentiality and transmission of patient information.

12. Monitor the condition of equipment and supplies to ensure safe and efficient operation of the department.

13. Comply with departmental policies regarding employee/patient incident reports.

14. Keep current with clinical developments in the field of ultrasound imaging. Be responsible for continual learning.

15. Participate in daily activities that maintain operations: cleaning stocking, equipment evaluation, moving equipment to bedside studies, data entry and evaluation, emergency call rotation and customer support.

16. Follow PAH Policy directives and procedures the performance of duties and responsibilities.

17. Adhere to behavioral standards.

18. Performs other related work as required or requested.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (CARDIAC):

1. Learn and maintain skills and expand knowledge in the performance and evaluation of transthoracic echocardiography in the adult population.

2. Recognize and address critical pathology through modification of scan protocols and notification of interpreting physician or supervising sonographer.