Registered Cardiac Sonographer
Works closely with the cardiologist to perform cardiac ultrasound procedures at the technical level, contributing to the efficient operation of the department and promoting the philosophy, to ensure the quality and continuity of patient care. Maintains the standard of care delivered to infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics.
Required Skills
In addition to the Essential Functions and Qualifications listed above, to perform the job successfully an individual must also possess the following General Skill Requirements.
- Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Accepts criticism and feedback; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; ability to work with frustrating situations; work under pressure and on an irregular schedule such as unscheduled overtime, unanticipated changes in work pace; Works with numerous distractions.
- Attendance and Punctuality – Schedules time off in advance; Begins working on time; Keeps absences within guidelines; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
- Communications – Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; Exhibits good listening and comprehension; Keeps others adequately informed; Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
- Cooperation – Establishes and maintains effective relations; Exhibits tact and consideration; Displays positive outlook and pleasant manner; Offers assistance and support to co-workers; Works cooperatively in group situations; Works actively to resolve conflicts.
- Job Knowledge – Competent in required job skills and knowledge; Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; Keeps abreast of current developments; Requires minimal supervision; Displays understanding of how job relates to others; Uses resources effectively.
- Judgment – displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions; ability to work with and maintain confidential information.
- Problem solving – Identifies problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Resolves problems in early stages; Works well in group problem solving situations.
- Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Displays commitment to excellence; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Quantity – Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly; Achieves established goals.
- Concentration – Maintains attention to detail over extended period of time; continually aware of variations in changing situations.
- Supervision – ability to perform work independently or with minimal supervision; ability to assign and/or review work; train and/or evaluate other employees.
Education, Experience, and/or Other Requirements
Must be ARDMS or RCS registered or be actively pursuing registration. One year of clinical experience in a progressive Ultrasound Department or Ultrasound Training Program that meets with the ARDMS requirements for registry eligibility is required. Prefer previous experience as a Registered ARRT Technologist. Must have a valid driver’s license in order to drive to outreach sites and screening events. Must be CPR certified.
Environmental Factors
This position is performed within an environment of daily exposure to hazardous or potentially injurious elements or conditions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Good eye/hand coordination, good vision and hearing.
- Ability to reach different table levels for scanning purposes.
- Ability to assist average sized person (150 pounds) to and from x-ray table, etc., in normal course of work. Upon occasion must be able to support average person for approximately two minutes.
- While performing the duties of the job the employee is regularly required to stand for 30-minute intervals for 70% of the day.
- The employee will frequently be required to lift, push and pull at least 5 to 50 pounds.
- Ability to attend to visual details.
- Ability to make precise arm/hand positions movements where strength and speed are minimized.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to receive and comprehend written and oral communications.
Mental Demands
- Analyze information or data.
- Plan sequence of operations or actions.
- Independent judgment, ingenuity, and initiative to produce accurate diagnostic images.
- Ability to adjust to performing routine and repetitive tasks without specific supervision. Ability to concentrate on fine detail with constant interruptions and attend to tasks for 45-60 minutes at a time.
- Ability to understand and relate to the concepts behind specific ideas and remember multiple tasks given to self and others over long periods of time.
- Ability to communicate verbally, using advanced level of vocabulary.
Required Experience
- Performs cardiac ultrasound procedures in accordance with department standards and procedures.
- Plans daily schedules for inpatients and outpatients.
- Performs examinations on ER patients as requested.
- Selects and operates appropriate equipment for each exam.
- Prepares patients for examinations; explains procedures.
- Records clinical history, BP’s, and technologist impressions on CPACS/worksheets.
- Works with Cardiologists and ordering physicians to provide appropriate patient care.
- Maintains daily logbook.
- Follows appropriate protocols.
- Adheres to all safety precautions including patient safety, infectious control, universal precautions, and ergonomics.
- Maintains or is actively pursuing ARDMS or RCS registration; remains current regarding developing trends in field of cardiac ultrasound.
- Maintains clean, neat and orderly work area; maintains appropriate supply levels.
- Assists with maintenance on equipment.
- Reports problems.
- Demonstrates cross-sectional anatomy and pathology on routine procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned. Is authorized to access contrast media if registered.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment.
- Ability to integrate sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary.
- Ability to use independent judgment.
- Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient’s needs.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and the health care team.
- Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
- Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.
