The Cardiac Sonographer is a highly specialized technologist who is proficient in the use of complex ultrasound imaging equipment to produce high quality images for diagnostic purposes. Population served is primarily adolescent, adult and older adult.# # Scope of practice includes full and limited echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, contrast and agitated saline studies, LV strain 3D and carotid ultrasound studies. The cardiac sonographer works under the direction of the technical and medical director reporting to the Director of Cardiology and the Cardiac Diagnostic Center. Participation in QA activities is required. Weekends and call rotation required. RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform echocardiograms on assigned patient population on inpatients and outpatients: including stress echocardiograms, TEE, TTE, LV strain, contrast and agitated saline Perform vascular ultrasound studies at the outpatient diagnostic center Administers IV contrast via protocol Develops preliminary report using applicable system Complies with IAC standards Properly identify and orient patient to equipment, function and exam Interacts and communicates with the patient population effectively Maintain adequate records of all exams Complete required recordkeeping in a timely manner including IAC records Ensures efficient and consistent department operations; accepting add-on patients as required; prioritizing care and managing the echo schedule Takes clinical direction from technical director, lead echo tech and medical director Maintain equipment, exam room and work area to ensure patient and staff safety; adhering to regulations Participate in the quality improvement program for the department Performs on call functions and accepts weekend rotation as required Perform all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Graduate of an accredited echosonography program One (1) to three (3) years adult cardiac (and vascular ultrasound experience for OP diagnostic center) #Excellent working knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathological processes of the cardiovascular system, Credentialing in echocardiography required from one of the following: ARDMS (RDCS), CCI (RCS) or CARDUP; RVT or RVS certification required for the outpatient diagnostic center Current knowledge of ultrasound techniques, principles and procedures. Current BLS certification. Ability to work independently making technical decisions to obtain comprehensive and accurate information and convey clearly to physicians for diagnosis/treatment Must possess good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills Ability to work in a fast paced environment including exposure to all patient elements, i.e. blood borne pathogens, lifting, stretching, pulling of patients, pushing of stretchers/beds and ultrasound machine required. Standing/walking required, as well as the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility. # # # THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION COVERS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DUTIES PERFORMED BUT DOES NOT EXCLUDE OTHER OCCASIONAL WORK ASSIGNMENTS NOT MENTIONED, THE INCLUSION OF WHICH WOULD BE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE FACTOR DEGREES ASSIGNED TO THIS JOB.

The Cardiac Sonographer is a highly specialized technologist who is proficient in the use of complex ultrasound imaging equipment to produce high quality images for diagnostic purposes. Population served is primarily adolescent, adult and older adult.

Scope of practice includes full and limited echocardiograms, stress echocardiograms, contrast and agitated saline studies, LV strain 3D and carotid ultrasound studies. The cardiac sonographer works under the direction of the technical and medical director reporting to the assistant director of Cardiology and the Cardiac Diagnostic Center. Participation in QA activities is required. Weekends and call rotation required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform echocardiograms on assigned patient population in the department: including stress echocardiograms

• Perform vascular ultrasound studies

• Inserts, monitors and removes IV used for agitated saline, LV contrast studies and nuclear studies

• Administers IV contrast via IV per protocol

• Manage echo schedule, develop preliminary report, process reports

• Complies with IAC standards

• Properly identify and orient patient to equipment, function and exam

• Maintain adequate records of all exams

• Complete required recordkeeping in a timely manner including IAC records

• Ensures efficient and consistent department operations; accepting add-on patients as required

• Takes clinical direction from lead echo tech and medical director

• Maintain equipment, exam room and work area to ensure patient and staff safety

• Participate in the Quality Improvement Program for the department

• Any other duties as required and necessary to the position.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate of an accredited ultrasound program

• One (1) to three (3) years adult cardiac and vascular ultrasound experience

• Experience and familiarity with IAC - echo and vascular requirements desired

• Credentialing in echocardiography required from one of the following: ARDMS (RDCS), CCI (RCS); Vascular certification from one of the following required: ARDMS (RVT) or CCI (RVS)

• Knowledge of ultrasound techniques, principles and procedures.

• Current BLS certification.

• Ability to work independently making technical decisions to obtain comprehensive and accurate information and convey clearly to physicians for diagnosis/treatment

• Must possess good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills

• Experience with PACs system preferred

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment including exposure to all patient elements, i.e. blood borne pathogens, lifting, stretching, pulling of patients, pushing of stretchers/beds and ultrasound machine required. Standing/walking required, as well as the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• Must have basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.

• Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.

• Competent in starting, managing, and removing IV line. Not mandatory but education will be provided if needed

• Ability to work independently making technical decisions to obtain comprehensive and accurate information and convey clearly to physicians for diagnosis/treatment.

• Travel between hospital and Cardiac Diagnostic Center

• Weekends and call rotation required.

• Must be able to accept additional responsibilities as appropriate.