Sonographer 3, Sr Cardiology at Rochester

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Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Room 10364, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

910083 Pediatrics Cardiology

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URC 217 H

Compensation Range:

$43.12 - $60.36

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE
Performs complex echocardiographic examinations on a wide variety of pediatric and adult patients with a variety of diseases. Requires insight into and interpretation of a wide variety of hemodynamic circumstances. Examinations will be tailored to the questions being asked and the known sequelae of each disease process. Exercises a high degree of skill and judgment and independent function. Requires an understanding of the principles and methodology of ultrasound as well as the anatomy, physiology, surgical repair, and long-term sequelae of all forms of congenital and acquired heart disease. Performs a variety of technical procedures in the application of high frequency ultrasound waves to patients for diagnostic purposes. Demonstrates proficiency in complex transthoracic and stress echocardiography that is seen with structural heart disease and heart failure programs. Uses highly skilled techniques to assist in clinical decision making. Uses highly skilled techniques to assist in independent clinical decision making and serves as a physician extender.

INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT TYPICALLY USED: Ultrasound equipment including M-mode, 2-Dimensional transducers, Pedoff continuous wave Doppler transducer, Color and pulsed wave Doppler technology. Requires understanding of calculations routinely performed in the area of cardiology and the limitations of each. Requires use of computer, experience with database applications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform routine and specialized echocardiographic studies of children and adults being treated for congenital heart disease.
• Studies include transthoracic, stress echocardiographic techniques, transesophageal, saline contrast exams, and intracardiac echo; independently capable of performing complete exams. 
• Obtains pertinent patient medical history to optimize the exam for appropriateness. 
• Communicate with the patient in a manner that is appropriate for patient understanding.
• Maintains active registry status in cardiac sonography (RDCS/RCS) through continuing professional educational credits. 
• Attends echo conferences offered at URMC to increase clinical knowledge base. 
• Demonstrates radiation safety competency to perform procedures under the supervision of an echo attending or an interventional Cardiologist in the Cath Lab.
• Assist with the education and training of cardiology fellows and student interns.
• When applicable, participate in research echoes with differing protocols and specific credentialing.
• Echocardiographic evaluation of inpatients, including immediate post-operative patients in the ICU’s. 
• Requires knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique. 
• May require evaluation with patient under sedation or anesthesia.
• Echocardiographic evaluation of outpatients at outpatient site. 
• An independent preliminary evaluation is made and discussed immediately with the attending cardiologist.
• Performance of the above type of studies requires special emphasis on patient comfort, sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy, and physical limitations imposed by their disease.
• Performance of the above type of studies requires a close collegial relationship between the sonographer and the attending cardiologist. 
• Sonographer is expected to provide technical input with regard to the limitations of ultrasound in general and the projected limitations of the specific evaluation.
• At the time of study, pertinent measurements are made. 
• Reports for each study are to be generated within 24 hours of the evaluation and reviewed with the attending cardiologist.
• Prepares exam room and ultrasound equipment to perform cardiac ultrasound studies in accordance with universal precautions to ensure patient safety per approved protocols, policies and procedures.
• Use of proper patient positioning along with ergonomically correct scanning techniques to insure patient and sonographer comfort and safety.
• Keeps lab and exam rooms in clean, working order, including cleaning ultrasound equipment and transducers according to lab policy.
• Reports all equipment malfunctions and problems to lead sonographer. 
• Keeps all inventory and supplies current and stocked in each exam room. 
• Performs routine maintenance on ultrasound equipment and performs minimal diagnostic evaluation of equipment failure as instructed by service technicians.
• Maintains supplies relevant to the performance of such studies and oversees overall condition of laboratory and equipment.
• Demonstrates specific findings of echocardiographic study to medical students, residents, and other attending pediatricians at the time of the study.
•  May require travel to the ICU or Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and therefore familiarity with their sterile and laminar-flow procedures.
• Reviews echocardiographic studies and findings during teaching and clinical conferences.
• Must be able to recognize potentially life-threatening situations which may occur during an echocardiographic study. 
• Must communicate this information immediately to the attending cardiologist and the nursing staff and may be required to assist in basic life support until help arrives.
• Provides on-call coverage between the hours of 5:00pm-8:00am, Monday through Friday and Friday 5:00pm to Monday 8:00am. 
• Call is to be split between sonographers but usually requires one night of call per week and one weekend per month.
• Read journals to keep current on the use of diagnostic ultrasound in pediatric and fetal cardiology. 
• Attend conventions or other educational meetings to further knowledge of echocardiography. 
• Obtain necessary continuing education credits to keep RDCS registration current.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree Required
• 9 years of progressively responsible experience as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer in a clinical or hospital environment, including related laboratory and/or technical training with certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, or equivalent combination of clinical experience and training in sonography. Must have RDCS certification. Required

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Sound knowledge of congenital cardiology, cardiovascular hemodynamics, Doppler physics/instrumentation, and cardiac technologies.  Required
• Must be competent in UR Radiation Safety Standards Preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Required
• Or equivalent combination of clinical experience and training in sonography.
• Must have RDCS certification. Required

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