Cardiac Sonographer Reg- Enterprise South Cardiology -Fulltime

A registered Adult Cardiac Sonographer employed by Erlanger Medical Center is responsible for performing diagnostic echocardiographic procedures, as ordered. (See Department Position Summary for more complete description). The sonographer will report to the Cardiology Department Nurse Manager.

This position is involved in a team-based approach to care. Team members are trained to meet the highest level of function for their role as per the State of Tennessee/Georgia guidelines. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to coordinate care for patients and is trained and assigned to support patients/families/caregivers in self-management, self-efficacy and behavior change. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to manage the practices' patient population. Participates in the practice's quality improvement process and performance evaluation.

Education:
Required:
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Must complete registry within two years of hire.

Preferred:
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) with specialty certification in Adult Echocardiography.

Experience:
Required:
Private practice and/or hospital clinical experience.

Preferred:
Basic computer skills demonstrated by either 1 to 2 years work experience or college level courses.
One to two years hospital experience in cardiac ultrasound.

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
BLS completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained going forward.

Preferred:
Healthcare Provider

Department Position Summary:
The employee must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive echocardiographic studies on all available echocardiographic platforms for the age of patients seen in the Echo Lab at Erlanger Health System and outreach patient clinic centers. The employee must be proficient in all modalities of adult echocardiography including 2-D, M-mode, and CW/PW Doppler. A working knowledge of adult heart disease and surgical repair is preferred. The employee must have the ability to perform diagnostic procedures as ordered, and to assess the need for additional information as warranted by patient's condition. The employee is responsible for completing accurate measurements, preparing completed studies for physician interpretation and preparing final reports for physician review. The employee must have the ability to interact effectively and professionally with physicians, who utilize services of the Echo Lab, nursing units and with patients. This includes a teaching component with residents and students on rotations in adult cardiology. The employee also takes initiative to continuously increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease processes and new procedures as they evolve, including involvement in clinical research as required.

The employee will also assist in coordinating the operations of the adult echocardiographic laboratory. This would include review and maintenance of echo lab inventory, monitoring the operation and calibration of echo lab equipment, and defining and arranging for repair and maintenance when needed. The employee will also assist in the review and scheduling for procedure in concert with physician staff as needed.

The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures. This is done through evaluation of direct supervisor by direct observation, in a skills review lab and/or by self assessment based on objective criteria that is reviewed and validated.