Cardiac Sonographer - Maine Health
Biddeford, ME 04005
About the Job
- Position Summary
Responsible for using diagnostic medical equipment to assist with the diagnosis of various cardiac conditions, while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and proficiency with appropriate clinical protocols. The Cardiac Sonographer is responsible for Exercise Stress Echocardiograms, Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms, Trans esophageal, Echocardiograms, Agitated Saline Studies and Contrast (Definity). Additionally, cardiac sonographers assist with holter and event monitors and perform EKG’s.
Qualified Cardiac Sonographer determines the need for a contrast agent (Definity) and establishes intravenous access to administer. Definity can determine the need for a contrast agent (definity) establishes intravenous access
- Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Education: Graduate of an approved school of sonography or equivalent combination of training and experience to be eligible for registration as a Cardiac Sonographer through ARDMS or CCI
- License/ Certification: Eligible for registration in cardiac Sonography through the American Registry of Diagnostic and Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) with six months of hire. Full registration is expected within 12 months of hire. BLS Certification required.
- Experience: Minimum of six to twelve months of experience or equivalent combination of training and experience preferred. Previous experience in 2-D echo, Exercise and Chemical Stress echo and TEE's is desirable.
- Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology as well as procedures and equipment at a level generally acquired through completion of an approved program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography preferred.
- Required echo clinical support to SMCC Cardiac Sonographer students
- All Cardiac Sonographers are required to travel and work proficiently at the following locations
- SMHC Biddeeford Hospital
- SMHC Healthcare Drive / Cardiology & Vascular Outpatient Clinic
- SMHC Sanford Cardiology Outpatient Clinic
- Ability to perform high quality, diagnostic transthoracic echocardiograms, exercise stress echocardiograms, Dobutamine stress echocardiograms, and TEEs in a combination of inpatient and outpatient settings is preferred. All inpatient echocardiograms are performed at the bedside. (moving of patient furniture is required for inpatient echos)
- Ability to perform as well as determine the need for using strain technology, 3D imaging and 3D cropping techniques.
- Ability to start intravenous lines using SMHC protocols to administer Definity contrast or agitated saline studies as necessary
- Ability to prepare patients for stress testing including baseline vital signs and EKG setup using Quinton Q- Stress equipment. Perform a full echocardiogram prior to stress echocardiogram and notify cardiologist of any baseline abnormalities.
- Demonstrate the ability and clinical expertise to complete a full preliminary echo report including all required pathology for physician interpretation. Significant abnormalities must be communicated to the interpreting cardiologist.
- Ability to scan stress testing EKG strips into patient charts and faxing results to outside physicians as necessary. Maintain meticulous Transesophageal probe cleaning per Joint Commission Guidelines using SMHC Medivator protocol requirements and provide weekly maintenance ( includes all safety infection control quality assurance protocols per Infection Control Department)
- Ability to support technical director with ICAEL quality guidelines
- Providing excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required with cardiologists, patients, hospitalists and clinical staff
- Ability to project a pleasant and professional image under stressful situations
- Maintain confidentially and comply with HIPPA guidelines
- Proficient computer skills
With a career at any of the MaineHealth locations across Maine and New Hampshire, you’ll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them – both within the walls of the organization and the communities that surround it.
We offer benefits that support an individual's needs for today and flexibility to plan for tomorrow – programs such as paid parental leave, a flexible work policy, student loan assistance, training and education, along with well-being resources for you and your family.